Abstract: A power-assisted steering apparatus (10) for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus (10) comprises a one-piece monolithic component (16). The one-piece monolithic component (16) includes a pinion gear portion (18) for meshingly engaging a rack bar (14), a valve sleeve portion (20) for cooperating with a valve core (100) to actuate the hydraulic motor (124), and a torsion bar portion (22) extending axially outwardly of the valve sleeve portion (20) opposite the pinion gear portion (18).

Abstract: A power-assisted steering apparatus (10) for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus (10) comprises a one-piece monolithic component (16). The one-piece monolithic component (16) includes a pinion gear portion (18) for meshingly engaging a rack bar (14), a valve sleeve portion (20) for cooperating with a valve core (100) to actuate the hydraulic motor (124), and a torsion bar portion (22) extending axially outwardly of the valve sleeve portion (20) opposite the pinion gear portion (18).

Abstract: A rack and pinion steering gear (10). The rack and pinion steering gear (10) comprises a housing (12) having a chamber (18). A portion of the chamber (18) is a relief pocket (22). A pinion gear (26) is rotatably mounted in the chamber (18) of the housing (12). A rack bar (38) is movable relative to the pinion gear (26). The rack bar (38) is at least partially disposed in the chamber (18) of the housing (12) and has teeth (44) in meshing engagement with the pinion gear (26). A spring (60) is disposed in the chamber (18) of the housing (12) for supporting and guiding movement of the rack bar (38) relative to the pinion gear (26). The spring (60) extends across an opening to the relief pocket (22). The spring (60) extends into the relief pocket (22) as a load applied to the spring (60) from the rack bar (38) increases.

Abstract: A rack and pinion steering gear (10) comprises a housing (12). A pinion gear (24) is rotatably mounted in the housing (12). A rack bar (32) is movable relative to the pinion gear (24). The rack bar (32) has teeth in meshing engagement with the pinion gear (24). The rack and pinion steering gear (10) further comprises a yoke assembly (38) in the housing (12) for supporting and guiding movement of the rack bar (32) relative to the pinion gear (24). The yoke assembly (38) comprises a yoke (40) and a plurality of balls (64). The yoke (40) has a first surface (46) and a plurality of slots (52) which intersect the first surface (46). Each ball (64) is inserted into a respective slot (52). Each ball (64) projects from its respective slot (52) and beyond the first surface (46) of the yoke (40) when load conditions on the yoke assembly (38) are below a predetermined level.