TM 9-2320-269-20-1
STEERING SYSTEM
GENERAL
The power-assisted steering system provides the driver with directional control of the vehicle. It consists of a steering
wheel, steering shaft, steering gear, hydraulic pump and lines, drag link, two steering knuckles, and a tie rod.
STEERING WHEEL
The steering wheel is a molded plastic wheel mounted on the steering shaft that provides the driver with steering control
through hand operation.
STEERING SHAFT
The steering shaft is made of two rigid shafts with a universal joint that connects the steering wheel to the steering gear.
STEERING GEAR
The steering gear is a gear operated unit that transfers the side-to-side turning motion of the steering shaft to front-to-back
movement of a link (pitman arm) to steer the vehicle. It is power-assisted for driver ease.
HYDRAULIC PUMP AND LINES
The hydraulic pump is a slipper-vane type pump with an internal flow control and pressure relief valve. It is belt driven by
the engine, and develops the fluid pressure needed to operate the steering gear when the driver turns the steering wheel.
The hydraulic oil is carried to the gear and back through two flexible hoses designed to carry fluid under pressure.
DRAG LINK
The drag link is a solid link with ball stud and socket-type swivel ends connecting the steering gear (pitman arm) to the left
side steering knuckle. It turns the knuckle on its axis when the gear (pitman arm) moves it front or back.
STEERING KNUCKLES
The two steering knuckles are bushing mounted on each end of the front axle, and support the wheels and tires. The
knuckles pivot on the axle causing the actual turning of the vehicle and are connected by a tie rod.
TIE ROD
The tie rod is a three piece construction: a solid link with two rod ends with ball stud and socket-type swivel ends threaded
into the tie rod. It connects the two steering knuckles and moves the right side knuckle by the movement of the left side
knuckle. The tie rod has right hand and left hand threads with the rod ends threaded to match to provide adjustment of the
front tire spacing (toe-in).
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