402a Steering Fundamentals

Question 1

What component in the steering system could be damaged if the steering wheel is turned while the steering shaft is disconnected?

Answer 1

clock spring assembly

Question 2

Number the following parts in the correct order of operation, starting from the steering column and ending at the right steering knuckle.

a) steering column 1
b) tie rod end _____
c) lower steering arm (left side) _____
d) sector shaft _____
e) left steering knuckle _____
f) tie rod end _____
g) drag link _____
h) worm shaft and ball nut assembly _____
i) lower steering arm (right side) _____
j) tie rod _____
k) pitman arm _____
l) upper steering arm _____
m) right steering knuckle 13

Answer 2

1. steering column
2. worm shaft and ball nut assembly
3. sector shaft
4. pitman arm
5. drag link
6. upper steering arm
7. left steering knuckle
8. lower steering arm (left side)
9. tie rod end
10. tie rod
11. tie rod end
12. lower steering arm (right side)
13. right steering knuckle

Question 3

If the steering gear input shaft is called the worm shaft, what is the steering gear output shaft called?

Answer 3

sector shaft

Question 4

Explain the purpose of a steering stop.

Answer 4

Limits pivot of steering knuckle to a certain number of degrees. This protects the steering gear, tires, inner fenders and suspension from interference damage.

Question 5

When a steering column is equipped with numerous universal joints, the shafts and joints must be properly aligned with each other.
T/F

Answer 5

true

Question 6

The thrust bearing should be located on top of the axle to prevent damage to the axle and steering knuckle.
T/F

Answer 6

false; It must be located under the axle.

Question 7

The three (3) major components of a power steering system are the:

a) pump, connecting lines and reservoir.
b) steering gear, connecting lines and reservoir.
c) relief valve, connecting lines and pump.
d) reservoir, pump and steering gear.

Answer 7

d) reservoir, pump and steering gear.

Question 8

A power steering system on a heavy-duty vehicle can use:

a) multiple steering gears and tandem steering axles.
b) a main steering gear with a secondary steering gear and a single steering axle.
c) a rack and pinion steering gear and a single steering axle.
d) any of the above.

Answer 8

d) any of the above.

Question 9

When a dual steering gear system is used on a single steering axle, oil is directed to the same side of the rack piston in both the main steering gear and the secondary steering gear.
T/F

Answer 9

false; Oil has to be directed to the opposite side of the rack piston in the main steering gear and the secondary steering gears because the sector shafts have to turn in opposite directions.

Question 10

A power steering system must:

a) be smooth to minimize the steering effort, yet free from excessive movement.
b) provide a certain amount of road feel.
c) include a manual backup steering system.
d) have all of the above features.

Answer 10

d) have all of the above features.

Question 11

The term power steering is somewhat misleading. Identify and explain the term that is more appropriate when discussing power steering systems used with on-road vehicles.

Answer 11

The term part-time, power-assist is more accurate when referring to on-road vehicle power steering systems. The system actually provides a power assist to the operator’s demands, but in relationship to the amount of resistance encountered by the steering tires at the road surface.

Question 12

The power steering system must use a specific type of lubricant as specified by the manufacturer. Identify the two (2) general categories of power steering lubricant that can be used in a power steering system.

Answer 12

• a specific type and weight of engine oil

- a specific type of automatic transmission fluid

Question 13

In a rack and pinion steering system, the movement of the wheels is controlled through the upper steering arm.
T/F

Answer 13

false; The rack and pinion steering system does not use upper steering arms. Movement of the wheel is controlled through the tie rod ends and lower steering arms.

Question 14

The reservoir used in a power steering system must:

a) contain a small amount of extra power steering fluid to compensate for the seepage and loss that can occur during service.
b) provide an area where the power steering fluid can transfer absorbed heat to the atmosphere via contact with sides of the reservoir.
c) include a level indicator, usually with cold and hot markings, to ensure that the power steering fluid is maintained within normal operating limits.
d) have all of the above features.

Answer 14

d) have all of the above features.

Question 15

A pressure relief valve protects the power steering system from excessive pressure (above the manufacturer’s recommended limits).
T/F

Answer 15

true