THE STEERING SYSTEM

To ensure true rolling of the wheels, exact steering of the wheels

must be obtained by applying ACKERMAN PRINCIPLE. It states that
for correct steering of the wheels when a vehicle is moving along a
curve, lines drawn through each of the four wheels must meet at one
point along the imaginary line drawn from the rear axle. To achieve
this steering arms are set not parallel to each other but inclined at an
angle. They are connected by the track rod.
FRONT END ALIGNMENT COMPRISES
 Castor angle
This is the tilting of the kingpin on top to the rear or front of the vehicle
when viewed from the sides of the vehicle. This is a desirable feature
which gives wheels self-centre. When the vehicle is in straight line there
is no need to steer the vehicle.
Tilt towards rear – positive castor
Tilt towards front – negative castor
 Camber angle
This is the tilting of the wheels on top outward or inward when viewed
from the front. Camber angle assists in easy steering and reducing
stress.
Tilt outward – positive camber
Tilt inward – negative camber
 Kingpin inclination
This is the tilting of the kingpins on top towards the centre of the vehicle when
viewed from the front. Kingpin inclination +positive camber =centre point
steering.
 Toe – in
This is the tilting of the front wheels towards one another when viewed from the
front. The distance between the front points is less than at the back of the same
wheels. Toe - in ensures parallel rolling of the front wheels when the car is
moving forward. Rear drive vehicles are set to toe - in when stationary. When the
vehicle moves the wheels swivel outwards. Front drive vehicles are set to toe-
out when stationary.
 Toe – out
This is the tilting of the front wheels away from each other when viewed from
the front. The distance between the front points is greater than at the back of the
same wheels.
 LAY OUT OF THE STEERING SYSTEM
 Steering wheel – it imparts motion to the steering box or mechanism through the
steering shaft. Some steering wheels are adjustable to suit the height of an individual.
 Steering box – provides gear reduction.
 Steering linkages – drag link, track rod, idler or drop arm, ball joint, tie rod end, steering
arms and stub axle.
TYPES OF STEERING BOXES OR MECHANISMS
 Worm and nut
 Worm and wheel
 Rack and pinion
It has pinion, bushes, bearings, rack, tie rod ends, steering arms and rack ends.
 Worm and sector
 Recirculating ball
There is a wheel made of phosphor bronze and meshes with worm. The balls roll
between the worm teeth and the grooves cut in the ball nut.
 Power steering
Low tire pressure increases tire road surface contact area. This makes the steering hard.
The power steering system is responsive in order to have sharp turns.

Commonly used in rack and pinion. This system utilizes engine power to pump and
develop fluid pressure which acts on a piston in the power cylinder.

When the vehicle is stopped but engine is running or moving at low speed there is more
steering effort required. When the vehicle increase speed less effort is applied.

At high speed there is less friction between tires and road surface. Power steering has a
pump, control valve and power cylinder.

NOTE: Oversteer: when a motor vehicle turns a greater angle than normal. This is as a
result of higher tire pressure.
Understeer: when a motor vehicle turns an angle less than normal steering wheel. This is
caused by lower tire pressure.
 HOW TO REPLACE POWER STEERING FLUID.
 Jack up front of the vehicle and support it with stands.
 Remove fluid return hose from reservoir tank and drain fluid into container.
 With engine idling, turn steering wheel from lock to lock while draining fluid.
 Stop engine
 Fill reservoir with fresh fluid ATF.
 Start the engine and run it at 100 rpm for 2 seconds. Fluid will start to discharge
from return hose. Stop the engine.
 Repeat if there is a sign of air in the fluid.
 With no sign of air connect the return hose to reservoir tank.