Is the Steering Gear Noise on Bumpy Roads Related to Assembly?
1 Answers
Steering gear noise on bumpy roads is not significantly related to assembly. Below is relevant information about steering gears: 1. Introduction: The automotive steering gear, also known as the steering box or steering mechanism, is the most critical component in a vehicle's steering system. Its function is to amplify the force transmitted from the steering wheel to the steering linkage and to change the direction of force transmission. 2. Types of Steering Gears: (1) Rack and Pinion Steering: This is the most common type of steering gear. Its basic structure consists of a pair of meshing pinion and rack. When the steering shaft rotates the pinion, the rack moves linearly. Sometimes, the rack directly drives the tie rod, enabling the steering wheels to turn. Thus, it is the simplest type of steering gear. Its advantages include simple structure, low cost, sensitive steering, compact size, and the ability to directly drive the tie rod. It is widely used in automobiles. (2) Worm and Roller Steering Gear: In this type, the worm is the driving component, and the roller is the driven component. The worm has trapezoidal threads, and the finger-like tapered roller is supported by bearings on the crank, which is integrated with the steering arm shaft. When steering, the worm is rotated via the steering wheel, causing the tapered roller embedded in the worm's helical groove to rotate and move in an arc around the steering arm shaft, thereby driving the crank and steering arm to swing and ultimately turning the wheels. This type is typically used in heavy-duty vehicles requiring greater steering force. (3) Recirculating Ball Steering Gear: The recirculating ball power steering system consists of two main parts: mechanical and hydraulic. The mechanical part includes the housing, side cover, upper cover, lower cover, recirculating ball screw, rack nut, rotary valve core, and sector shaft. There are two pairs of transmission components: one is the screw and nut, and the other is the rack and sector or sector shaft. Between the screw and rack nut, there are recirculating steel balls that convert sliding friction into rolling friction, improving transmission efficiency. The advantages of this steering gear are ease of operation, minimal wear, and long service life. The disadvantages are complex structure, higher cost, and less steering sensitivity compared to rack and pinion steering.