Does the Steering Wheel Control the Front or Rear Wheels?

[LeSpencer]

The steering wheel is used to control the direction of the front wheels, constantly adjusting their orientation. In general household vehicles, such as sedans and MPVs, the front wheels are controlled for steering. Special vehicles, like forklifts and large excavators, use the steering wheel to control the rear wheels. Reasons for not controlling the rear wheels: 1. Instability: Rear-wheel steering has extremely poor stability, making it difficult to control at higher speeds, which goes against normal driving logic. 2. Cost-ineffectiveness: Current steering assistance systems are divided into hydraulic and electronic types. Electronic power steering theoretically doesn't require mechanical structures for steering, so purely rear-wheel steering could eliminate the need for mechanical backups. However, without mechanical backups, if the vehicle malfunctions, steering control would be lost. If mechanical backups are implemented, a steering rod as long as 1 to 2 meters would be required. Given that cost is a decisive factor in current vehicle manufacturing, this approach would never be permitted.