Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system for a ground vehicle includes a closed-center control valve, a fluid supply line and an exhaust line extending into the control valve and first and second motor lines extending out of the control valve to a fluid motor. An additional flow line extends from each motor line to the exhaust line and contains a check valve that allows flow in the flow line only towards the motor line. The additional flow lines enable manual steering in the event fluid supply is lost without leakage loss during normal on center operation.

Abstract: A control valve for a hydraulic power steering system includes a pair of flow circuits arranged in parallel. Each flow circuit includes an upstream and downstream flow orifices arranged in series. Each set of orifices defines between the orifices an intermediate pressure zone of the valve. Both orifices close together from a centered condition of the valve and fully close substantially together at a fully closed condition of the valve. The downstream orifice is larger than the upstream orifice when open to minimize the likelihood of cavitation and noise. An equalization passage fluidly connects both intermediate pressure zones to equalize pressure despite variations in orifice size due to manufacturing tolerances. The control valve includes a bypass passage in parallel with the flow circuits. A pressure relief valve in the control valve has a normally closed valving member in the bypass passage that opens the valve in the event of overpressure.