Date:         Mon, 31 Jan 2005 13:06:04 -0800
Reply-To:     Matt Barclay <mbarclay@OPENFBO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Matt Barclay <mbarclay@OPENFBO.COM>
Subject:      tortion bars and the power steering system
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

Hello,

I've been reading the theory behind power steering systems on:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/steering.htm

And cross referencing that with my Bently manual, trying to figure out
what applies to my 1988 Vanagon camper.  Most of it makes sense, but left
me wondering how the tortion bar connects to the steering column.  When
placing a constant ammount of torque on the steering wheel, it goes
through several revolutions before reaching the stop.  But the tortion bar
should only flex a constant amount to allow the power steering fluid to
pass through the rotary valve and on to the rack.  What is the mechanism
that allows the steering wheel to complete several rotations while flexing
the tortion bar a constant ammount?

My rusty, metal power steering pressure line recently cracked, which is
why I'm so interested in this stuff.  I'll be replacing the pressure and
return lines next weekend with hoses from Frank Condelli's shop:
http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/hose.htm

Thanks,
Matt