Have you ever driven a car and thought, wow, this is the car for me? The car is easy for you to handle and responds to your touch well. Even when you swerve in panic or take a sharp turn, the lightest touch on the car steering wheel directs your car effectively.

This happens because of the quality of the steering system and its parts. Find out everything you need about the car steering system and how it works.

What is the function of a steering system?

 The function of car steering systems is essential to the working of an automobile. They steer the car in the desired direction by turning the wheels (usually front wheels). A sound quality steering system is necessary to hold the vehicle effectively throughout the various speed ranges.

Here are some more:

- It swings the wheels right or left

- Turns the vehicle according to the driver's decision

- Gives directional stability

- Controls wear and tear of wheels

- Aids getting self-rightening

- Absorbs road shocks so that they don't get transmitted to the driver

The car steering wheel also has to give the driver a safe manoeuvre using light forces, even if it's a heavy vehicle.

How does a Car Steering System work?

There are many pivoted joints running that signal the tires to turn when the steering wheel is rotated. The steering effect moves the wheels in an up-and-down motion and allows the front wheels to stand at a sharp angle.

Also Read: Electronic stability control

How do power steering wheels work? There are many cars with a power steering system. This system supplies the oil to the rack or steering box under high pressure. The power steering system utilises the engine to provide this oil. This, in turn, makes the steering wheel more effective and responsive, allowing more effortless movement in confined spaces. However, even with the power steering system, cars link the steering wheel to the wheels. Therefore, if the system's power goes down, the driver can drive the car with a heavier feel.

Types of Car Steering System

Steering systems are getting more innovative with time. Here are some of the types of car steering systems:

1. Power Steering System

A power steering system is a mechanical device that reduces the human effort to turn the vehicle. There are two types:

●  Hydraulic Power Steering

This type of power steering came into existence first. It comes with a hydraulic pump to pump oil into the steering rack. It pressurises hydraulic fluid to give the car power and efficiency. A hydraulic power steering system consists of an oil pump, steering gearbox, and valve.

●  Electronic Power Steering

This type of steering system works the same. However, an Electronic power system provides better results in combination with a hydraulic power system.

2. Rack and Pinion Steering System

The rack and pinion steering system is used in most vehicles, including SUVs (Buying a SUV’s) and small trucks. This type of steering system converts revolving motion to linear motion of the wheels. It has a circular gear, also called the steering pinion, that locks teeth on the rack. This arrangement transforms wheel rotations to trim and more accurate turns of tires.

Also Read: Why Vintage cars are the best?

3. Ball Steering System

Heavy-duty vehicles and old cars use the worm and sector steering system. In this system, the steering wheel's rotation causes a shaft's rotation. The gear doesn't move, and this causes the ball and nut to rotate. The moving block causes the sector gear to move and, eventually, the pitman arm to move. The worm gear's thread has ball bearings to reduce friction and any slop in gear.

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FAQs

 1. What are the essential parts of a steering system?

A steering system consists of the following parts:

- Steering wheel

- Steering column or shaft

- Gear

- Ball joints

- Center or drag link

- Pitman arm or drop arm

- Steering arm

- Stub axle

- Lift tie rod

- Track rod

- Right tie rod

- Kingpin and spindle- left and right

- Steering stops

2. What controls the steering of a car?

The driver controls the steering wheel to swerve the car in a particular direction. The steering system changes the wheel's rotation to a linear motion of the tired. This steering system ensures that the driver doesn't have to put in much effort to drive heavy cars. The effort of the driver swivelling the steering wheel passes to the tires through a network of pivoted joints. These joints allow the tires to go up and down without changing the angle.

 3. What affects power steering?

There are a few problems that cause power steering failure. Here are some:

1. Contamination

This is a common problem in the rack and pinion power steering system. This happens if the pump fails, deteriorates, hoses, or the power steering fluid accumulates moisture.

2. Worn-out Pump

Power steering pumps wear out with age. The internal parts and seal break down and lead to loss of the fluid's pressure. The worn-out pump will fail eventually.

3. Leaks

If the power steering hydraulic fluid leaks due to damaged or worn-out hoses, it can cause serious trouble. The pump can overheat prematurely or even get damaged.

4. What is the main part of steering which is essential in a car?

The majority of modern automobiles, compact trucks, and SUVs have a rack and pinion steering system. This transforms the steering wheel's rotational action into the linear motion that rotates the wheels and directs your course. A steering pinion, a circular gear, is used in the system to lock teeth on a bar (the rack).

5. What type of steering can we get from ABE?

Rack-and-pinion steering is a common feature of contemporary automobiles. The steering wheel is linked to bushings that move side to side to deflect impacts from the suspension.

6. Do I need to get a steering check in every service?

Generally speaking, the steering system should be inspected annually for looseness or leakage (in hydraulic power steering systems). The steering box will eventually wear down and require replacement, although it can take the car 100,000 miles or more to reach that point.