Patent ID: 6138789
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
A rack and pinion steering apparatus comprising:a hydraulic cylinder having an axially extending cylindrical bore and two ends;a rack extending through and being coaxial with the cylindrical bore of the hydraulic cylinder;a piston extending radially from the rack and sealing against the cylindrical bore of the hydraulic cylinder, the piston being axially movable within the cylindrical bore by the pressurized fluid and dividing the cylindrical bore into two chambers;a pressure connection area on the hydraulic cylinder near each end, each pressure connection area having a pressure fluid bore and a pressure relief bore, the pressure relief bores being located between the pressure fluid bores, each pressure fluid bore directing pressurized fluid to flow into and out of the cylindrical bore of the hydraulic cylinder, each pressure relief bore directing pressurized fluid to flow out of the cylindrical bore of the hydraulic cylinder;a pressure connection being attached to each pressure connection area for directing pressurized fluid into or out of the cylindrical bore of the hydraulic cylinder; anda filter element through which the pressurized fluid flows, said filter element being located between the pressure relief bore and the pressure connection to minimize noise created by fluid flow through the pressure relief bore to the pressure connection.