Steering System

Obaidullah Bin Waqar

3rd Year – Junior Certificate
Clarin College, Athenry, Co. Galway.
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Contents
01 Steering Systems
This section explains what a steering system is and
the different types of steering systems.

02 The Main Component

Different steering systems are made out of different
parts but each of them must have this crucial
component.

03 Steering Mechanism
Explores the two steering Mechanisms and the
correct steering angle

04 Examples
Steering systems can be seen in virtually every
single vehicle, but they have been adapted
according to the vehicle.
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01: Steering
Systems
Definition

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What is a
Steering System?
A steering system is a mechanism
that transforms steering wheel
rotation into swiveling movement
of the road wheels in such a way
that the steering wheel rim turns
a long distance to move the road
wheels a short distance(left or
right). This changes the direction
the vehicle moves in.

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The steering force is transferred to the
wheels through a pivot joint system,
allowing the wheels to move up and down
without changing the steering angle.
Beside that, it ensures that the inner front
wheel, which must travel around a tighter
curve than the outer one, becomes more
sharply angled when cornering.

Source: https://mechaniclove.com/hydraulic-power-steering/

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Functions of Steering System
• There are many functions on a
steering system. These are the
most important ones:
• It provides stability to the
vehicle on the road
• Minimizes wear and tear
• Prevent road shock from
reaching the driver
• A steering system can provide
a self-tightening effect after
taking a turn.

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Advantages of Steering Systems
Rack and pinion system
• IT is more direct and has a faster
response time giving the driver a
better feel and better vehicle handling
• More efficient and lightweight as there
are fewer components compared to the
recirculating ball steering system. This
reduces the power and fuel
consumption of the vehicle
• It has a longer lifespan as it is easy to
maintain, and fewer parts can wear out.
Recirculating-ball steering
• It’s more durable and can withstand higher
loads and shock. This system is usually
used in off-road/heavy-duty vehicles
• It has more adjustable and customizable
ratios and feedback levels. This gives the
driver more control over the steering
characteristics and performance
• wider range of motion
• More compatible and adaptable with
different suspensions and wheel
alignments.
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02: The Main
Components

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 Steering Linkages
• A steering linkage is a system of pivots and
connecting parts located between the steering
arms and steering gear that moves the tires of a
vehicle.
• Steering linkages transfer motion from the
steering gear output to the steering arms, which
then send it to the wheels, allowing them to turn
in different directions. When a driver turns the
steering wheel, the system functions.
• Depending on the system, steering linkages
include a variety of components such as steering
knuckles, steering control arms, tie rod ends,
draglinks, Pitman arms, and ball joints.

Source: https://learnmech.com/components-of-steering-system-and-their-function/

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Parts of Steering Linkages
Steering control arm
Control arms are the components that connect the draglink
and steering knuckle so that when the draglink is moved in a
straight line, the arm then moves the steering knuckle chang-
ing its angle.

Tie end rods

Tie rod ends are ball sockets that connect each steering
knuckle's control arms. They aid in the transfer and synchro-
nization of steering action between both steering wheels. Tie
rods contain grease that works to cushion and protect the balls
and sockets of the linkage as they move against each other.

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Parts of Steering Linkages
Ball joints
These connect the steering control arm with the steering
knuckles. They allow the steering knuckles to have mo-
bility. Their important because they help the front wheel
move back and forth, as well as up and down. They do
not affect the steering.

Steering knuckles
Steering knuckles, which are attached to the front
axle beam by steel pins known as "kingpins," allow
the pivoting action required to steer the vehicle.
The knuckles also have a spindle that the bearings
and wheel hubs are mounted on.

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Types of Steering
Mechanism

1. Davis steering Mechanisms

Davis Steering is one of the steering mechanisms

that is made up entirely of sliding pairs, which
means that the pairs in the mechanism will slide
while steering the vehicle..

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Types of Steering Mechanism
2. Ackerman Steering Mechanism
The Ackermann steering principle is
used in most automobiles. The idea
behind Ackermann steering is that
the inner wheel should steer at a
greater angle than the outer wheel to
allow the vehicle to rotate around
the center point between the rear
wheel axes.

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Ackermann-steering-geometry-and-toe-b-V-angle-of-the-wheel-1_fig3_283425856 13
Correct steering Angle
• Perfect steering is achieved
when all four wheels roll
perfectly under all operating
conditions.
• When turning, the condition
of perfect rolling is met if the
axis of the front wheel meets
the axis of the rear wheel at
one point.
• Then the point is the
immediate creation of the
vehicle's center.

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04:Steering
Systems Examples
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Go-Kart
A go-kart system works by using a series of inter-
connected components to ensure precise turns.
Turning the steering wheel causes the steering
shaft to move. The motion is transferred to the
pitman arm, which influences the tie rods on the
left and right sides. In turn, the tie rod manipulates
the spindles attached to each wheel, causing a turn
to occur. This orchestration of mechanical ele-
ments enables the go-kart to navigate corners ef-
fectively while also responding quickly and accu-
rately to the driver's input.

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 Go-Kart
A steering system's function is to con-
trol the angular motion of the tractor's
front wheels. The tractor steering sys-
tem reduces the operator's workload
when turning and maneuvering a trac-
tor. In other words, it modifies the ro-
tary motion of the steering wheel to
change the tractor's direction.

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