Once the power reaches the wheels of your car you need to have precise control over where exactly your car is moving. The steering wheel attaches to a steering column. The steering column attaches to the steering box. There are a number of different types of steering mechanisms. They operate slightly differently but all are designed to allow the driver to control the direction of the car as he turns the steering wheel. Here is how one of the most popular types of steering systems (rack and pinion) operates. (We recommend you diagram this out for easier reading).

Â

1. At the end of the steering column is a gear.

This gear is called a "pinion".

2. The pinion teeth are meshed into a long shaft with continuous teeth. This is called a "rack".

3. When the steering wheel is turned by the driver the teeth of the pinion gear, move along the teeth of the rack and push the rack right or left. If the steering wheel is turned right the pinion will push the rack to the left, in the opposite direction. If the steering wheel is turned to the left the rack will move to the right.

4. The rack now pushes certain rods and bars that are connected to the rear portion of the driving wheels (the wheels on the ground that drive the car). These rods and bars push the rear of the driving wheel out. This of course makes the front of the wheel turn inwards. So if the rack moves left the rear of the driving wheel moves left but the front of this wheel moves right. Or if the rack moves right the rear of the driving wheel moves right but the front of the driving wheel moves to the left.

5. So if the steering wheel is turned to the left, the pinion moves the rack to the right, the rack pushes the rear part of the driving wheel to the right and so the front of this wheel (which sets the direction) goes to the left and the car moves to the left

Power steering simply releases a fluid along the rack when the rack moves and the pressure of the fluid adds to the force with which the driver turns the wheel, making the wheel turn with less effort.

Alignment

Safe steering of the car depends on a correctly functioning steering column and a correct alignment of the front end of the automobile. Alignment means that the various bars used to steer with are straight, are of the correct length, are at the right angle, and so on. Alignment can be thrown off by hitting the curb or a pothole or other impact. When the alignment has gone out it is important that you discover WHY before simply getting an alignment done, as other damage may need repair. It is also vital to ensure that your wheels are properly balanced and that the tires are in proper working condition. Wheel balancing ensures the wheels turn in a true circle.