Which part of the steering system converts the hydraulic pressure into steering movement?

The steering gear is the component in the steering system that converts hydraulic pressure into steering movement. When the driver turns the steering wheel, the steering column transmits this motion to the steering gear. In systems equipped with power steering, hydraulic fluid generated by the power steering pump applies pressure to the steering gear, which then translates this pressure into mechanical movement.

This mechanical movement causes the wheels to turn in the direction dictated by the steering wheel position. The design of the steering gear—whether it is a rack-and-pinion setup or another type—determines how effectively and responsively this hydraulic pressure gets translated into steering action. This is critical for vehicle control, allowing for precise handling and maneuverability.

While the power steering pump generates the hydraulic pressure necessary for operation, it does not convert that pressure into movement; rather, it facilitates the operation of the steering gear. The steering column primarily serves to transmit the driver's inputs from the steering wheel to the steering gear without performing the conversion function. Tie rods, on the other hand, connect the steering gear to the wheels and help to transfer the movement from the steering gear to the wheels, but they do not convert hydraulic pressure into movement.