power steering

Applications – Chassis & Suspension – Steering system Table of Contents
4 Steering system ......................................................................................................................... 2
4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 2
4.1.1 Operating mechanisms .................................................................................................. 2
4.1.2 Power steering systems.................................................................................................. 3
4.2 Aluminium components of the steering system ...................................................................... 7
4.2.1 Steering wheel .............................................................................................................. 8
4.2.2 Steering column............................................................................................................ 9
4.2.3 Components of the power steering system..................................................................... 14

Version 2011 © European Aluminium Association ([e-mail])

1

4 Steering system
4.1 Introduction
The steering system is the key interface between the driver and the vehicle. The main requirement is that the steering should be precise, with no play. In addition, the steering system should be smooth, compact and light. It must also provide the driver with a perfect feel for the road surface and help the wheels return to the straight-ahead position.
The standard steering arrangement is to turn the front wheels using a hand-operated steering wheel via the steering column. The steering column may contain several joints to allow it to deviate somewhat from a straight line. These joints may also be part of the collapsible steering column design to protect the driver in frontal crash situations.

4.1.1 Operating mechanisms
There are two basic