Abstract: A fluid power assisted rack and pinion steering apparatus (10) includes a rack (24) connectable with steerable wheels of the vehicle. The rack (24) is movable in opposite directions to turn the steerable wheels in opposite directions. A housing (20) partially encloses the rack (24) and defines a fluid chamber (40). The housing (20) has an inner surface (30). A bushing (60) encircles the rack (24) and supports the rack for sliding movement relative to the housing (20). The bushing (60) has a recess (70) on its outer periphery. A portion (79) of the housing (20) is deformed radially inward into the recess (70) to secure the bushing (60) to the housing (20). An annular first seal member (90) encircles the rack (24) and extends between the rack and the bushing (60). An annular second seal member (100) encircles the bushing (60) and extends between the bushing and the inner surface (30) of the housing (20). A bellows member (120) encircles the rack (24) and has an end portion (126) secured to the bushing (60).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle upon turning of a vehicle steering wheel comprises a housing (14) having a chamber (38), a rack (16) movable in opposite directions in the chamber to effect turning of the steerable wheels in opposite directions, a pinion (18) meshed with the rack, and a yoke (20) partially disposed in the housing and supporting the rack for sliding movement relative to the yoke. The yoke (20) comprises a molded plastic body having a recess (130) and a plate spring (150) located in the recess. The plate spring (150) has a surface (154) engaging the rack (16) and biasing the rack into engagement with the pinion (18). The plate spring (150) supports the rack (16) for sliding movement relative to the plate spring.

Abstract: A hydraulic rack and pinion steering assembly comprises an elongate rack bar having opposite ends connectable with a pair of steerable vehicle wheels, and having rack teeth in meshing engagement with a pinion. The assembly further comprises an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve extending over the inner sleeve, and a piston tube supported for longitudinal movement telescopically between the inner and outer sleeves. A piston is fixed to the piston tube for movement with the piston tube between the inner and outer sleeves. The rack bar extends through the inner sleeve, and is connected to the piston tube to move with the piston tube relative to the inner and outer sleeves. First and second variable volume hydraulic chambers have first and second movable end walls. The effective piston surface area defined by the first movable end wall is equal to the effective piston surface area defined by the second movable end wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for steering a vehicle having a longitudinal central axis. The apparatus comprises a pinion gear and a rack member in meshing engagement with the pinion gear. The rack member is movable in a path extending transverse to the longitudinal central axis of the vehicle. A bridge member is attached to the rack member and is movable upon movement of the rack member. The bridge member has a portion co-extensive with the rack member. A first attaching portion on the bridge member attaches a first tie rod at a location adjacent the rack member and intermediate the axial ends of the rack member. During steering of the vehicle, the first attaching portion moves in a path located entirely on one side of the longitudinal central axis of the vehicle. A second attaching portion on the bridge member attaches a second tie rod at a location adjacent the rack member and intermediate the ends of the rack member.