1. The driver turns the steering wheel.
Turning the steering wheel causes a steering column, connected to the steering rack or steering box, to rotate.
2. The steering column rotates the steering valve.
The rotating steering column turns the steering valve, which controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the power steering cylinder.
3. The steering valve directs hydraulic fluid to the power steering cylinder.
When the steering column rotates the steering valve, hydraulic fluid is directed to either the left or right side of the power steering cylinder, depending on the direction in which the steering wheel is turned.
4. The hydraulic fluid enters the power steering cylinder.
The pressurized hydraulic fluid enters the power steering cylinder, which is composed of a piston and cylinder housing.
5. The piston inside the power steering cylinder moves.
The hydraulic fluid entering the power steering cylinder pushes against the piston, causing it to move either left or right, depending on the direction of fluid flow.
6. The piston movement assists in turning the wheels.
The movement of the piston is connected to the steering linkage or rack, which is mechanically linked to the vehicle's wheels. As a result, the piston's movement assists in turning the front wheels of the vehicle in the desired direction.
7. The steering wheel returns to its original position.
Once the steering wheel is released, the steering valve returns to its neutral position, blocking the flow of hydraulic fluid to the power steering cylinder. This allows the piston to return to its original position, bringing the wheels back to the desired alignment.
In summary, hydraulic steering uses pressurized fluid, controlled by the driver's steering input via a steering valve, to assist in turning the vehicle's wheels, making steering easier at low vehicle speeds and requiring less physical effort from the driver.
