Chevrolet Cruze Repair Manual: Power Steering System Description and Operation
The hydraulic power steering pump is a constant displacement vane-type pump that provides hydraulic pressure and flow for the power steering gear. The hydraulic power steering pumps are either belt-driven or direct-drive, cam-driven.
The power steering fluid reservoir holds the power steering fluid and may be integral with the power steering pump or remotely located.
The following locations are typical locations for the remote reservoir:
- Mounted to the front of the dash panel
- Mounted to the inner fender
- Mounted to a bracket on the engine
The 2 basic types of power steering gears are listed below:
- A recirculating ball system
- A rack and pinion system
In the recirculating ball system, a worm gear converts steering wheel movement to movement of a sector shaft. A pitman arm attached to the bottom of the sector shaft actually moves one tie rod and an intermediate rod move the other tie rod.
In the rack and pinion system, the rack and the pinion are the 2 components that convert steering wheel rotation to lateral movement.
The steering shaft is attached to the pinion in the steering gear. The pinion rotates with the steering wheel. Gear teeth on the pinion mesh with the gear teeth on the rack. The rotating pinion moves the rack from side to side. The lateral action of the rack pushes and pulls the tie rods in order to change the direction of the vehicle's front wheels.
The power steering pressure hose connects the power steering pump union fitting to the power steering gear and allows pressurized power steering fluid to flow from the pump to the gear.
The power steering return hose returns fluid from the power steering gear back to the power steering fluid reservoir. The power steering return line may contain an integral fin-type or line-type power steering fluid cooler.
In a typical power steering system, a pump generates hydraulic pressure, causing fluid to flow, via the pressure hose, to the steering gear valve assembly. The steering gear valve assembly regulates the incoming fluid to the right and left chambers in order to assist in right and left turns.
Turning the steering wheel activates the valve assembly, which applies greater fluid pressure and flow to one side of the steering gear piston, and lower pressure and flow to the other side of the piston. The pressure assists the movement of the gear piston. Tie rods transfer this force to the front wheels, which turn the vehicle right or left.
Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Replacement (Electronic Power Steering)
Special Tools
CH-6247 Removal and Installation Tool for the Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod
For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.
Removal Procedure
Raise and support the vehicle ...
Variable Effort Steering System Description and Operation
The Variable Effort Steering (VES) system or MAGNASTEER® varies the amount of
effort required to steer the vehicle as vehicle speed
changes. At low speeds, the system provides minimal steering effo ...
Other materials:
Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat)
When securing a child restraint in a rear seating position, study the instructions
that came with the child restraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle.
If the child restraint has the LATCH system.
Do not secure a child seat in a position without a top tether anchor if a national
...
Rear Axle Replacement
Special Tools
EN 45059 Torque Angle Sensor Kit
For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.
Removal Procedure
Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and
Jacking the Vehicle.
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and
...
Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid
Caution: When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always
use the proper power steering fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid
will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks.
Clean the area surrounding the reservoir cap.
Remove the reservoir cap.
Inspect the power steeri ...
