20-09-2012, 05:11 PM
Steering systems
Steering systems1.ppt (Size: 1.68 MB / Downloads: 72)
Steering system components
Steering wheel, column and shaft – driver inputs
Steering gear – changes direction – rotating steering wheel into linear motion
Steering linkage – connects steering gear to steering arms
Ball joints – allows movement of steering components and suspension
Steering wheel
Attaches to steering column and shaft by 1 or more fasteners, most single nut
Have an interference fit on the shaft – very tight fit, may need a puller
May contain an airbag assembly, radio controls, cruise controls, etc
Steering column
Contains and supports the steering shaft
May have a tilt mechanism
May have telescoping mechanism
Also houses ignition switch
May be designed to collapse during front impact – has plastic or soft metal rivets that are easily damaged or broken from improper use or removal
Steering column coupler
Steering column couplers allow pivot points in the column
Like a universal joint
Loose or worn couplers will result in a loose steering feel, vibration, noise, or sticky steering feel
Impact
If the vehicle is involved in a front impact, always inspect the steering column and wheel
Squeaking, chirping or rubbing sounds indicate damage
Catching, binding and play indicate damage
Especially if the airbag deploys!
Steering ratio
Steering ratio is a measurement of how many turns of the steering wheel it takes to go from a full lock to the other full lock
Basically how many turns from all the way left to all the way right
Also measured from the center (straight) to a full lock turn
Fast ratio is 3 turns lock to lock
Slow is about 4 or 5 times lock to lock
15:1 ratio – wheels move 15deg for 1 deg of steering wheel movement
Steering systems1.ppt (Size: 1.68 MB / Downloads: 72)
Steering system components
Steering wheel, column and shaft – driver inputs
Steering gear – changes direction – rotating steering wheel into linear motion
Steering linkage – connects steering gear to steering arms
Ball joints – allows movement of steering components and suspension
Steering wheel
Attaches to steering column and shaft by 1 or more fasteners, most single nut
Have an interference fit on the shaft – very tight fit, may need a puller
May contain an airbag assembly, radio controls, cruise controls, etc
Steering column
Contains and supports the steering shaft
May have a tilt mechanism
May have telescoping mechanism
Also houses ignition switch
May be designed to collapse during front impact – has plastic or soft metal rivets that are easily damaged or broken from improper use or removal
Steering column coupler
Steering column couplers allow pivot points in the column
Like a universal joint
Loose or worn couplers will result in a loose steering feel, vibration, noise, or sticky steering feel
Impact
If the vehicle is involved in a front impact, always inspect the steering column and wheel
Squeaking, chirping or rubbing sounds indicate damage
Catching, binding and play indicate damage
Especially if the airbag deploys!
Steering ratio
Steering ratio is a measurement of how many turns of the steering wheel it takes to go from a full lock to the other full lock
Basically how many turns from all the way left to all the way right
Also measured from the center (straight) to a full lock turn
Fast ratio is 3 turns lock to lock
Slow is about 4 or 5 times lock to lock
15:1 ratio – wheels move 15deg for 1 deg of steering wheel movement