The recirculating ball construction results in a friction free contact between the nut and the worm. When the steering wheel turns to the left, the ball bearings roll between the worm and the nut and work their way upward in the worm groove.
When the ball bearings reach the top of the nut, they enter two ball guides and are directed downward into the worm groove at a lower point. When the steering wheel is turned to the right, the ball bearings circulate in the opposite direction.
The integral steering gear uses a recirculating ball gearbox along with a pitman arm to steer the vehicle to the left or right. Common signs of wear include sloppy steering feel, and reduced steering responsiveness.
An integral power steering gear having a primary or input shaft, a secondary shaft, a valve mechanism and a power piston, all mounted on a single housing in axial alignment with one another. The power piston is movable axially relative to the valve mechanism and has a hollow formed therein which receives at least a portion of the valve mechanism depending upon the relative axial position of the power piston and the valve mechanism.