What are the classifications of automotive steering gears?
4 Answers
Automotive steering gears can be classified into: rack and pinion type, worm and roller type, and recirculating ball type. The rack and pinion steering gear is a common type, whose basic structure consists of a pair of meshing pinion and rack. When the steering shaft drives the pinion to rotate, the rack moves linearly. The worm and roller type steering gear uses the worm as the driving component and the roller as the driven component, typically employed in trucks requiring greater steering force. The recirculating ball type steering gear mainly consists of two parts: the mechanical part and the hydraulic part. The mechanical part includes the housing, side cover, upper cover, lower cover, recirculating ball screw, rack nut, rotary valve spool, and sector gear shaft.
As a seasoned driver with over 20 years of experience, I've tried various steering systems across different car models. There are several main classifications of steering systems: The earliest was purely mechanical steering, commonly found in older cars like the Santana, relying entirely on manual force to turn the steering wheel—requiring more strength to drive. Then came hydraulic power steering, which added a hydraulic pump to provide assistance, making steering much lighter and quicker, as seen in older Buicks. Nowadays, the mainstream is electric power steering, where an electric motor directly assists, making the steering wheel light and precise, saving fuel and enhancing safety. There's also electro-hydraulic power steering, combining hydraulic and electronic control, which can be considered a transitional product. The latest is steer-by-wire systems, fully electronic operation, which autonomous vehicles are adopting. I remember the transition from mechanical to electronic steering—driving went from strenuous to effortless, especially with electric power steering being quick and responsive, making long drives less tiring. The different classifications can be distinguished by their assistance methods, and for daily use, electric power steering is the most practical choice.
As someone who frequently deals with car maintenance, I've found that the classification of steering gears directly impacts failure rates. The main types include: mechanical steering gears, such as worm-and-sector types, which are structurally simple but heavy to steer, often experiencing wear issues in older cars; hydraulic power steering gears, equipped with a power steering pump, making steering effortless but prone to oil leaks—I've repaired many Mercedes and BMWs with this issue; electric power steering gears, the mainstream in modern cars, integrate a motor into the steering column, offering low failure rates and responsive handling; electro-hydraulic power steering gears, combining hydraulic and electronic systems, which are slightly more complex to maintain; and the emerging steer-by-wire systems, which replace mechanical connections with sensors and controllers, introducing more potential failure points but boasting strong technological appeal. From a maintenance perspective, mechanical steering requires regular lubrication, hydraulic systems need their oil circuits checked, electronic systems are largely maintenance-free, and opting for electronic systems saves both hassle and time.
Those who prioritize driving safety are aware that the classification of steering systems is closely related to driving comfort and risk. Based on technology, steering systems can be divided into five categories: First, the purely mechanical steering system, where the steering wheel is stiff, making it prone to fatigue and accidents after prolonged use. Second, the hydraulic power steering system, where a slight push on the steering wheel provides assistance, but response delays on bumpy roads can be unsafe. Third, the electric power steering system, which offers precise steering and adaptive force, keeping the steering wheel steady at high speeds and reducing the risk of skidding. Fourth, the electro-hydraulic power steering system, which is a hybrid between hydraulic and electric systems. Fifth, the steer-by-wire system, which is fully electronic and can avoid mechanical failures. I have driven a car with electric power steering, which was both comfortable and safe, especially in rainy conditions when it automatically adjusted the steering force. This category is my top choice to avoid fatigue-related driving issues.
