Lesson 1/Learning Event 1
The nut has teeth on one side that mesh with the sector and turn the pitman
arm shaft back and forth as the nut is moved back and forth. As with all
the rest of the steering gears described, the end play of the worm and the
backlash between the nut and sector teeth are adjustable.
FIGURE 8. RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR.
RACK AND PINION TYPE
In the rack and pinion steering system, the steering gear shaft has a pinion
gear on the end that meshes with a long rack. The rack is connected to the
steering arms by tie rods, which are adjustable to maintain proper toe
angle. As the steering wheel is rotated, the pinion gear on the end of the
steering shaft rotates. The pinion moves the rack left and right to operate
the steering linkage. Rack and pinion gears are used on small passenger
vehicles where a high degree of precision steering is required. Their use
on larger vehicles is limited.
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