Abstract: A flexible boot (10) comprises a body (80) which defines a cavity (82) for receiving a universal joint (50). A first end portion (100) of the body (80) encircles an intermediate steering shaft (30). The first end portion (108) includes a pair of annular ribs (110 and 112) and a first annular lip (102) which extends radially inward to provide a seal between the first end portion (100) of the body (80) and the intermediate steering shaft (30). The pair of annular ribs (100 and 112) are located adjacent the first annular lip (102) and extend radially inward. The pair of ribs (110 and 112) define a recess (118) therebetween. The flexible boot (10) further comprises a bearing (90) in the recess (118) for supporting rotation of the intermediate steering shaft (30) relative to the flexible boot (10), and a second end portion (120) of the body (80) which includes a second annular lip (122) for receipt in a groove (62) on a steering gear housing (60) to secure the body (80) to the steering gear housing (60).

Abstract: A steering column for the steering system of an automotive vehicle has a first steering column member axially movable relative to a second steering column member. The second steering column member is pivotable relative to a vehicle frame. An input shaft connectable with a steering wheel is pivotable relative to the first steering column member. A first tilt locking means locks the second steering column member in a pivot position relative to the vehicle frame. A second tilt locking means locks the input shaft in a pivot position relative to the first steering column member. A telescope locking means locks the first steering column member in an axial position relative to the second steering column member. A locking member has a first position in which the first and second tilt locking means and the telescope locking means are locked. The locking member has a second position in which the first tilt locking means and the telescope locking means are locked and the second tilt locking means is unlocked.

Abstract: A steering column has a first steering column member movable axially relative to a second steering column member. An input shaft is connected with the steering wheel and supported on the first steering column member for pivotable movement relative to the first steering column member. A first lock locks the first steering column member in any one of an infinite number of axial positions relative to the second steering column member. A second lock locks the input shaft in any one of an infinite number of pivot positions relative to the first steering column member. A member to unlock the first and second locks has a first position in which the first lock is unlocked and the second lock is locked. The member has another position in which the second lock means is unlocked and the first lock is locked.

Abstract: A universal joint (10) for a steering gear input shaft (11) includes a yoke (12), a bolt (14) movable into an installed position in the yoke, and a spring clip (22) for locking the bolt in its installed position in the yoke. The spring clip (22) moves with the bolt (14) when the bolt is moved into its installed position in the yoke (12), and has first and second portions (202, 212). The first and second portions (202, 212) of the spring clip (22) have locking positions in which the first portion (202) engages the bolt (14) and the second portion (212) interlocks with the yoke (12) to block movement of the bolt out of the yoke. The second portion (212) of the spring clip (22) moves resiliently into its locking position to interlock with the yoke (12) upon movement of the bolt (14) into its installed position in the yoke (12).

Abstract: A flow divider for directing hydraulic fluid to separate hydraulic circuits, including a power steering gear which carries the divider, includes a pair of axially aligned valve spools disposed in a common bore of a valve housing. The valve spools and the bore have circumferential grooves which are in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid and the separate hydraulic circuits and the flow divider operates to divide the flow of pressurized fluid into two portions with a predetermined ratio between each portion and the total fluid flow.