I. What is a Steering Gear?
A steering gear, also known as a steering mechanism, is the core component of a car’s steering system. Its main function is to provide assistance when the driver turns the steering wheel, reducing the driver’s steering effort and making driving easier and more convenient. Steering gears are mainly divided into two types: rack and pinion steering and worm gear steering.
Currently, there are three main types of power steering systems on the market: electric power steering, rack and pinion hydraulic power steering, and electro-hydraulic power steering. These devices convert the energy output from the engine or motor into hydraulic or pneumatic energy in different ways, thereby driving a transmission component in the steering gear or steering system to achieve power steering.
Power steering systems are a commonly used steering system in modern cars. They automatically adjust the steering effort according to road conditions and vehicle speed, making it easier for the driver to control the vehicle. In power steering systems, the steering gear plays a crucial role; it converts the driver’s steering wheel rotation into tire rotation, reducing the steering wheel’s control effort while ensuring vehicle stability, thus improving driving comfort and safety.
II. Working Principle of a Steering Gear
The basic structure of a steering gear consists of a pair of meshing pinions and a rack. When the steering shaft drives the pinion to rotate, the rack moves in a straight line. Sometimes, the rack can directly drive the tie rod, thus steering the wheels.
The working principle of the steering gear is that a steel ball transmits force to a nut, which moves along the axis and meshes with a sector gear, causing the connecting rod arm to rock. The connecting rod arm changes the direction of the wheels, thus achieving the steering function of the car.
III. Where is the Car Steering Gear?
The car steering gear is located on the chassis under the vehicle body. The direction of the left and right tires can be changed by controlling the steering wheel.
IV. What are the Components of a Car Steering System?
The car steering system mainly consists of the following parts:
Steering Wheel: The driver uses it to control the vehicle’s direction.
Steering Gear (also called steering mechanism): Its function is to convert the mechanical energy of the driver turning the steering wheel into hydraulic or electrical energy to turn the wheels. There are generally two types of steering gears: rack and pinion steering gears and recirculating ball steering gears.
Steering driveshaft: Its function is to transmit the force generated by the steering gear to the wheels, causing them to turn.
Wheels and tires: They are in direct contact with the ground, bearing the reaction force from the road surface and generating the torque required for steering.
Power steering system: In some high-end cars, a power steering system is installed to reduce the driver’s steering effort. It provides auxiliary power when the driver turns the steering wheel, thereby reducing the driver’s steering effort.