As a driver or operator of an automobile, either of the types or class of vehicle, one of the control mechanism which is present in the car is the steering. This is what the driver holds in his hands and turn wherever he/she wants to and the steering serves more than this purpose. From the conception of cars, ranging from the first type of cars that were first manufactured, there was never anything like a power steering but with time, improvements made modifications and then a greater control system using hydraulic mode of operation with a closed loop control system in action.
Now let me tell all about some components of the steering system, the way this system is designed is that slight inaccuracies in the steering linkage or wear in the system is automatically taken up or compensated by the expanding spring. Stops on the axle beam prevent damages to the steering box and at the same time prevents the wheels turning at too great an angle and contacting the car frame.
Without the steering box, it would require a great deal of effort to move the front wheels if the steering wheel was connected directly to the steering linkage. To assist the driver, a reduction system is used to having a movement ratio between 10 and 22:1, the actual value depending on the type and weight of the vehicle. Another function of the steering box is to change the rotary movement of the steering wheel to lateral movement of the track rod. There are many different designs but the following are most common.
- Cam and roller
- Cam and peg
- Recirculating ball
- Rack and pinion.
Always use the recommended power steering oil for your vehicle as prescribed by your manufacturer.
Always contact your automobile repair service team whenever you find it hard in turning the steering wheel.