Helical gearing gives smoother and quieter operation for the driver.
Simple rack and pinion steering diagram.
Both the pinion and the rack teeth are helical gears.
A group of parts called the steering system transmits the movement of the steering wheel down the steering shaft to move the wheels left and right although car wheels don t turn at the same angle.
Steering motion is transferred directly to the rack and then to the wheels so the steering is more precise and far more responsive.
Plus they have fewer joints in the steering linkage.
A rack and pinion gearset is enclosed in a metal tube with each end of the rack protruding from the tube.
Rack and pinion steering uses a gear set to convert the circular motion of the steering wheel into the linear motion required to turn the wheels.
Rack and pinion steering is quickly becoming the most common type of steering on cars small trucks and suvs.
The steering system converts the rotation of the steering wheel into a swivelling movement of the road wheels in such a way that the steering wheel rim turns a long way to move the road wheels a short way.
It also provides a gear reduction so turning the wheels is easier.
This pinion runs in mesh with a rack that is connected to the steering tie rods.
It is actually a pretty simple mechanism.
Working principle of rack and pinion steering gear.
The rack and pinion steering box has a pinion connected to the steering column.
A rod called a tie rod connects to each end of the rack.