What is the Principle of a Car Steering Gear?

[StSienna]

Principle of a car steering gear: When the car is driving straight, the steering control valve connects the working fluid pumped by the steering pump to the oil tank, and the steering 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 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 mechanism, thereby achieving a right turn. The main function of the steering gear is to amplify the force transmitted from the steering wheel to the steering arm and change the direction of force transmission. To improve driving safety, modern cars generally use a segmented steering shaft connected by universal joints in the middle. This not only enhances driving safety but also facilitates the overall vehicle layout, deformation, and maintenance, as well as the serialized production of steering gears.

[VanSteven]

I've been driving for nearly twenty years and often wondered how the steering gear works. Simply put, when you turn the steering wheel, it rotates the central steering column, which connects to the steering gear. Inside, it mainly consists of a pinion and rack system that converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel into lateral movement of the wheels. Older models often use hydraulic power steering, where an oil pump helps reduce the steering effort, making it feel lighter and easier; newer models mostly rely on electric motor assistance, which directly senses the steering force and provides automatic power assistance. The key is that this design ensures the vehicle can quickly respond to my steering commands, avoiding dangerous delays in reaction. During maintenance, it's important to check the oil level or electrical circuits—if neglected, steering can become heavy or even sticky, compromising driving safety. Overall, the steering gear acts like the vehicle's control hub, ensuring smooth and precise daily driving.