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Steering Systems
Basics
Harkness Career Center
Steering Systems
Manual steering system relies solely
on the driver to provide steering force
Power assist (power steering) uses
hydraulic or electric power to help the
driver apply steering force
Steering Systems
Both manual and power steering
systems have common
components.
Input components:
Steering wheel
Steering column
Steering shaft
Steering Shaft
The steering
shaft connects
to the steering
gear through
one or more:
Universal joints
Flexible
steering
coupler
Steering Systems
Steering Gear
Steering Linkage
Pitman arm
Idler arm
Center link
Inner tie rod
Outer tie rod
Tie rod adjustment sleeve
Pitman Arm
Steering Linkage
Ball Sockets
Steering Knuckle
Tie Rod
Ball Joints
Recirculating-Ball Steering
Gear
Primarily used on trucks, vans and
larger vehicles.
Also used on most passenger
vehicles prior to 1980.
Used in conjunction with a
parallelogram-type linkage system.
Recirculating-Ball Steering
Gear
Recirculating-Ball Steering
Gear
Recirculating-Ball Steering
Gear
Recirculating-Ball Steering
Gear
Recirculating-Ball Steering
Gear
The sector
shaft (output
shaft) of the
recirculatingball steering
box uses a
pitman arm for
an output
device.
Recirculating-Ball Steering
Gear
Recirculating-Ball Steering
Gear
The other
end of the
center link is
attached to a
idler arm
Recirculating-Ball Steering
Gear
The
pitman
arm and
idler arm
act as the
center
links pivot
points.
Fewer parts
Lighter
Modular
Saves space
Generally not as strong as a recirculating-ball
type system
Automotive Steering
Systems Basics