Power Steering Pump: Description

The Saginaw vane power steering pump is a constant displacement, vane type pump with an integral fluid reservoir. Shaft-driven pumping vanes move the fluid from the intake to cam ring pressure cavities. As the rotor turns, the vanes pick up residual fluid. The rotor forces the fluid into a high pressure area.

Fluid is then forced into the cavities of the thrust plate through 2 crossover holes in the cam ring and pressure plate. The crossover holes empty into a high pressure area between the pressure plate and housing end cover.

When pressure exceeds set limits, the flow control pressure relief valve opens and allows fluid to return to the inlet side of the pump. Under normal conditions, both pressure relief and flow control valves are closed.