Lesson 2/Learning Event 1
LESSON 2
FUNDAMENTALS OF POWER STEERING
TASK
Describe the fundamentals of power steering systems.
CONDITIONS
Given information about the principles, operation, construction, and
inspection of power steering systems.
STANDARDS
Answer 70 percent of the multiplechoice test items covering fundamentals of
steering systems.
REFERENCES
TM 98000
Learning Event 1:
DESCRIBE THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF POWER STEERING SYSTEMS
Steering gears provide a mechanical advantage ratio of 11:1 or 12:1 for
light cars and up to 18:1 or more for heavy trucks. More mechanical
advantage is desired to make some heavy vehicles easier to steer. This is
not always practical though, because it requires an excessive amount of
turning at the steering wheel to pivot the front wheels.
To reduce the amount of effort required to turn the wheels without
increasing the amount that the steering wheel is turned, power steering is
used.
The term "power steering" is well known because hydraulic power steering is
widely used on passenger cars.
A hydraulic power steering system consists of a doubleaction power
cylinder, pump, reservoir, valves, and the connecting lines and fittings.
The power steering system reduces the effort required to turn the steering
wheel. This task is accomplished by an auxiliary power network incorporated
in the steering system.
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