Rack & Pinion Steering - How it works

This section examines the rack and  pinion gear box the rack and pinion  steering gearbox has opinioned connected  to the steering column this pinion runs  in mesh with a rack that is connected to  the steering tie rods this gives more  direct operation.

 Both opinion and the  rack teeth are helical gears helical  gearing gives smoother and quieter  operation for the driver turning the  steering wheel rotates the pinion and  moves the rack from side to side ball  joints at the end of the rack locate the  tie rods and allow movement in the  steering and suspension mechanical  advantage is gained by the reduction  ratio the value of this ratio depends on  the size of the pinion.

 A small pinion  gave us light steering but it requires  many turns of the steering wheel to  travel from lock to lock a large pinion  means the number of turns of the  steering column is reduced but the  steering is heavier to turn ratios vary  depending on the type of vehicle but in  each case the ratio is the same for all  positions of the wheels it is a fixed  ratio  a disadvantage of a fixed ratio system  is that towards the locked positions  more effort is needed by the driver...

Watch This Video To Know More About Rack & Pinion Steering