96 explorer rack&pinion

[olebyker]

Replaced rack&pinion, when removing old unit a small part fell to the floor, didn't see where from (don't you hate when that happens?), it appears to be a check valve or flow control of some sort. At the time I had all the lines removed from the unit, I beleive it came from one of the ports. The part is about 1/2" OD and about 1/2" long, has a spring loaded disc with small dia. hole, and would allow higher flow in one direction, while restricting in the other. Anyone know what this is or it's purpose???? Please satisfy my curiosity

 

[mojoe]

You're right it's a check valve and it's a necessary part. Did the new one come with one?

 

[olebyker]

Don't know, didn't think to look. When removing old unit, I removed the 2 metal lines that run from the pinion area to the rack, along with the supply and return, so it could have come from any one of 6 ports. Did not remove metal lines from new unit. Nothing in installation instructions mention this part, the supply and return ports had plastic plugs, and those were not removed until the new unit was installed. Unit seems to function properly, but has a slight jery vibration when turning, may still be trapped air? Just thought it would ease my mind and satisfy my curiousity, if someone could tell me what this part is and where it goes.