It uses a hydraulically assisted circulating ball steering mechanism that steers the front wheels through a steering gear consisting of a pitman arm, a swing arm, a center tie rod, a pair of inner tie rods and two tie rod ends.
When the power steering is engaged, pressure from the engine-driven pump directs fluid to the rack and pinion or swirling ball steering gear - this improves handling and reduces the effort required to steer the vehicle.
The steering system does not require much maintenance, except for checking the fluid level and, if necessary, adding it to the hydraulic booster mechanism, as well as checking the tension of the drive belt (where available, see chapter Car maintenance). However, after long-term operation of the vehicle, the tie rod ends, cardan joints at both ends of the steering column shaft and the flexible coupling between the steering column and the steering column shaft wear out and begin to play, which leads to a deterioration in vehicle controllability. In this case, the above parts must be replaced, they cannot be repaired.
Always check the tires before working on the steering system (see Section General information about wheels and tires) and tire pressure (see chapter Car maintenance). Also check the bearings in the upper strut mounts (see Section Removal and installation of assembly of a rack of a forward suspension bracket), front wheel bearings (see Section Removal and installation of assembly of a forward nave and the bearing) and other suspension parts that can also affect the handling of the car.