The power rack and pinion steering gear has a rotary spool valve which directs hydraulic fluid coming from the power steering pump to one side or the other side of the rack piston. The integral rack piston is attached to the rack. The rack piston converts hydraulic pressure to a linear force which moves the rack left or right. The force is then transmitted through the inner and outer tie rods to the steering knuckles, which turns the wheels.

If hydraulic assist is not available, manual control is maintained. However, under these conditions, more steering effort is required. The movement of the steering wheel is transferred through the valve to the pinion. The movement of the pinion is then transferred through the pinion teeth, which mesh with teeth on the rack, causing the rack to move.

Speed sensitive steering varies the steering effort to provide the driver with light steering efforts at low speeds for increased maneuverability and parking ease. As vehicle speed increases, the steering effort is also increased. At highway speeds the amount of steering effort approaches a "manual-like" steering feel for maximum control and enhanced vehicle stability. Speed Sensitive Steering provides a sense of total vehicle control at all driving ranges.