Lesson 2/Learning Event 1
Pump
All power steering systems contain a pump that supplies hydraulic fluid
under pressure to the other components in the system. The pump, which may
be of the gear teeth, rotor, or vane type, usually is driven by the engine
by a Vbelt and is functional whenever the engine is operating. On some
models, the pump is mounted in front of the engine and is driven directly by
the crankshaft. Pressure and flow relief valves are always built into the
pump. These valves limit the amount of pressure and flow the pump develops
throughout different engine speeds.
Reservoir
The pump receives its oil supply from the reservoir, which usually is an
integral part of the pump. Power steering fluid is added and checked at the
reservoir.
The fluid level should be kept at 3/4 full all the time. If the reservoir
is full, there is no room for thermal expansion. If the fluid level is low,
condensation may form.
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