The task of the steering mechanism is to change the direction of the car. In most cars, only the direction of the front wheels can be changed, but there are modern models that are controlled by changing the direction of all four wheels.

The steering system consists of a steering device and a drive. Turning the steering wheel causes the engine to move forward. The steerable wheels then turn and the vehicle changes direction.

During this process, the initial movement of the driver is amplified several times. The steering device diagram shows which parts and mechanisms are involved in the process of driving a car. Power boosters are additionally installed on modern cars and trucks designed to transport large loads. Hydraulic boosters make driving easier and increase traffic safety.

Steering device

Worm type steering gear

This is the oldest type of steering. The system consists of a crankcase with an integrated screw, called the "worm". The "worm" is directly connected to the steering shaft. In addition to the screw, the system has another shaft with a sector roller. The rotation of the steering wheel leads to the rotation of the "worm" and the subsequent rotation of the roller-sector. A steering arm is attached to the roller-sector, connected by means of articulated control with a system of rods.

As a result of this linkage system, the steered wheels turn and the vehicle changes direction. The worm type steering mechanism has a number of disadvantages. Firstly, this is a large loss of energy due to high friction inside the mechanism. Secondly, there is no rigid connection between the wheels and the steering wheel. Thirdly, in order to change the direction of movement, you need to turn the steering wheel several times, which not only looks outdated, but also does not meet the standards of control existing in the world. Currently, worm-type devices are used only in Russian UAZs, VAZs with rear wheel drive and GAZakh.

Screw type steering gear

The screw mechanism is also called the "screw-ball nut". In developing this system, the designers replaced the "worm" with a special screw with a ball nut attached to it. On the outer side of the nut there are teeth, which come into contact with the same sector roller as in the previous system.

In order to reduce friction, the developers proposed to place ball channels between the sector roller and the nut. Thanks to this solution, it was possible to significantly reduce friction, increase returns and facilitate control. However, the presence of the same complex system of rods, the large size and inconvenient shape of the screw mechanism led to the fact that the screw system was also recognized as unsuitable for modern conditions. However, some well-known car manufacturers still use the "screw-ball nut" mechanism in the manufacture of machines with a longitudinal engine. Automobiles have similar mechanisms Nissan Patrol, Mitsubishi Pajero and others.

Rack and pinion steering

1. tie rod end;
2. tip ball joint;
3. rotary lever;
4. lock-nut;
5. thrust;
6. bolts for fastening the steering rods to the rail;
7. inner tie rod ends;
8. steering gear bracket;
9. steering gear support;
10. protective case;
11. connecting plate;
12. locking plate;
13. damping ring;
14. rail support sleeve;
15. rail;
16. steering gear housing;
17. coupling bolt;
18. lower flange of the flexible coupling;
19. upper part of the facing casing;
20. damper;
21. wheel;
22. ball bearing;
23. steering shaft;
24. the lower part of the facing casing;
25. steering shaft mounting bracket;
26. protective cap;
27. roller bearing;
28. drive gear;
29. ball bearing;
30. retaining ring;
31. protective washer;
32. sealing ring;
33. bearing nut;
34. anther;
35. stop sealing ring;
36. stop ring nut;
37. rail emphasis;
38. spring;
39. stop nut;
40. ball joint pin;
41. protective cap;
42. ball pin insert;

A. label on the boot;
B. mark on the steering gear case;
C. ball joint surface;
D. Swing arm surface

The rack and pinion design is the most common steering device. The strength of this design lies in its simplicity. This simple and progressive mechanism is used in the production of 90% of cars. At the heart of the steering rack device is the main element - the shaft rack. The shaft rail is equipped with transverse teeth. On the steering shaft is a gear that engages with the teeth of the steering shaft and moves the rack.

Thanks to the use of this system, it was possible to minimize the number of articulated joints and significantly save energy. Each wheel "relies" on two hinges and one rod. For comparison: in the "screw-ball nut" system, the wheel corresponds to three rods, in the "worm" mechanism - five rods. steering rack provided an almost direct connection between the steering wheel and the wheels, which means that it increased the ease of driving by several times. Such a steering device of the car made it possible to change the direction of movement with a minimum number of turns of the steering wheel.

Another advantage of the rack design is the size and shape of the crankcase. With its small size and oblong shape, the crankcase can fit anywhere in the car. Automakers place the crankcase above the engine, under the engine, in front or behind, based on the car model. The rack and pinion mechanism made it possible to achieve an almost instantaneous reaction of the wheels to the steering wheel. This system made it possible to create speed cars with a modern, advanced control system.

Amplifier

The amplifier is used to facilitate control. Thanks to the amplifier, it is possible to achieve greater control accuracy, increase the speed of transmission of movement from the steering wheel to the wheel. The car with the amplifier is controlled easier, easier, faster. The booster can be electric, pneumatic or hydraulic. Most modern cars a hydraulic booster powered by an electric motor is used.

The hydraulic booster consists of a rotary valve and a vane pump. Due to the movement of the vane pump, hydraulic energy is supplied to the steering mechanism. The pump is powered by electric motor car. It moves hydraulic fluid. The pressure is regulated by a safety valve built into the pump. It is easy to guess that the greater the speed of the engine, the greater the amount of fluid entering the pumping mechanism.

New technologies

Recently, automakers have begun to produce models with an electric amplifier. These vehicles are driven on-board computer", that is electronic system working in automatic mode. Most of all, this system resembles a computer game in which special sensors installed on the steering wheel feed information to the central computer about all changes and change the position of the mechanisms.

Weak links in steering

Like any other mechanism, the steering breaks down from time to time. An experienced driver listens to his car and can determine the presence of a particular malfunction by characteristic sounds.

For example, knocking or increased play in the steering wheel may indicate that the steering gear is loose in the crankcase, swing arm bracket, or steering arm. It could also be a sign that the tie rod joints, transmission pair, or swingarm bushing have become unusable. These malfunctions can be eliminated with the help of simple manipulations: replacing worn parts, adjusting gears or fasteners.

In the event that excessive resistance is felt during the rotation of the steering wheel, it can be said that the ratio of the front wheel alignment angles or the engagement of the transmission pair has been violated. Also, the steering wheel can move tightly in the absence of lubrication in the crankcase. These shortcomings should be eliminated: add lubricant, balance the installation angles, adjust the engagement.

Prevention

In order for the car steering device to serve for a long time, it is necessary to pay attention to its prevention. A thorough check of the parts and steering mechanisms can save you from breakdowns that require long and expensive repairs. In addition to prevention, great importance has a driving style.

Malfunctions can be prevented by timely Maintenance, which includes diagnostics of the state of the steering mechanism and other important details and car parts.

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Rice. one

The worm gear steering mechanism consists of:

steering wheel with shaft,

Carter worm pair,

Pairs of "worm-roller",

Pilot bipod.

In the crankcase of the steering mechanism, a pair of "worm-roller" is in constant engagement. The worm is nothing more than the lower end of the steering shaft, and the roller, in turn, is located on the steering arm shaft. When the steering wheel is rotated, the roller begins to move along the screw thread of the worm, which leads to the rotation of the steering arm shaft. A worm pair, like any other gear connection, requires lubrication, and therefore oil is poured into the steering gear housing, the brand of which is indicated in the instructions for the car. The result of the interaction of the "worm-roller" pair is the transformation of the rotation of the steering wheel into the rotation of the steering arm in one direction or another. And then the force is transferred to the steering drive and from it to the steered (front) wheels.

The steering gear used with the worm type mechanism includes:

Right and left side traction,

medium thrust,

pendulum lever,

Right and left wheel swivel arms.

Each Tie Rod has hinges at its ends so that the moving parts of the steering gear can freely rotate relative to each other and the body in different planes.

The advantages of the worm-roller mechanism include:

Low propensity to transfer shocks from road bumps

Large steering angles

Possibility of high power transfer

The disadvantages are:

A large number of rods and articulations with ever-accumulating backlash

- “heavy” and uninformative steering wheel

Difficulties in manufacturing technology

Steering gear type “screw-nut-sector”

Rice. 2 Steering gear type "screw - ball nut - rail - sector"

1 - distributor;

3 - balls with a recirculation tube;

4 - piston rail;

5 -- toothed sector;

6 - bipod shaft;

7 -- restrictive valve

The full name is "screw-ball nut-rail-sector". The screw 2, which ends the steering shaft, pushes the piston-rack 4 along its axis through the balls 3 circulating along the thread. And that, in turn, turns the gear sector 5 of the steering arm. Due to the ability to transmit large moments, it is installed on trucks, pickups and large SUVs operating in extreme conditions.

Advantages of the “screw-ball nut-rack-sector” steering mechanism:

Possibility of high gear ratio design

Disadvantages of the steering mechanism “screw-ball nut-rail-sector”:

Non-technological

Expensive

Large dimensions

Heavy

Rack and pinion steering

In the rack-and-pinion steering mechanism, the force is transmitted to the wheels by means of a spur or helical gear mounted in bearings and a rack and pinion moving in guide bushings. To ensure backlash-free engagement, the rack is pressed against the gear by springs. The steering gear is connected by a shaft to the steering wheel, and the rack is connected to two transverse rods, which can be mounted in the middle or at the ends of the rack. A full turn of the steered wheels from one extreme position to another is carried out in 1.75 ... 2.5 turns of the steering wheel. The gear ratios of the mechanism are determined by the ratio of the number of revolutions of the gear wheel, equal to the number of revolutions of the steering wheel, to the distance of movement of the rack.

The rack and pinion steering mechanism consists of a crankcase cast from an aluminum alloy. A drive gear is installed in the crankcase cavity on ball and roller bearings. Marks are made on the crankcase and on the anther for the correct assembly of the steering mechanism. The toothed wheel is engaged with the toothed rack, which is pressed against the toothed wheel by a spring through a ceramic-metal stop. The spring is pressed by a nut with a retaining ring, creating resistance to loosening the nut. The spring-loaded stop facilitates backlash-free engagement of the gear wheel with the gear rack over the entire stroke. The rail rests at one end on the stop, and at the other end on a split plastic sleeve. The travel of the rack is limited in one direction by a ring pressed onto the rack, and in the other direction by a bushing of the rubber-metal hinge of the left steering rod. The cavity of the crankcase of the steering mechanism is protected from contamination by a corrugated cover.

The steering shaft is connected to the drive gear with an elastic coupling. The upper part of the shaft rests on a deep groove ball bearing pressed into the bracket tube. At the upper end of the shaft, the steering wheel is fastened with a nut on the splines through the damping element.

Variable ratio steering

Near the zero position of the steering wheel, when driving in a straight line at high speed, excessive steering sharpness is undesirable, it makes the driver tense up. And when parking or turning, on the contrary, I would like to have a smaller gear ratio - in order to turn the steering wheel at the smallest possible angle. To do this, there are several schemes of rack and pinion steering mechanisms.

This is how the ZF variable ratio rack and pinion steering works. Here the profile of the rack teeth and the gearing shoulder are changed

The Honda VGR (Variable Gear Ratio) rack and pinion steering was used on Honda cars NSX

The ZF company uses rack teeth with a variable profile: in the near-zero zone, the teeth are triangular, and closer to the edges, they are trapezoidal. The gear engages with them with a different shoulder, which helps to slightly change the gear ratio. And another, more complex, option was used by Honda on their NSX supercar. Here the rack and pinion teeth are made with variable pitch, profile and curvature. True, the gear has to be moved up and down, but the gear ratio can be varied over a much wider range.

The steering drive consists of two horizontal rods and swing arms of the telescopic struts of the front suspension. The rods are connected to the swing arms using ball joints. The swing arms are welded to the front suspension struts. The rods transmit the force to the pivot arms of the telescopic wheel suspension struts and respectively turn them to the right or left.

The benefits of rack and pinion steering include:

Light weight

compactness

low price

Minimum number of rods and hinges

Ease of connection of the steering gear with the steered wheels

Direct transmission of force

High rigidity and efficiency

Easy to equip with hydraulic booster

Flaws:

Due to the simplicity of the design, any push from the wheels is transmitted to the steering wheel.

Difficulties in the manufacture of a mechanism with a high gear ratio, therefore, such a mechanism is not suitable for heavy machines.

Selection and justification of the chosen design

In terms of its technological, price, and design qualities, the rack-and-pinion steering mechanism is most suitable for the front-wheel drive layout and McPherson suspension, providing greater ease and steering precision.

When designing the VAZ-2123 car, they tried to take as many nodes as possible from the VAZ-2121 model, so a “worm-roller” type mechanism was installed on the car. However Chevrolet Niva is not a powerful SUV, so that it would be advisable to put this mechanism on it. It is more expensive, technologically complex, heavier. The possibilities that the worm gear gives the car are not fully used. When using reykm, the concentration of stress from the steering mechanism on the side member is excluded, there is no need to strengthen it at the place where the mechanism is attached.

For all these reasons, I consider it necessary to replace the worm-roller mechanism with a cheaper, lighter, more technologically advanced rack and pinion mechanism that provides the necessary ease and accuracy of steering.

Due to the fact that the type of mechanism will be replaced, it is necessary to make a number of changes to the design of other components and assemblies:

Since it is not possible to place the rack and pinion behind the axle of the front wheels, we put it in front of the axle;

In order to free up space between the engine tray and the differential for the rack, we shift the cross-axle differential by the same distance (20.5 mm) back, which does not change the balance of the entire assembly;

Since the rack is located in front of the axle, the wheel brake caliper must be located at the rear.

Each node and mechanism of the car is important in its own way. Perhaps there is no such system, without which the car could function normally. One such system is the steering mechanism. This is probably one of the most important parts of the car. Let's look at how this node is arranged, its purpose, structural elements. And also learn how to regulate and repair this system.

Typical technical solutions

Rack type control is one of the most popular types of control systems. Most modern passenger cars are equipped with such a mechanism today. The steering mechanism consists of a gear and a steering rack. The steering wheel is fixed on the shaft. The gear is also attached to the same shaft. She is always in constant engagement with the steering rack. To do this, teeth are made on the rail.

The principle of operation of rack and pinion tie rod

The driver turns the steering wheel in the desired direction. At the same time, the gear rotates, and the rack moves with it. Steering rods are attached to the rack, which move the wheels.

Among the advantages of such a system are the simplicity of design, high efficiency. But the rack and pinion steering is very fond of careful driving.

Worm drive

Here, a globoidal worm stands out in the design. It connects to the steering shaft. The design also includes a special roller. This roller has a bipod that is not in the system case. The bipod moves the tie rods.

When the driver turns the steering wheel, the worm also works, and the roller works on it. The last to change the position of the bipod and rods on the wheels.

This drive is often found in classic models of the Soviet automobile industry. But, this design is sometimes found on SUVs and trucks. AT trucks it works just perfect. This is how the steering mechanism of UAZ, Classic cars and many other models and brands of the domestic auto industry is arranged.

screw gearbox

This mechanism is mounted in a sealed case. The design includes a screw on the steering shaft, a nut, and a gear rack. The nut can move along the shaft, and this very rail is cut on it. Such designs were used on some VAZ models, and the KamAZ steering mechanism works on the same principle, but with a hydraulic booster.

How does a screw gearbox work?

Here the work is like a worm. When the steering wheel is turned, the nut moves and displaces the gear sectors and bipod. The bipod pulls or pushes traction.

Steering gear VAZ

On the classic models of these cars, a steering gear is used. For more modern models rack mechanism is used. Using the VAZ-2105 as an example, let's look at the design of the mechanism, and also consider the implementation of rack and pinion control from AvtoVAZ engineers.

The steering system is simple and well thought out. Among the most interesting knots is the trapezium. It, in turn, itself consists of a large number of different levers and traction mechanisms.

Most car enthusiasts consider the steering column not too powerful, but this is not so. This steering wheel reliably withstands all tests. She can handle even the most extreme road conditions.

The device of the VAZ-2105 steering mechanism is not as archaic as it might seem at first glance. The column is equipped with a special plate that, in the event of an accident, literally folds the steering shaft, and the wheel will not cause injury to the driver. The worm gear, gearbox and levers greatly increase the driver's effort. It doesn't take much effort to turn. But for driving "classics" force is still needed.

In details

Inside the steering housing in the VAZ-2105, a cardan gear is hidden, which goes to the gearbox. In order to connect the cardan shaft, a cross is used. The whole structure is quite reliable and lasts a very long time. All knots and details are made from high-quality steel alloys. That's why there are so few accidents with steering problems.

One of the most complex parts in a steering wheel is the gearbox. It works on the principle of a worm gear. The worm is known for its gaps and rapid wear. Therefore, the engineers prudently equipped the gearbox housing with an adjusting bolt. It regulates the gaps between the bipod and the worm. So, there are no gaps - there will be no beating in the wheels.

Unpretentious and reliable

Gearbox parts are placed in an oil bath. This greatly reduces wear. As a lubricant - ordinary transmission oil. The VAZ-2105 rods are fixed on special hinges, and are protected by anthers.

There is no need for constant lubrication and injection of mechanisms and components. It is only necessary to check the condition of the anthers from time to time. In order to disassemble the rods, you may need special tools, but they can be easily made in a garage if necessary.

Typical malfunctions

In the “classics”, steering malfunctions are characterized not only by loss of control, but also by backlash, as well as various knocks and extraneous sounds. Often a column knocks, or more precisely, one of the worn crosses. Previously, craftsmen pressed out the part and replaced it. Today they don't do that anymore. Heard the sound complete replacement along with cardan.

If the steering mechanism knocks in several places, then it is also necessary to replace the entire control, including the gearbox. If damage to the anthers is detected, then they just need to be replaced with new ones. Some owners of these cars do not service these mechanisms for many years, but only control the condition of the fingers from time to time.

Among the more serious breakdowns is the deformation of rods or levers. This happens with careless driving at high speeds. Sometimes it is difficult to figure out whether to change the steering or not to change. Damaged traction is sometimes quite difficult to replace. Repair of the steering mechanism is reduced to the replacement of damaged parts.

If a crunch is heard when turning, then it is necessary to look for a damaged bearing. He can be anywhere. Replacement is considered a complicated procedure, it is quite difficult to disassemble the steering column. And if the gearbox can be replaced with your own hands, then it is better to repair the steering by specialists.

Worm gear setting

Even careful adjustment will not overcome the problem of "yaw" on the road. First, you need to adjust the gearbox. This operation can be quite difficult for beginners.

To perform the adjustment, you need a flat area. Then, using a puller, remove the fingers and bipod. Further, everything is much simpler - you need to swing the bipod, hold the steering wheel and catch the gap in the gearbox gear. If play is observed, then unscrew the nut, screw in the adjustment screw and tighten the nut.

It is important to do everything very carefully, because there is a risk of breaking the threads on the screw. Yes, and so the management will be very tight. Force can be controlled when the bipod is in position and the fingers are in place. You can check the force with a torque wrench. It should be 25 kgf.

In some cases, adjustments do nothing. If wear is observed, then in this case only the replacement of the gearbox will help.

VAZ rack and pinion control

The rail is attached to the engine compartment. The system is made in a cast aluminum crankcase. The crankcase has a drive gear. To limit the axial movement of the shaft, a special bearing is used. The inner race of the bearing is held in place by a circlip. All nodes are covered with anthers.

The rack is pressed against the gear teeth with the help of a special spring, but not directly, but through a cermet stop. The rail has marks for adjustments. The spring is also pressed by an adjustment nut with a retaining ring.

Adjustment of the rack and pinion steering mechanism on the VAZ

The gap between the rack and the gear can be adjusted only by completely disassembling the mechanism. Also adjust the rail if extraneous sounds are observed.

To adjust the gap, you must first install the rail stop with a seal until it touches the rail, and then you need to insert the retaining ring, then the spring, and then assemble it all. The nut is tightened with a torque of not more than 1.37 kgf. In this case, the gap must be set in the region of 0.12 mm, and allowable size- 0.2 mm.

After assembly, check the ease of operation of the steering wheel, the absence of various extraneous sounds.

How is the steering on GAZ arranged?

The GAZ steering mechanism is assembled in an aluminum housing. The working elements are a screw and a ball nut. The design also includes a shaft-sector. The screw is mounted on two angular contact bearings. A ball nut with a groove inside is mounted on the screw. There are balls between the screw and the nut. The splines of the shaft-sector are conical in shape, and a bipod is installed on them. Also in the design there are steering rods, fist levers, articulated rods.

Adjust the steering if the steering wheel has free play. To adjust the gaps, it is advisable to completely remove the mechanism. Next, you need to remove the plastic protective cover and seal. Next, use a 13 key to unscrew the cover bolts. The cover can be easily removed. The adjustment pad is also removed.

Then put the cover back on and screw it on. After checking the backlash, you can proceed to adjust the gap between the nut and the shaft. To do this, a bipod is installed on the shaft and, by rotating the adjustment screw, the bipod is set in the middle position. Then it remains to shake the shaft, holding it by the bipod. There shouldn't be a move. If there is still a move, then again remove the plastic cover, remove the plug, remove the retaining rings, straighten the holes on the edge of the shaft bearing ring with a thin tool with a blunt end. Now, using a special key, you need to turn the eccentric bearing rings clockwise.

Steering gear maintenance

Every day, sitting behind the wheel, it is advisable to check the free play of the steering wheel. After 2-3 thousand kilometers and beyond, for domestic cars- after 10 thousand, it should be carried out full check the state of the mechanism. During the check, the mechanisms and drives are cleaned of dirt.

In the presence of knocks, squeaks, beats of the wheels or steering wheel, it is desirable to replace the steering mechanism. For example, repairing a gearbox is a rather complicated process, and installing a new one solves all problems. The same happens with the rack mechanism.

So, we found out how the steering mechanism of a car works, how to adjust it and replace it with our own hands.

Many will agree that the engine is the backbone of the car. And indeed it is. However, it is also difficult to imagine a car without steering. This is an important and necessary element in every car. The task of steering is to ensure the movement of the vehicle in a given direction. This node consists of several components. These are the steering wheel, column, drive and steering gear. We will talk about the latter today.

Functions

The steering mechanism has several main tasks:

• Transfer of forces to the drive.
• The increase in effort that is applied by the driver to the steering wheel.
• Independent return of the steering wheel to the neutral position when the load is removed.

Varieties

This element can be of several types. Today there are the following types of steering mechanisms:

• Rack.
• Worm.
• Screw.

What is each of them? We will consider all these types of mechanisms separately.

Rack

At the moment it is one of the most common. It is mainly installed on cars and crossovers. The rack and pinion steering mechanism requires the following parts:

The first was mounted on the steering shaft. The pinion is in constant mesh with the rack. Active this mechanism pretty simple. When the steering wheel is turned, the rack moves to the right or left. In this case, the rods that are attached to the drive turn the steered wheels at a given angle.

Among the advantages of such a mechanism, it is worth noting the simplicity of design, high efficiency and high rigidity. However, at the same time, such a mechanism is very sensitive to bumps in the road, which is why it wears out quickly. Often, used car owners are faced with the problem of a knocking rack. This is a consequence of the wear of the steering mechanism. Therefore, the element is installed only on certain types of cars. Basically, these are front-wheel drive cars with independent front suspension. If we talk about the VAZ, then the rail is found on all models, starting with the G8. On the "classic" a slightly different steering mechanism is installed.

Worm

It is this type that is used on domestic Zhiguli, as well as on some buses and light trucks. This node consists of:

• Worm of globoid type with variable diameter.
• The steering shaft to which the worm is connected.
• roller.

A bipod is located outside the steering gear. This is a special lever that is connected to the drive rods. The steering mechanism on the GAZ-3302 is arranged according to the same scheme.

Among the advantages of such a node, it is worth noting less sensitivity to shock loads. Therefore, this steering mechanism, installed on the VAZ-2107, is practically eternal. Owners rarely experience knocking and vibrations on the steering wheel. However, this design scheme has more connections. Therefore, periodically the mechanism needs to be adjusted.

Screw

This is a more complex node in the device. Its design includes:

• Screw. Located on the steering wheel shaft.
• Screw. It moves over the previous element.
• Rack.
• gear selector. It is connected to the rail.
• Steering column. Located on the selector shaft.

The key feature of this mechanism is the way the nut and screw are connected. Fastening is carried out using balls. Thus, less wear and friction of the pair is achieved.

The principle of operation of the screw element is similar to the worm. The steering wheel is turned by turning the screw, which moves the nut. The latter moves the gear sector with the help of the rack, and with it the steering arm.

Where is the screw mechanism used? Often, it is used on heavy commercial vehicles - trucks and buses. If speak about cars, then these are only representative class models. The mechanism is more complex in the device and expensive, therefore, it significantly increases the cost of the car itself.

Amplifier

Now almost all cars use power steering. It serves to reduce the effort required to turn the front wheels. This element allows for high precision and speed of steering. At the moment, there are several types of amplifiers:

• Hydraulic.
• Electric.

The first type is more popular. Fits both cars and trucks. The amplifier device has a pump that creates a certain pressure in the hydraulic system. Depending on the side of the steering wheel, this fluid presses on the first or second rack circuit. Thus, the force required to turn is reduced. Among the advantages of the hydraulic system, it is worth noting high reliability. The amplifier rarely fails. However, since the pump mechanism is driven by the crankshaft, some power is taken from the internal combustion engine. Although on modern engines it is not noticeable at all.

The electric booster consists of a separate motor. The torque from it is transmitted to the steering wheel shaft itself. The design is used only on passenger cars, as it is not designed for high efforts.

The EUR is equipped with separate electronics, which controls this engine. Sometimes the amplifier is understaffed with adaptive systems that are aimed at increasing safety when driving along the lane.

Among the innovative solutions, it is worth noting the dynamic control system from Audi. Here gear ratio varies depending on the current vehicle speed. Thus, at high speeds, the steering is hard and knocked down, while when parking it becomes light. The gear ratio is changed using a double planetary gear that is added to the shaft. Its body can rotate depending on the speed of the car.

Conclusion

So, we found out what this mechanism is. This is a very responsible node in the steering. Regardless of the type, it must be checked periodically. After all, losing control at speed is the most dangerous thing that can happen to a driver.

The basis of the steering of any car is the steering mechanism. It is designed to convert the rotational movements of the steering wheel into reciprocating movements of the steering gear. In other words, this device turns the steering wheel into the desired movement of the rods and the rotation of the steered wheels. The main parameter of the mechanism is the gear ratio. And the device itself, in fact, is a gearbox, i.e. mechanical transmission.

Movement functions

The main functions of the device are:

• conversion of effort from the steering wheel (steering wheel);
• transmission of the received force to the steering gear.

Types of steering mechanisms

The device of the steering mechanism differs depending on the method of converting torque. According to this parameter, worm and rack types of mechanisms are distinguished. There is also a screw type, the principle of operation of which is similar to a worm gear, but it has a greater efficiency and implements more effort.

Worm steering mechanism: device, principle of operation, advantages and disadvantages

This steering mechanism is one of the "obsolete" devices. They are equipped with almost all models of domestic "classics". The mechanism is used on cars with cross-country ability with dependent suspension of steered wheels, as well as in light trucks and buses.

Structurally, the device consists of the following elements:

• steering shaft;
• transmission "worm-roller";
• crankcase;
• steering column.

A pair of "worm-roller" is in constant engagement. The globoidal worm is the lower part of the steering shaft, and the roller is mounted on the bipod shaft. When the steering wheel is rotated, the roller moves along the teeth of the worm, due to which the steering arm shaft also rotates. The result of this interaction is the transfer of translational movements to the drive and wheels.

The worm gear steering has the following advantages:

• the ability to turn the wheels at a greater angle;
• shock absorption from road bumps;
• transfer of great effort;
• providing better maneuverability of the machine.

The manufacture of the structure is quite complicated and expensive - this is its main disadvantage. with such a mechanism consists of many connections, the periodic adjustment of which is simply necessary. Otherwise, damaged items will have to be replaced.

Rack and pinion steering mechanism: device, principle of operation, advantages and disadvantages

The rack and pinion steering mechanism is considered more modern and convenient. Unlike the previous node, this device is applicable on vehicles with independent wheel suspension.

The rack and pinion steering mechanism includes the following elements:

• mechanism body;
• rack and pinion transmission.

The gear is mounted on the steering shaft and is in constant engagement with the rack. During the rotation of the steering wheel, the rack moves in a horizontal plane. As a result, the steering rods connected to it also move and set the steered wheels in motion.

The gear-rack mechanism is distinguished by its simple design and high efficiency. Its advantages also include:

• fewer hinges and rods;
• compactness and low price;
• reliability and simplicity of design.

On the other hand, this type of gearbox is sensitive to bumps from road bumps - any push from the wheels will be transmitted to the steering wheel.

screw gearbox

A feature of this mechanism is the connection with the help of balls of a screw and a nut. Due to which there is less friction and wear of the elements. The mechanism consists of the following elements:

• steering wheel shaft with screw
• screw nut
• gear rack, threaded on a nut
• toothed sector to which the rack is connected
• steering arm

Helical steering gear is used in buses, heavy trucks and some luxury cars.

Device adjustment

Steering gear adjustment is used to compensate for gaps in the worm-roller and pinion-rack mechanisms. During operation, play may appear in these mechanisms, which can lead to rapid wear of the elements. It is necessary to adjust the steering mechanism only in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer and at specialized service stations. Excessive "clamping" of the mechanism can lead to jamming when turning the steering wheel to the extreme positions, which is fraught with loss of control of the car with corresponding consequences.