Device and types of car steering
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Device and types of car steering

No matter how beautiful and powerful the car may be, without this mechanism it would be impossible to move safely. Steering allows the vehicle to maneuver in corners.

No vehicle is devoid of this device. In some cases, it has a primitive design, in others it is complex enough so that only specialists can repair it.

Device and types of car steering

Even in cars, the steering system also has several modifications. Consider how this mechanism works, by what principle it works, and also what are the requirements for steering.

What is car steering

The steering system is a combination of parts in one mechanism, the purpose of which is to change the angle of the front wheels of the car to turn the vehicle during movement. This mechanism allows you to change the direction of the car depending on the desire of the driver.

Device and types of car steering

The system is controlled by turning the steering wheel. To facilitate the task for the driver in bulky vehicles, a power steering is always installed. Recently, however, the vast majority of cars are also equipped with various modifications of amplifiers.

Steering gear

A standard steering system consists of the following components:

  • Steering wheel. Located in the cab (or vehicle interior). By changing its position, the driver changes the deviation of the left and right wheels from the original path. In modern cars, it has some function buttons (for example, to control the multimedia system or switch the displayed parameters on the dashboard screen).Device and types of car steering
  • Steering column. This is one of the varieties of the universal joint transmission. In this mechanism, several shafts are interconnected by hinges. Thanks to this design, manufacturers can use the option to change the angle of the column (to ensure greater comfort if the car is driven by more than one person, for example, husband and wife). The steering column transmits torque from the steering wheel to the steering gear. Multiple hinges also serve to increase safety in a head-on collision. A multi-section column is more easily deformed, which causes less harm to the driver. The gearshift paddles are installed on the case of this mechanism (the main ones are the light and windshield washer switches).Device and types of car steering
  • Steering gear. It consists of steering rods of different lengths, which take the effort from the steering column and transmit it further to the wheels. This mechanism also includes tips and levers. Depending on the vehicle model, the design of this part may also differ.Device and types of car steering

In addition to the main elements in the steering, there may also be a power steering and a shock absorption (damper) system.

Steering system design

Today there are many modifications of the car's steering system. There are even developments that are able to interfere with the driver's actions, adjusting the vehicle's maneuvers. There are also developments with automatic piloting, although full-fledged autopilots are still at the concept stage, and legislation does not allow autonomous vehicles on public roads.

Among the modern driver assistance systems there are lane keeping or monitoring of the driver's condition (for example, when he falls asleep, his hands smoothly loosen the grip of the steering wheel, sensors react to this force and the system rebuilds the car to the side of the road).

Device and types of car steering

The standard steering includes the following components:

  • Steering wheel;
  • Steering column;
  • Steering drive;
  • Power steering.

Here are some of the features of these items.

Steering wheel (steering wheel, steering wheel)

This simple detail allows the driver to choose the path of the vehicle. Modern steering wheels have controls that allow the driver to activate or switch between different systems without being distracted from driving.

The size of the steering wheel is important. If the car does not have power steering, then the small diameter steering wheel will be more difficult to handle. In this case, a larger diameter model can be installed. But on the other hand, a large steering wheel also affects driving comfort. At the same time, the control of a car with a small steering wheel is particularly sharp.

Device and types of car steering

Firstly, the upper part of the steering wheel will affect the view, or if the driver is large, he will rest against his feet, which also negatively affects driving safety. Secondly, a steering wheel that is too small will require more effort on the part of the driver, especially when maneuvering at high speed. Moreover, it is not uncommon for small steering wheels to obscure the signals displayed on the dashboard.

In auto parts stores you can find steering wheels with different shapes (not just perfectly round). A braid is fitted to the steering wheel to increase ride comfort. More expensive car models have a heated steering wheel.

This video discusses tips for novice drivers regarding proper steering wheel use:

How to drive - taxiing technique. Car instructor Sergey Markitesov.

Steering column

To transfer torque from the steering wheel to the steering gear, every vehicle has a steering column. Control elements are attached to it under the steering wheel - switches for turns and wipers with various additional functions. In sports cars, paddle shifters are sometimes found that allow the driver to either change gear, or simulate this change by bringing the transmission to the appropriate mode.

Device and types of car steering

In earlier versions, a straight shaft was used in the steering column. In modern versions, it is divided into several segments, which are interconnected by a cardan transmission. This is for safety reasons - in the event of a head-on collision, the steering column will fold down and not sink into the driver's chest.

Thanks to this design, many of the latest generation vehicles have an adjustable column. This allows the steering to be tailored to the physical data of different drivers. In a premium car, this element is equipped with an automatic adjustment, which often has a memory for several drivers.

To eliminate vibrations that come from the wheels while driving, a damper is installed in the steering column.

Steering gear and steering gear

The steering column is connected to the steering wheel on one side and to the steering gear on the other. This unit is represented by a set of rods and joints that transfer forces to the wheels. The driver uses rotational energy to turn the machine, which is converted into linear energy in the steering mechanism.

Device and types of car steering

For this, a transmission pair is used. Basically it is a rack gear or worm roller. But there are also other modifications that have their own structure and the principle of transferring forces from the steering wheel to the wheels. Read about the device and principle of operation of the steering rack here.

The steering gear has two important functions:

  1. Provides rotation of the front wheels;
  2. Returns the wheels to their original position as soon as the forces in the steering column from the driver's side are released.

The entire steering gear is housed in the housing (steering rack). The unit is installed on the front of the car (often on the front subframe, and in the absence of a frame, then on the chassis, on the transmission or even on the engine). It is worth noting that the lower this mechanism is installed, the more efficient the machine control will work.

Device and types of car steering

In classic design, the steering gear turns the front wheels of the vehicle. Recently, however, systems with rear wheel steering, such as the latest generation Volkswagen Touareg, have been gaining popularity again. In such systems at speeds up to 40 km / h. the rear and front wheels turn in opposite directions. When the vehicle is traveling at a speed higher than 40 km / h, the rear and front wheels turn in the same direction in a bend. This modification significantly reduces the turning radius, and also improves the car's handling when cornering.

Power steering

Since the standard steering mechanism for turning the wheels (especially in a stationary car) requires some effort on the part of the driver, manufacturers have developed various kinds of amplifiers. Initially, hydraulic modifications were used in freight transport. Gradually, such a system found its application in passenger cars.

The need for an amplifier did not appear just to increase comfort. The fact is that when driving at high speed, it becomes difficult to hold the steering wheel of a car in bends, especially in a sports car. The power steering facilitates this process. The system also received positive responses from the fairer sex.

Device and types of car steering

Amplifiers work on different principles. The most common is the power steering. Electric amplifiers have also gained considerable popularity. But there are also combined systems that use the functions of both modifications (EGUR). In addition, about the types of steering racks told in a separate review.

Steering purpose

The steering most often turns the front wheels, however, there are also two-axle drives (mainly large-sized vehicles with four axles, two of which are turned), as well as modifications with rear-wheel drive.

No car can do without steering, since there is no direct road in the world. Even if we conditionally imagined such a route, obstacles that would have to be circled would still appear on it. Without steering, it would also be impossible to safely park your car.

Device and types of car steering

If the manufacturer did not install this system in the cars, their handling would be no different from the maneuverability of the train. Although attempts to create a machine that could be controlled by the power of thought do not stop (in the photo above - one of the developments of GM).

Steering Principle

The steering principle is quite simple. The driver turns the steering wheel, the forces are transmitted to the steering column. Then they enter the steering gear. In the classic version, the rack drives the steering rods connected to the wheels using a ball tip system.

Device and types of car steering

The accuracy of wheel rotation depends on the size of the steering wheel. Also, the force that needs to be applied to turn the wheels depends on this parameter. Many models are equipped with electric or power steering, which make it possible to use a small steering wheel in the car.

Types of steering

All steering systems are divided into three types:

  • Rack and pinion mechanism. Most often used in budget cars. The design of such a control is the simplest. It has a rack with teeth. It is propelled by the steering column gear. Such a scheme is highly efficient. The only drawback of this mechanism is the sensitivity to shock from poor-quality road surface.
  • Worm gear. This modification provides a larger angle of rotation of the wheel. It is less sensitive to shock loads, but costs more than the previous one, since it is more difficult to manufacture.
  • Screw mechanism. It is a modification of the worm analogue, only has an increased efficiency and increases the effort required to maneuver the car.
Device and types of car steering

Regardless of the type of drive, the operation of these mechanisms can be enhanced by such devices:

  • Hydraulic booster. It has the simplest design in this list. The system is compact and cheap to maintain. Such a modification is even equipped with some budget models of cars of the latest generations. In order for the system to work properly, it is necessary to constantly monitor the level of the working fluid. The amplifier pump is driven by the internal combustion engine.
  • Electric booster. This is one of the latest modifications. It does not require complicated maintenance, as well as fine-tuning. Provides maximum steering responsiveness. As the name implies, the mechanism is enhanced by the operation of an electric motor.
  • Electro-hydraulic amplifier. This modification works on the basis of power steering. The only difference is that the hydraulic pump is powered by electricity, and not connected to the motor drive, as in the first case. The last two developments allow you to use less fuel compared to the first type, since the system is not connected with the engine drive.
Device and types of car steering

In addition to various amplifiers, the car can be equipped with an active dynamic or adaptive control system. Their differences are as follows:

  1. Adjusts gear ratio depending on wheel speed. This ensures maximum stability on slippery roads. The system does not allow you to sharply turn the steering wheel, preventing from excessive or understeer.
  2. The dynamic system works on a similar principle, only an electric motor is used instead of a planetary drive.
  3. It is considered an innovative technology, since in such steering mechanisms there is no physical connection between the steering wheel and the steering mechanism. The system is controlled by an electronic control unit that analyzes a lot of data: from sensors of wheel speed, steering force, etc.

Recently, on some models of premium cars and sports cars, a special technology is installed with the rotation of not only the front but also the rear wheels. This increases the stability of the car when cornering at high speed. The rear wheels rotate depending on the vehicle speed.

Device and types of car steering

If the car travels at a maximum of 40km / h, then the rear axle rotates in the opposite direction from the front wheels (if they look to the right from the front, the rear wheels will look to the left).

When the speed of the car becomes higher than 40 km / h, then when entering the turn, the rear wheels will turn in the same direction as the front ones. This reduces the risk of skidding.

Steering Requirements

The steering of any vehicle must meet the following requirements:

  • Provide sufficient vehicle maneuverability at any speed. The driver should easily set the desired direction of the car;
  • It should be easy to use so that even a tired driver can safely get to the resting place;
  • When turning the wheels, the steering should ensure the most clean rolling. On bends, the wheels should not slip so that the car does not lose its stability. For this, the angle of inclination and rotation of the wheels should be clearly calibrated;
  • Return the wheels back in a straight direction (along the body), after the driver stops making efforts to turn;
  • Dampen vibrations when driving on rough road surfaces;
  • Possess high responsiveness to any driver’s commands;
  • Even if the amplifiers fail, the mechanism should still allow the driver to control the machine.
Device and types of car steering

Another parameter that belongs to the category of requirements for steering is steering clearance. More about acceptable play clearance is described in separate article.

Features of left and right steering

It is no secret to anyone that the law of some countries provides for left-hand traffic on the road. In this case, the steering wheel will be installed on the right side of the car, and the driver will naturally sit where it is customary to see the front passenger in our region.

The difference between this steering is not only the location of the steering wheel in the cabin. The manufacturer also adapts the steering mechanism in accordance with the connection to the gearbox. But even in this case, a car designed for use on left-hand drive roads can be converted to right-hand drive conditions. To do this, before buying the original car, you should find out whether the appropriate steering gears are sold, allowing you to convert this car.

Device and types of car steering

Some types of agricultural machinery use a hydraulic system that allows the steering wheel to be installed in any part of the cab. In this case, the connection between the steering wheel and the steering gear is provided by hydraulics, which is controlled by a metering pump.

In this modification, there is no backlash (even the factory one), since it does not have a gearbox with a gear, worm, or screw transmission. Of course, in passenger transport such a system is extremely rare. Its main application is large-scale special equipment.

The main malfunctions of the steering

Steering faults include:

  • Steering wheel play (from which it occurs, read here);
  • Knocking while driving (resulting from loosening the steering mechanism mounting bolts);
  • Deterioration of the steering rod joints;
  • Wear of teeth on the transmission pair (on a gear, rack, worm or roller);
  • Violation of the adjustment of the gearing mechanism;
  • Faults in the hydraulic or electric booster (for faults and possible repair options, read in a separate article).

To eliminate malfunctions, it is required to tighten all fastening bolts, replace worn parts and adjust the transmission pair mechanism. In most cases, the steering rarely fails suddenly. Thanks to timely maintenance, the main elements will last long enough (often even longer than the period set by the manufacturer).

Questions and answers:

What are the types of steering? Three types of mechanisms are common: rack, worm and screw. In budget cars, the first type of steering mechanism is used. Any of them may contain an amplifier.

What is the purpose of the steering? Provides the movement of the car in the direction set by the driver. The mechanism moves the steering wheels in a horizontal plane. It is forbidden to drive with a faulty steering system.

What are the main parts of the steering wheel? It consists of: a transverse link, a lower arm, a pivot pin, an upper arm, a longitudinal link, a steering gear bipod, a steering gear, a steering shaft and a steering wheel.

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