What Is Rack And Pinion Steering

Rack and pinion are the assembly of a vehicle that turns wheels from side to side when the driver turns the steering wheel.

What is rack and pinion steering.

This system consists of a circular gear called pinion engages with the teeth on the linear gear shaft called the rack. It is actually a pretty simple mechanism. The rotary motion applied to the pinion causes it to turn while it moves rack sideways. Rack and pinion steering is quickly becoming the most common type of steering on cars small trucks and suvs.

It also provides a gear reduction so turning the wheels is easier. With rack and pinion steering the rotation of the pinion causes linear motion of the rack which turns the vehicle s wheels left or right. The mechanism may be power assisted usually by hydraulic or electrical means. A rack and pinion is commonly found in the steering mechanism of cars or other wheeled steered vehicles.

It is actually a pretty simple mechanism. Rack and pinion steering is exactly what it sounds like a rack and a pinion. The rack is connected to the wheels via inner and outer tie rod ends. Rack and pinion provides less mechanical advantage than other mechanisms such as recirculating ball but less backlash and greater feedback or steering feel.

The rack is a flat grooved bar that extends horizontally across the bottom of the engine compartment connecting the left and right front wheels to one another. Rack and pinion systems are a common component in. A rack and pinion gearset is enclosed in a metal tube with each end of the rack protruding from the tube. This is due to the ability of the gearbox to handle increased stress due to weight.