A rack and pinion gearset is enclosed in a metal tube with each end of the rack protruding from the tube.
Simple rack and pinion steering diagram.
This pinion runs in mesh with a rack that is connected to the steering tie rods.
Both the pinion and the rack teeth are helical gears.
The steering system converts the rotation of the steering wheel into a swivelling movement of the road wheels in such a way that the steering wheel rim turns a long way to move the road wheels a short way.
Helical gearing gives smoother and quieter operation for the driver.
The popular rack and pinion steering system in most cars small trucks and suvs on the road today there is a rack and pinion steering system.
A typical rack and pinion steering layout showing how the rack acts directly on the road wheel steering arms.
It also provides a gear reduction so turning the wheels is easier.
Rack and pinion steering uses a gear set to convert the circular motion of the steering wheel into the linear motion required to turn the wheels.
It is actually a pretty simple mechanism.
Steering motion is transferred directly to the rack and then to the wheels so the steering is more precise and far more responsive.
Rack and pinion steering is quickly becoming the most common type of steering on cars small trucks and suvs.
As you can see in the diagrams rack and pinion steering systems have fewer moving parts inside the gear compared to recirculating ball steering systems.
The rack and pinion steering box has a pinion connected to the steering column.
Plus they have fewer joints in the steering linkage.