What Components Make Up the Steering System?

[RachelAnn]

The steering system is primarily composed of the steering column, steering wheel, steering shaft, and related components. The steering system serves as the control mechanism in a vehicle used to change its direction of travel, functioning to control the driving direction according to the driver's intentions. Alongside the braking system, the steering system is crucial for vehicle safety. Based on the source of steering power, steering systems can be categorized into two main types: manual steering systems and power steering systems. A manual steering system consists of three major components: the steering control mechanism, the steering gear, and the steering linkage. Steering gear: A mechanism that converts the force applied to the steering wheel into reciprocating motion for the rack-and-pinion or the swinging motion of the pitman arm, while amplifying the steering control force. Steering linkage: A mechanism that transmits the force and motion from the steering gear to the wheels, causing the left and right wheels to pivot according to a specific relationship.