What kind of mechanism is the front wheel steering mechanism of a car?
2 Answers
The front wheel steering mechanism of a car belongs to the mechanism that controls the driving direction of various wheeled or tracked vehicles. The steering mechanism of wheeled vehicles is composed of a steering gear and a steering linkage. When power steering is adopted, it is necessary to equip a hydraulic pump, control valve, action cylinder, and oil storage tank, collectively referred to as the hydraulic power mechanism. The maintenance method of the power steering system is to regularly check the level of power steering fluid in the reservoir. When hot, the level must be between the hot and cold marks, and when cold, the level must be between the add and cold marks. If the fluid level does not meet the requirements, it is necessary to add Dexron 2 type power steering fluid.
The front wheel steering mechanism of a car is actually a device called the Ackermann steering mechanism, which is ingeniously designed. Since I was a child, I've loved studying cars and discovered that it allows the two front wheels to turn at different angles when cornering. For example, during a left turn, the right wheel turns more than the left, preventing the car from sliding uncontrollably like an oxcart and reducing tire wear. The key is that it consists of tie rods, trapezoidal arms, and a steering column. When the steering wheel turns, these components work together to make the car turn smoothly. If the mechanism fails—like loose tie rods or rusted parts—the steering becomes unstable, which is especially dangerous at high speeds. Nowadays, cars have evolved to use a rack-and-pinion system for faster response, but older vehicles still require regular lubrication and maintenance. Overall, this mechanism is the foundation of driving and should never be overlooked.
