So Fix it

The power steering components on your Chevrolet Monte Carlos 350-cubic-inch V8 engine actually have very little to do with the engine itself. The power steering system uses power generated by the running engine to provide you with easy handling and steering. Without power steering, your car would be extremely difficult to steer or control.

Power Steering Pump

The power steering pump is a pump that supplies the hydraulic power for the power steering system. Without the power steering pump, the Monte Carlos power steering system will not work. The power steering pump takes the power generated by the pulleys and belts from the engine and converts it to compensate for the steering and assist you in turning and handling the vehicle. There is a reservoir on the power steering pump that holds the hydraulic power steering fluid.

Hoses

The power steering hoses allow the power steering fluid to travel. The hoses connect the power steering pump into the steering mechanisms themselves, normally the gearbox or power steering box, depending on the model of Monte Carlo you own. The power steering systems have been updated and improved since Chevrolet originally introduced the Monte Carlo in the 1970s.

Belt and Pulleys

The power to run the Monte Carlos power steering pump is generated by a belt and pulley system that turns power generated by the engine into the force that generates the hydraulic power for the steering system.

The sway bar on a 2002 Ford Ranger is designed to link the two sides of the front suspension together. The linking of the two sides keeps the body of the truck level and prevents excessive leaning to one side in hard turns. There are several components that make up the sway bar assembly including links, bushings and brackets.

Sway Bar

The sway bar itself is the main component of the assembly. It is a long, metal bar that spans the width of the front-end. The bar is cylindrical in shape and has a few bends in it to clear the trucks frame. This bar is rigid and does not bend unless it is impacted by another object. When impacted hard enough, the bar can actually break in half.

Sway Bar Links

The sway bar links attach the sway bar to the lower control arm of the suspension, on both sides. The links are about 6 inches in length and are attached to the sway bar and the control arm by way of a nut and bolt. These links also keep the sway bar elevated and level so that it can function properly.

Sway Bar Link Bushings

Sway bar link bushings are round, rubber bushings with metal inserts. There are a total of four bushings on either side of the sway bar. Two bushings insulate and hold the sway bar, while the other two surround the control arm. These bushings provide the small amount of flex that the sway bar requires to prevent breakage. These are the most common items to fail on a sway bar; when they fail, the driver hears a jingling sound, which is the sway bar link bouncing up and down.

Sway Bar Brackets

There are two brackets that hold the sway bar into place on a 2002 Ranger. These brackets are arranged in a half-circle shape and go over the sway bar bushings, holding the sway bar to the frame of the truck. These brackets are held to the frame by two bolts and can sometimes rust to the point of breaking. When this occurs there is a loud rubbing sound when taking a turn, which is caused by the sway bar rubbing against the frame.

Sway Bar Bushings

Sway bar bushings are circular, rubber inserts that go around the sway bar and into the bracket. These bushings do not have any mechanical function except to keep the sway bar from contacting the frame. When these bushings go bad, the driver will sometimes hear a thumping sound when hitting bumps; this is the sway bar hitting the bracket or the frame.