A car’s steering system works by transferring the driver’s inputs to the wheels of the vehicle. It consists of several components, including the steering wheel, steering column, steering gear, and tie rods.
When the driver turns the steering wheel, it rotates the steering column, which in turn rotates the steering gear. The steering gear converts the rotational movement into lateral movement, which is then transferred to the wheels through the tie rods.
The type of steering system can vary depending on the vehicle, with the most common types being rack and pinion and recirculating ball. Rack and pinion steering uses a pinion gear to move a rack back and forth, while recirculating ball steering uses a worm gear to move a series of ball bearings along a grooved race.
Power steering is a feature that can make it easier for drivers to steer their vehicles by using hydraulic or electric power to assist the steering gear in turning the wheels. Some cars also have all-wheel steering or variable-ratio steering to improve handling and maneuverability.