Steering spare parts for your car

Steering - an in-vehicle device for directional control

The steering system is a device used in various vehicles with which the direction of travel is controlled in a targeted manner. Swivel wheels on the front axle make the steering process possible. This movement is triggered by the steering wheel. In addition to the movable wheels on the axle and the steering wheel, a steering system also has many other, mostly hidden components. For example, we are talking about the tie rod, the steering gear, the steering knuckle and the steering column. Ackerman steering, as used in vehicles today, has been around since the 18th century. Systems of this type were therefore already in use before the introduction of the first automobiles with internal combustion engines. With such a steering system, each steerable wheel has its own pivot axis. Of course, the concept has been continuously developed and refined over the decades. With modern steering, the track between the left and right wheel can usually be adjusted. This setting has a significant impact on driving behavior.

What are the advantages of modern steering systems?

The advantages of a steering knuckle are manifold. In a vehicle with such a system, for example, the stability can be improved. But the relatively small space requirement is also one of the advantages. Not only cars, but also various commercial vehicles are nowadays equipped with this steering for these reasons.

Steering: spare parts and their function

Arguably the most obvious component of the steering system, the steering wheel is a device that allows the vehicle operator to align the wheels on the front axle in a left or right movement to keep the vehicle on course. The steering wheel is attached to the steering column. This ensures that the rotary movement arrives in the area of the axis. As a rule, this component is tubular or rod-shaped. The steering gear is required to convert the turning movement into a pushing movement. This step can be accomplished, for example, in combination with a pinion and a rack. This movement is transmitted to the tie rod. Last but not least, the tie rod, which is of course present on both the left and right side, ensures that the power is transmitted to the movable steering knuckle. The connection is made via a ball joint.

What is power steering and how does it work?

Modern cars are usually equipped with power steering. With power steering, the force exerted by the driver is increased, for example to make maneuvering easier. Large bikes in particular, which are very common today, require a great deal of effort to steer. Not only systems with hydraulic drives are used today, but also systems with electric drives. In addition, a power steering can be implemented both with an electrohydraulic drive and with an electromechanical drive.