Power steering fluid circulates through a hydraulic system within your vehicle, creating the necessary pressure to make turning the steering wheel significantly easier.
The process begins with the power steering pump. This crucial component circulates the power steering fluid throughout the system. As stated in the reference, the pump circulates the fluid "under hydraulic pressure". This pressure is the driving force behind the power steering assist.
This pressurized fluid is then directed towards the steering gear. Located within the steering gear is a piston. The flow and direction of the pressurized fluid to this piston are controlled by a rotary control valve. This valve is directly linked to your steering wheel.
When you turn the steering wheel, the rotary control valve senses the direction of the turn. Based on this input, the valve channels the pressurized fluid to the appropriate side of the piston in the steering gear. According to the reference, "The rotary control valve delivers pressure to the piston, depending on the direction the wheel is turned".
The pressure from the fluid pushes against the piston, providing a hydraulic assist that helps move the steering linkage connected to your wheels. The reference highlights that this action "allowing the piston in the steering gear to move, reducing the effort while turning the wheel."
Simultaneously, as pressurized fluid is directed to one side of the piston, fluid from the opposite side is released. The reference notes this process as "releasing from the opposite side." This released fluid returns through return lines back to the power steering reservoir, where it can be drawn by the pump again, completing the continuous circulation loop.
In summary, the fluid circulation is a closed-loop system:
- The pump creates and pushes fluid under hydraulic pressure.
- The rotary control valve directs this pressure based on steering input.
- The pressurized fluid acts on a piston in the steering gear to assist turning.
- Fluid from the other side of the piston returns to the reservoir.
This constant circulation, powered by the pump and controlled by the valve, ensures that hydraulic assistance is readily available whenever you turn the steering wheel, making your driving experience smoother and less strenuous.
