Abstract: To provide a particularly simple and cost effective design of a power-assisted steering unit for motor vehicles for supplying a servo-cylinder (3) with a hydraulic fluid as a function of the travelling speed and the steering rate, comprising a steering valve (1) by means of which the left and right chambers (16, 17) of the servo-cylinder (3) can be pressurized with hydraulic fluid via a pump (2) when there is a steering movement, and a bypass valve (10) connected in parallel to the servo-cylinder (3), by means of which a portion of the hydraulic fluid for pressurizing the servo-cylinder (3) that is directed past the servo-cylinder (3) is controlled, a throttling unit (26) is connected in series with the bypass valve (10). The hydraulic fluid inflow or return flow of the servo-cylinder (3) flows through this throttling unit (26) depending on the steering direction.

Abstract: A torsion element (1) for a steering valve is provided. The torsion element (1) comprises a torsionally elastic rod member (2) having axially opposite first and second end areas (3, 4) which are rotatable relative to one another. The rod member (2) has a circumferentially spaced plurality of radially and axially extending indentations (10) adjacent the second end area. A generally tubular, torsionally stiff sleeve member (6) encircles the rod member (2) and is fixedly attached to the first end area (4) of the rod member. The sleeve member (6) includes a circumferentially spaced plurality of radially and axially extending grooves (9) which align with and radially overlie the plurality of indentations (10) in a neutral steering condition. The sleeve member (6) further includes a circumferentially spaced plurality of radial slots (7).