Top Picks For Steering Gear Related Parts

The steering gears convert the rotatory motion of the steering wheel into linear motion of the steering linkage to turn the wheels while multiplying the driver effort so the front wheels can be steered easily. Most cars use a rack and pinion steering system, where a steering wheel turns the pinion (round) gear that moves the rack (linear gear) and the tie rods to turn steer wheels. Apart from rack and pinion type steering boxes, different types of steering gearboxes are used in vehicles including worm and wheel, recirculating ball, worm, and sector, etc depending on the type of steering system.

Steering rack assembly is also known as rack and pinion assembly, which turns the wheels of your vehicle by receiving input from the steering wheel. It comprises a linear gear called rack and a circular gear called pinion and they work together to convert circular motion into linear motion. This rack and pinion assembly is enclosed in a metal tube where the rack is connected to an axial rod. As the steering wheel is turned, the movement is transferred to the pinion gear, which moves the rack and consequently the axial rods, which moves the tie rods, and finally the wheels. This helps you turn the wheels. The steering rack assembly is also used in power steering vehicles and comprises a cylinder and piston assembly. The cylinder consists of power steering fluid on both sides of the piston and when pressure is applied on one side of the piston; it forces the piston to move, consequently moving the rack according to the steering input.

There are several signs which indicate that your steering rack assembly is faulty and needs to be replaced. Typical steering rack problems include a tight steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, grinding noises while steering, loose steering, and steering wheel vibration. A bad steering rack assembly should be replaced immediately, as it can compromise your steering and can be extremely dangerous.

Tie rods are a part of your steering system that plays a vital role in turning the wheels as they connect the steering rack to the wheel knuckle. When the steering wheel is turned, the steering rack pushes or pulls the tie rods, turning the wheels. There are two tie rods: inner and outer. The inner tie rod is connected to the steering rack assembly and the outer to the wheel knuckle. The outer tie rod is greased for lubrication and comprises a rubber or plastic dust boot that covers the ball joint.

The inner tie rod is connected to the steering rack assembly and features a ball joint on the steering rack side whereas its outer end is screwed to the outer tie rod. These inner tie rods are often covered by protective dust boots. The steering rack assembly transmits the movement from the steering shaft to the tie rods, making the wheels turn. The tie rods undergo a lot of stress and wear out with time, leading to symptoms like shaky steering wheel, vibrations in the vehicle, uneven or excessive tire wear, and difficulty in steering the vehicle.

Since both the tie rods have the same mileage, if you are replacing one tie rod because it has worn out, get the other one replaced as well, because the wear is likely to be the same. It is recommended to change both the inner and outer tie rods together to ensure a perfectly operating steering system that you can rely on. It also saves you from getting your wheels aligned every time you change a tie rod and helps prevent further issues and costs.

A power steering pump is equipped on modern cars today that use power steering systems and is used for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid into the steering gearbox to assist in turning the wheels. The power steering pump receives power from a pulley, which rotates with the help of an engine belt. As the rotor of the pump spins, it pulls the hydraulic fluid from the reservoir via the low-pressure line and forces it out from the high-pressure line, increasing its pressure. The pressurized fluid is then transferred to the steering rack, where it enables the movement of the steering rack in the desired direction according to steering input and hydraulic valve actuation. The power steering pump also features a pressure-relief valve that relieves excessively high pressures to prevent damage to the rotor or other internal components. 

Power steering pumps last a very long time but can fail due to worn-out seals or internal parts, low power steering fluid, leaks, etc. At some point, if the power steering pump fails in your vehicle, it will show some symptoms like difficulty turning the steering wheel (especially at low speeds), increased steering effort, and whining noises from the engine due to low or leaking power steering fluid. Groaning sounds while turning the vehicle can also be caused due to a faulty bearing that has been knocked out of place. Be mindful of these symptoms and get your faulty pump replaced so you can avoid significant damage to your car's steering system. Power steering pumps last a very long time but can fail due to