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

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

Answer 2

Sector shaft

Question 3

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

Answer 3

True

Question 4

The three 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 4

d. reservoir, pump and steering gear.

Question 5

When a 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.
True
False

Answer 5

False

Question 6

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 6

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 operators demands, but in relationship to the amount of resistance encountered by the steering tires at the road surface.

Question 7

In a rack and pinion steering system, the movement of the wheels is controlled by the upper steering arm.

Answer 7

False, tie rod ends and lower steering arms.

Question 8

A pressure relief valve protects the steering system from excessive pressure above the manufacturer’s limits.
True
False

Answer 8

True

Question 9

Explain the purpose of a steering stop.

Answer 9

Limits pivot of the steering knuckle to a certain number of degrees. This protects the steering gear, tire, inner fender, and suspension from inference damage.

Question 10

The thrust bearing should be located on top of the axle to prevent damage to the axle and steering knuckle.
True
False

Answer 10

False. Under

Question 11

Number the following parts in correct order of operation.
Steering column \_\_\_\_
tire rod end \_\_\_\_
lower steering arm (left side) \_\_\_\_
sector shaft \_\_\_\_
left steering knuckle \_\_\_\_
tie rod end \_\_\_\_
drag link \_\_\_
worm shaft and ball nut assembly \_\_\_\_
lower steering arm (right side) \_\_\_\_\_
tire rod \_\_\_\_
pitman arm \_\_\_
upper steering arm \_\_\_
right steering knuckle \_\_\_

Answer 11

Steering column _1\_\_
tire rod end _11\_\_
lower steering arm (left side) _8\_\_
sector shaft _3\_\_
left steering knuckle _7\_\_
tie rod end _9\_\_
drag link 5\_\_
worm shaft and ball nut assembly _2\_\_
lower steering arm (right side) \_\_12\_\_
tire rod _10\_\_
pitman arm 4\_\_
upper steering arm _6\_\_
right steering knuckle _13_

Question 12

A power steering system on heavy duty vehicles can use:

a. multiple steering gears and tandem steering axles.
b. 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 12

d. any of the above.

Question 13

A power steering system must:

a. be smooth the 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 13

d. have all of the above features.

Question 14

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

1. ______________________
2. ______________________

Answer 14

1. specific type and weight of enigne oil.

2. specific type and weight of transmission oil.

Question 15

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 power steering fluid can transfer absorbed heat to the atmosphere via contact with the side of the reservoir.
c. include a level indicator, usually with cold and hot markings, to ensure the power steering fluid is maintained within normal operating limits.
d. all of the above.

Answer 15

d. all of the above.