What are the components of a steering gear?
2 Answers
Steering gear is composed of various gears and racks. The following are relevant introductions: 1. Working principle of steering gear: The working principle of the steering gear is that when the car is driving straight, the steering control valve connects the working fluid pumped by the steering oil pump to the oil tank, and the steering oil pump is in an unloading state. When the car needs to turn right, the steering control valve connects the working fluid pumped by the steering oil pump to the R chamber and connects the L chamber to the oil tank, causing the left and right wheels to deflect to the right through the transmission structure, thereby achieving a right turn. 2. Classification of steering gears: Steering gears include rack and pinion steering gears, worm and sector steering gears, and recirculating ball steering gears.
Take the rack and pinion steering system for example. Its main components include the input shaft section, pinion gear, and rack structure. The input shaft connects to the steering wheel - when you turn it, the rotation drives the pinion gear, which then meshes with the rack to convert rotational motion into linear motion that pulls the wheels. There are also needle roller bearings to reduce friction and seals to prevent dust and water ingress. This design delivers precise and responsive steering - I particularly notice its stability during high-speed cornering with quick reactions, unlike the sluggish feel of older recirculating ball systems. If the input shaft develops issues like bearing wear, the steering wheel becomes heavy and loose, compromising safety. That's why regular maintenance should focus on lubricating the gear area to prevent grinding noises from dirt buildup. When choosing a car, I prefer this design for its simplicity, durability and reliability - it's the standard setup for most modern vehicles.
