What are the types of steering gears?
2 Answers
There are three commonly used types of automotive steering gears: 1. Rack and Pinion Steering Gear: This is the most common type of steering gear. Its basic structure consists of a pair of meshing small gears and a rack. When the steering shaft drives the pinion to rotate, the rack moves in a straight line. Sometimes, the rack directly drives the tie rod, enabling the steering wheels to turn. Therefore, this 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. 2. Worm and Roller Steering Gear: In this type, the worm serves as the driving component, and the roller as the driven component. The worm has trapezoidal threads, and a finger-like tapered pin is supported by bearings on the roller, which is integrated with the steering rocker arm shaft. When steering, the rotation of the steering wheel turns the worm, and the tapered pin embedded in the worm's spiral groove rotates on its own while moving in an arc around the steering rocker arm shaft, thereby driving the roller and the steering arm to swing, which then turns the steering wheels through the steering linkage. This type of steering gear is typically used in trucks that require greater steering force. 3. Recirculating Ball Steering Gear: The recirculating ball power steering system 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. There are two pairs of transmission components: one is the screw and nut, and the other is the rack and sector gear or sector gear shaft. Between the screw and the rack nut, there are recirculating steel balls that convert sliding friction into rolling friction, thereby improving transmission efficiency. The advantages of this steering gear are easy operation, minimal wear, and long service life. The disadvantages are complex structure, higher cost, and less sensitive steering compared to the rack and pinion type.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I often help friends with car repairs, and there are quite a few types of steering systems. The most common is the rack-and-pinion steering system, which offers responsive and light steering, making it perfect for family cars. However, it tends to wear out and develop oil leaks over time, so regular checks are necessary. There's also the recirculating-ball steering system, commonly found in older trucks or classic models. It's robust and durable, providing stable handling, though the steering feels heavier, especially during low-speed turns. Modern cars often feature electric power steering (EPS), which is electronically controlled, fuel-efficient, and smart, making driving much easier—though repair costs can be higher. Hydraulic power steering is also quite common, offering smooth and comfortable assistance, but it requires regular fluid maintenance. When choosing, consider the vehicle's purpose: rack-and-pinion or electric power steering is fine for daily city driving, while recirculating-ball is more reliable for off-roading or heavy loads. Remember, steering quality directly impacts driving safety, so regular checks for play and lubrication are key.
