FUNCTION OF THE STEERING

SYSTEM
- by Nilay Joshi

Steering is a System of Components, Linkages, gears, gear

assemblies, etc. which are assembled in a way that converts
rotational motion of steering wheel into swiveling motion of road
wheels.
This Steering System is an important part of Automobile vehicles.
This system allows you to run the vehicle in the desired direction by
turning the steering wheel, which in turn turns the road wheels
(usually front wheels). Steering control makes a driver feel at ease and
also helps steer heavy vehicles by applying light force.

Working of a Steering system:

Here we have taken an example of a car steering system to understand

the working principle (for reference you can see below image).
The Steering System will convert the rotary motion of steering wheel
into turning motion of front wheel.
As we rotate the steering wheel the steering shaft rotate along with it,
which in turn rotates the pinion that is on top of the rack. The rotation
of the pinion makes the rack move , moving the tie rod. The tie rod
connected to the steering arm then causes the wheel to turn. Pinion
rotation determines how much the wheel will turn if larger pinion
means large turn by small rotation and difficult control while Small
pinion means large turn requires large rotation and hence better
control. It is a simple device with various complex mechanisms.
Below is a diagram of steering system-

Function of Steering system:

The main function of the Steering system are:

 Helps in Determining direction of vehicles: The steering

system helps driver to adjust the direction of vehicles by turning
the front wheel with the help of steering wheel. This implies as
the driver rotate the wheel to left the cars tires will also turn to
left and vice versa. Thus helps control direction of vehicles and
also adjust speed (as turning vehicles reduces their speed).
 Provide Stability to Vehicles: The Steering system has a
component called pinion axle which connects the wheels
together, thus provide stability to vehicle. This steering system
always regulate the front wheels’ direction to move together or
point in the same direction (being parallel). For example, when
the vehicles’ have to move to the right the steering wheel will
move to right thus causing right wheel to turn right now the
steering system has to turn the left wheel to turn right. Similarly,
 for when vehicle has to go straight the right and left wheel has
to move in straight direction. A poor steering system will cause
instability in vehicles. Thus, the importance of Steering system.

 Prevent Vibration of Steering wheel: As we ride a vehicle

on a road There are certain vibration or shock that are felt by
vehicles which are mostly absorbed by vehicles suspension. The
steering system are designed and assembled in such a way that
most of the vibration or shock felt by vehicles are transferred to
vehicle suspension. Some components used in steering system
are used to absorb vibration.
 Designed to prevent wear and tear of tires: The steering
system is designed to fulfil the required steering angle in
conjunction to suspension system, the steering system will
create a particular position of road wheel at which the have
light load, are comfortable and Stable. That means the steering
system provide the most stable position of vehicle so that the
tires experience the lowest force or wear and tear.
 Straightening Effect: The steering system provide realigning
effect or realign itself after a turn i.e. after a turn the steering
system realign itself immediately to straight line position. Thus,
reducing wear and tear on tires because of turning force.

Conclusion:
Steering System is an important component of an automobile vehicle
without which the turning or commercial usage of vehicles will not be
possible thus affecting the development of world.

Every person is ether directly or indirectly dependent on vehicles or

transport or automobiles which are in turn dependent on their specific
steering system, so without improvement in steering system our
development would be halted.
With this I would like to conclude that steering system are a beautiful
invention for development of mechanical field and thus an important
part in development of todays world.