You turn the steering wheel, and the car’s wheels simply follow…but how simple is it, really? Your car’s steering isn’t necessarily complicated, but it is critical to the car’s function.
Types of Steering Systems
Most cars, trucks, and SUV’s use a rack-and-pinion steering system. At the end of the steering shaft is a pinion gear. Meanwhile, the rack is on the axel that connects the wheels. The rack has a series of teeth in it, and the pinion gear sits in these teeth. When the steering wheel turns, the pinion gear also turns, moving the rack back and forth. Rack-and-pinion steering makes it easier t turn the steering wheel and converts the rotational motion of the wheel into the linear motion needed to turn the wheels.
Heavier trucks and SUV’s sometimes have recirculating-ball steering. It has a few extra parts. The steering shaft goes into a box and has a worm gear at the end. Inside the box are two parts: a block of metal with a threaded hole in it; and a pitman arm, which connects to the tile and tracking arms attached to the tires. When the steering wheel turns, it actually turns a bolt in the box, which moves the block, which finally moves the gears to turn the wheels.
How Power Steering Works
Power steering can be used with either rack-and-pinion or recirculating-ball steering. Essentially a power-steering system operates by changing fluid pressure in a cylinder in the steering system. As fluid pressure builds, the gears turn as needed—with less effort required to turn the wheel.
Power steering has become an incredibly common feature in modern automobiles. Although it is still possible to steer a car if the power steering goes out, the process requires much more effort. Power steering usually doesn’t go out suddenly, unless the hydraulic pump that powers the system goes out. Instead, you may notice that it’s increasingly more difficult to turn the wheel. Here are some telltale signs that your power steering system needs a little TLC:
- Gummy or discolored power steering fluid
- Bubbles or foam in the fluid
- Chrome or metal flakes on or around the steering apparatus
- Low power steering fluid
- Leaking power steering fluid
- A squealing noise when you turn the wheel sharply or suddenly
- Jumpy, choppy, or loose steering
Although you may be able to add power steering fluid yourself, other repairs to your steering system will require an expert. If you’ve noticed any changes in steering, seek a reliable mechanic. Call Sandalwood Car Care at 904-641-7377. We’ve proudly served Jacksonville for over 20 years.
