The steering system of your car is composed of several parts that all together enable you to drive your car safely. By knowing the different parts and their functions, you can more easily describe possible problems with your car to your mechanic.
The Steering Column and Shaft
The steering column is typically a tube like structure that runs from the steering wheel down through the cabin into the engine bay. Within the steering column there is a long steel shaft, known as the steering shaft. When you turn your steering wheel the steering column transfers the rotational movement of the wheel to the steering rack below. If the steering column wears, it can cause looseness before the input reaches the rest of the steering system.
The Steering Rack and Pinion
The steering rack is a long metal bar running across the bottom of your car with many parallel sized teeth cut into its surface. A pinion is a small gear that is attached to the end of the steering shaft and it sits inside the rack bar. When you turn your steering wheel the pinion rotates and therefore moves along the length of the rack bar. As it moves it pushes the rack bar from side to side causing the tie rods to push or pull on the wheels. The wear in the rack causes the steering to have play, pull to one side or even feel loose when steering.
Tie Rods and Tie Rod Ends
The tie rod end attaches the end of the tie rod to the wheel hub. It transfers the linear motion from the rack to the wheel. Tie rod ends that are worn will cause a knocking sensation when driving over bumps in the road. Also worn tie rod ends can cause problems with the vehicle’s wheel alignment. This can in turn cause problems with how the tires wear.
Steering Rack Bushes
Steering Rack Bushes: The rubber bushes in the steering rack are designed to hold the rack firmly in its housing. If these are not seated correctly then the rack may move under load and this can affect the precision of the steering. There is more on Steering Parts at https://westernpowersteering.co.uk/steering-parts/.
The Power Steering Pump or Electric Motor
This part of the steering system enables you to turn your steering wheel easily, as it amplifies your physical input. This can be achieved by means of a power steering pump, which is typically belt-driven and sends the hydraulic fluid to the steering rack. Alternatively, an electric power steering system uses a motor which is governed by a torque sensor. A failing motor or a blocked fluid supply can immediately make the steering wheel very heavy to turn.
Fluid and Sensor Systems
Fluid and Sensor Systems. In hydraulic systems, fluid is used to transfer pressure from the power steering pump to the steering rack. If the vehicle’s fluid level is low or the fluid has become contaminated the driver will quickly notice that it requires far more effort to turn the wheel. In an electric power assisted steering system (EPAS), sensors are used to detect the driver’s input on the steering wheel. These sensors provide information to the motor that assists the driver’s steering, enabling the motor to provide exactly the right amount of assistance to ensure that the vehicle steers smoothly and precisely. A fault in these sensor systems causes the system to work far harder than it would normally.
It’s very important to understand the role of individual parts in the steering system of your car in order to properly explain any problems that you might be having with your car’s steering when you take it to be serviced.
