What is the structure of the steering system?
4 Answers
The structure of the steering system consists of: the control mechanism, the steering gear, and the steering linkage, which are a series of devices used to change or maintain the direction of the car's movement or reverse. The causes of steering system failures include: 1. Abnormal noise when turning; 2. Steering gear oil leakage; 3. Difficulty in returning to the original position; 4. Power steering pump oil leakage; 5. Heavy steering. The solutions for steering system failures are: 1. Inspect the steering gear, steering pump control valve, oil cup filter, and steering oil, and clean the entire power steering system; 2. Check the tire pressure and replenish it in time if low; 3. Inspect all connection points of the oil pipes and tighten all connection bolts; 4. Replace the oil pipes, power steering pump, or power steering gear.
I remember last time when the steering was hard, I went to get it fixed. The steering system includes the steering wheel, the steering column connected to the frame, inside which there's a gearbox (mostly rack-and-pinion or recirculating-ball type), and then extends to the left and right tie rods connected to the front wheels to control the direction. The steering system needs power assistance to make driving easy—hydraulic power steering relies on an oil pump, while electric power steering uses a motor and sensors for precise assistance. The structure is quite simple, but if parts wear out, like loose tie rods or oil leaks, the steering becomes heavy or drifts. That time, I replaced a tie rod, which cost a bit. Maintenance advice suggests lubricating the joints every six months to avoid slipping on the road and potential dangers.
As someone who has worked in car repair for many years, I've dealt with various steering system structures: the steering wheel connects to the steering shaft, below which lies the steering gear like rack-and-pinion or recirculating-ball designs. The combination of gears and tie rods transmits the motion to the front wheels. Power steering comes in two types: hydraulic and electric. Hydraulic systems require a pump, pipes, and a fluid reservoir, while electric systems use a motor for better fuel efficiency and less maintenance. The structure isn't overly complex, but common issues include loose ball joints or power steering fluid leaks. I often remind customers to check tire pressure and wheel alignment to extend lifespan and ensure safe driving.
I've always been curious about steering systems: when the steering wheel turns, the column transmits force to the gearbox. The common rack-and-pinion structure is lightweight and efficient, with gears directly connected to tie rods that push the wheels to turn. In the case of electric power steering, a built-in motor senses vehicle speed and automatically adjusts the force. The structure is compact, but design variations are significant. I've studied older cars with mechanical steering and no power assistance, which made steering quite laborious. Exploring aftermarket parts can enhance driving pleasure, and it's also important to regularly check the tightness of connecting screws to prevent loosening.
