AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING (22656)

STUDY OF STEERING SYSTEMS IN AUTOMOBILES

1.INTRODUCTION

The car steering system or just steering system is the most important part in automobile
vehicle steering control, respond so well to the driver while driving. Steering control makes you
feel safe while driving.

The system allows a driver to use only light forces to steer a heavy car.

Steering is also possible by the turning of the rear wheels, which is used generally in low-speed
slow-floor vehicles, for lifting and transporting heavy parts to a short distance for example
forklift.

If you’d like to know all about the car steering system. Like how it works, What are the types of
the steering system, How it supports handling, and road holding and driveability, then please
continue reading.

Automobiles are always equipped with front-wheel steering. A simple sketch of a car steering
system is shown in the figure.

1.The Purpose of a Steering System

For effective control of the vehicle throughout its speed range with safety and without much
effort to the driver on different types of road surfaces, proper steering is necessary.

For proper performance and useful service of the automobile, it is necessary that the moving
vehicle should be under the perfect control of the driver. Thus the control of the automobile is
done by means of a steering system that provides directional changes to the moving automobile.

2.The Basic of Steering System

Steering a vehicle is pretty easy stuff right, but do you know how it works it seems so simple but
it’s really not. Let’s take a look at what your vehicle’s moving parts are actually doing.

As you turn the steering wheel the steering shaft rotates the pinion gear. The teeth of the pinion
gear and the steering rack interlock as the pinion rotate. This rotation will push the rack when the
rack moves the attached rods and steering knuckles act as pivot points and turn the front tyres.

For example, rotating the steering wheel to the left will push the rack to the right pivoting the
front tyres to the left.

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The more you turn the steering wheel the more rack is pushed and the sharper the turn will be a
little confusing well don’t worry you don’t have to be a mechanic to steer a vehicle but we
wanted you to have a visual of exactly that is occurring when you make that turn of the wheel.

Although there are many moving parts and words you have never heard of with little effort and
the help of your steering system it’s easy to steer your vehicle.

3.WORKING OF STEERING SYSTEM

The steering system will convert the rotary motion of the steering wheel into the angular turn of
the front wheels.

 Steering wheel rotates the steering column.

 The steering gearbox is fitted to the end of this column. Therefore, when the wheel is
rotated, the cross shaft in the gearbox oscillates.

 The cross shaft is connected to the drop arm. This arm is linked by means of a drag link
to the steering arms.

 Steering arms on both wheels are connected by the tie rods to the drag link.

 When the steering wheel is operated the knuckle moves to and fro, moving the steering
knuckle are connected to each other.

 One end of the drag link is connected to the tie rod. The other end is connected to the end
of the drop arm.

4.Function of Steering System

The important function of the steering system is as follows:

1. With the help of the steering system, the driver can control the vehicle however he wants

2. The steering provides stability to the vehicle on the road.

3. It minimizes tyre wear and tear.

4. It prevents road shocks from reaching to the driver.

5. The steering provides self-rightening effect after taking a turn.

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Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment is defined as the correct adjustment of the pivot axes controlling the movement
of the wheels.

The wheels alignment, therefore, refers to the correct positioning of the front wheels and steering
mechanism for the promotion ease of steering, reducing tyre wear to a minimum as well as
providing directional stability to the vehicle.

Proper aligned front wheels result in.

 Steering comfort.

 Uniform wear of tyres.

 Minimum energy consumption.

 Minimum vibrations.

 No wheel wobbling.

 Reduce the driver effort to turn the vehicle.

 To achieve self-centring of the wheel after turning.

 To achieve directional stability of the vehicle while running.

6. Types of The Steering System in an Automobile

Following are the types of steering systems:

MECHANICAL STEERING SYSTEMS

1. Worm and sector gear steering system
2. Rack and pinion steering system
3. Recirculating ball type steering system
4. Cam and leaver type steering system

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6.1 WORM AND SECTOR GEAR STEERING SYSTEM

The Worm and Sector Steering Gear Box is a type of steering gear system that uses worm and
sector gear as its main components. The sector gear, which looks like a quarter portion of a circle
with teeth, meshes with the worm gear to enable both gears to contact each other.

As the steering wheel and worm gear are rotated, the sector gear attached to the pitman arm shaft
will slide, allowing a maximum arc of 70 degrees. This 70-degree angle represents the maximum
angle that the wheel can turn. A ball-bearing system is used between the gears to allow free play.
To control the backlash between the sector and worm threads, a lash adjustment screw is
provided, which allows the sector to be moved closer or farther away from the worm gear.

One of the main disadvantages of this steering mechanism is that it tends to develop more
friction. A new type of steering gear system, the Worm and Roller Steering Gear Box, was
proposed to address this issue.

FIG 6.1 WORM AND SECTOR GEAR STEERING SYSTEM

The Worm and Roller Steering Gear Box is an improvement over the traditional Worm and
Sector Steering Gear Box. In this type of steering gear system, the sliding movement seen in the
Worm and Sector system is eliminated, and rolling movement is introduced through rollers.

The rollers between the worm and sector gears reduce friction, resulting in less effort from the
driver to turn the steering wheel. Additionally, the hourglass shape of the rollers allows them to
stay in better contact with the worm teeth, even at the worm gear's ends.

6.2 RACK AND PINION STEERING SYSTEM

The Rack and Pinion Steering Gear Box is a popular choice for small passenger vehicles that
require precise steering. This gear system consists of a straight bar with teeth known as the rack

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and a sphere-shaped gear with teeth called the pinion. The rack is connected to the steering arms
through adjustable tie rods that help maintain the appropriate angle.

When the driver turns the steering wheel, the pinion gear attached to the end of the steering shaft
rotates, causing the rack to move in either left or right directions. This movement, in turn,
operates the steering linkage, allowing the driver to turn the vehicle in the desired direction. The
rack and pinion gear system offers responsive and accurate steering control, making it a popular
choice for many drivers.

FIG 6.2 RACK AND PINION STEERING SYSTEM

6.3 RECIRCULATING BALL TYPE STEERING SYSTEM

Utility vehicles, trucks, and vintage cars use recirculating ball steering systems. The system's
design comprises a steering box with worm gear and multiple ball bearings. The ball bearings
reduce friction between the gears, making it easier to turn the steering wheel.

Compared to other steering systems, the recirculating ball allows for a more excellent range of
motion when turning the steering wheel. This feature is handy for large trucks that carry heavy
loads.

FIG 6.3 RECIRCULATING BALL TYPE STEERING SYSTEM

6.4 CAM AND LEAVER TYPE STEERING SYSTEM

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The Cam and Lever Steering Gear Box is another type of steering gear system that utilizes a cam
and a lever to transfer rotary motion into linear motion. In this system, the worm gear is replaced
by a cam, and the inner end of the pitman arm shaft is fitted with a lever that contains a tapered
stud.

When the cam is turned, the tapered stud engages with the cam and causes the lever to move
back and forth. When the tapered stud is fixed in the lever, the cam cannot rotate. In vehicles
with this type of steering gear, the stud is mounted in bearings that allow it to roll along the cam
groove, reducing friction and improving the steering response.

6.5worm and sector:

the steering shaft has a worm gear attached to it at its end. It meshes directly with a sector gear.
When you turn the steering wheel, the steering shaft turns the worm gear. The sector gear rotates
around its axis as its teeth move along the worm gear and moves the Pitman arm.

Every car, truck, and utility vehicle has a suspension system that helps support the vehicle,
absorb shock and bumps, and allows the vehicle to turn. The suspension is comprised of the
following basic components:

7.POWER STEERING

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Power steering is a system for reducing a driver's effort to turn a steering wheel of a motor
vehicle, by using a power source to assist steering.

Hydraulic or electric actuators add controlled energy to the steering mechanism, so the driver can
provide less effort to turn the steered wheels when driving at typical speeds, and considerably
reduce the physical effort necessary to turn the wheels when a vehicle is stopped or moving
slowly. Power steering can also be engineered to provide some artificial feedback of forces
acting on the steered wheels.

7.1 HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING

Hydraulic power steering systems work by using a hydraulic system to multiply force applied to
the steering wheel inputs to the vehicle's steered (usually front) road wheels. The hydraulic
pressure typically comes from a gerotor or rotary vane pump driven by the vehicle's engine. A
double-acting hydraulic cylinder applies a force to the steering gear, which in turn steers the
roadwheels. The steering wheel operates valves to control flow to the cylinder. The more torque
the driver applies to the steering wheel and column, the more fluid the valves allow through to
the cylinder, and so the more force is applied to steer the wheels.

One design for measuring the torque applied to the steering wheel has a torque sensor – a torsion
bar at the lower end of the steering column. As the steering wheel rotates, so does the steering
column, as well as the upper end of the torsion bar. Since the torsion bar is relatively thin and
flexible, and the bottom end usually resists being rotated, the bar will twist by an amount
proportional to the applied torque. The difference in position between the opposite ends of the
torsion bar controls a valve. The valve allows fluid to flow to the cylinder which provides
steering assistance; the greater the "twist" of the torsion bar, the greater the force.

FIG 7.1 HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING

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7.2 ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING

Electric power steering (EPS) or motor-driven power steering (MDPS) uses an electric motor
instead of a hydraulic system to assist the driver of the vehicle. Sensors detect the position and
torque exerted inside the steering column, and a computer module applies assistive torque via the
motor, which connects either to the steering gear or steering column. This allows varied amounts
of assistance to be applied depending on driving conditions. Engineers can therefore tailor
steering-gear response to variable-rate and variable-damping suspension systems, optimizing
ride, handling, and steering for each vehicle. This new technological feature also gave engineers
the ability to add new driver assistance features. This includes features such as lane assist, wind
drift correction, etc. On Fiat group cars the amount of assistance can be regulated using a button
named "CITY" that switches between two different assist curves, while most other EPS systems
have variable assist. These give more assistance as the vehicle slows down, and less at faster
speeds.

A mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and the steering gear is retained in EPS. In the
event of component failure or power failure that causes a failure to provide assistance, the
mechanical linkage serves as a back-up. If EPS fails, the driver encounters a situation where
heavy effort is required to steer. This heavy effort is similar to that of an inoperative hydraulic
steering assist system[citation needed]. Depending on the driving situation, driving skill and
strength of the driver, steering assist loss may or may not lead to a crash. The difficulty of
steering with inoperative power steering is compounded by the choice of steering ratios in
assisted steering gears vs. fully manual. The NHTSA has assisted car manufacturers with
recalling EPS systems prone to failure

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FIG 7.2 ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING

8.STEERING GEOMETRY

Steering geometry is the geometric arrangement of the parts of a steering system, and the value
of the lengths and angles within it. It refers to the angular relationship between the front wheels
and parts attached to it and vehicles frame. And this geometric arrangement of linkages in the
steering of a car designed to solve the problem of wheels on the inside and outside of a turn
needing to trace out circles of different radii. This geometry can be easily defined if the
wheelbase, kingpin locations, and moment arm lengths are known.

The steering geometry includes:

1. Caster angle

2. Camber angle

3. King-pin inclination

4. Toe-in & Toe-out.

5. Steering gear ratio & backlash etc.

1) Caster Angle:

The angle between the vertical line and the king pin center line in the plane of the wheel (When
viewed from the side) is called the Caster angle. [An angle b/w vertical line and kingpin
centreline (from s.v.).]

Fig 8.1: Caster angle

This is the angle between backward or forward tilting of the king pin from the vertical axis at the
top. This is about 2º to 8º. The backward tilt is called as positive caster. The forward tilt is called

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negative caster.

The main purpose of caster angle is to create self-centering effect in the steering. It provides
the directional stability. It positive caster increase the efforts required to steer and tries to keep
the wheels straight ahead. In heavy duty trucks negative caster is preferred. This makes the
steering easier. Excessive caster makes steering heavier, less responsive and increased effort.

Caster is the angle of the steering axis of a wheel from true vertical, and has little effect on tyre
wear. Positive caster tilts the tops of the steering knuckles toward the rear of the vehicle.
Negative caster tilts the tops of the steering knuckles toward the front of the vehicle. Unequal
caster will cause the vehicle to steer toward the side with less caster angle. Most common
problem affecting caster is worn strut rod and control arm bushings

2) Camber angle:

The angle between wheel axis to the vertical line at the top is called camber angle. It is
approximately ½º to 2º. [Inward or outward tilt of wheel (from f.v.)]

Fig 8.2: Camber angle

It is the angle between the centre line of the tyre and the vertical plane. When viewed from the
front of the vehicle when the angle is outward, so that the wheels are farther apart at the top the
camber is “Positive” when the angle is inward, so that the wheels are closer together at the top,
the camber is “Negative”. The usual value of camber angle should not exceed 2º. When the
camber angle is positive, it causes slip out prevention lightens the perpendicular load and lessen
the required steering effort. If it is a Zero camber, it prevents uneven wear of tyres. When the
camber angle is negative, the camber thrust increase with increase in tyre inclination relative to
the road surface.

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3) King-pin inclination:

Fig 8.3: King-pin inclination

The kingpin is set at an angle to the vertical plane when viewed from the front or rear of the
vehicle. This angle is known as the king pin inclination. The purpose of the KPI is to produce
vertical displacement of the vehicle in during steering in an upward direction. It is the angle
between vertical line to the king pin axis. The inclination tends to keep wheels straight ahead and
make the wheels to get return to the straight position after completion of a turn.

Most of the steering systems have a kingpin which is attached to steering knuckle to a support. In
some later design kingpin is replaced by ball and socket joint. In this design, the Steering
knuckle and knuckle-support are combined into a single part, This part is called steering knuckle.
No kingpin is used in this case. The steering knuckle is supported at the top and bottom by
control arm.

4) Toe-In & Toe-Out.

Fig 8.4: Toe-in & toe-out

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Toe is critical to tire wear. Toe-in: front of the wheels are set closer than the rear. Toe-out: front
of the wheels farther apart than the rear. Rear-wheel-drive vehicles are often adjusted to have
toe-in, front-wheel-drive vehicles are adjusted to have a slight toe-out.
Toe-in: It is the amount in minimum at the front part of the wheel point’s inwards approximately
3 to 5 mm. It prevents side slipping excessive tyre wear, proper rolling of front wheels and
steering stability.

Fig 8.5: Toe-in

Purpose of Toe-in

To ensure that wheels are rolling parallel.

To stabilize steering and prevent slipping towards sides.

To prevent excessive tyre wear.

To offset the effect of small deflections in the wheel support system.

Toe-out: It is the difference in angles between two front wheels and vehicle frame during
turning. It is used to prevent dragging of tyre during turn. While taking the turn, the inside wheel
makes larger angle than outer wheel to satisfy the condition of correct steering. The toe-out is
shown in Figure

Fig 8.6: Toe-out

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9.CONCLUSION

Every gearbox has disadvantages in usage, and new technologies and systems are often proposed
to rectify and overcome these drawbacks. In traditional mechanical steering systems, the
movement of components can create friction, hindering smooth and efficient turning. To address
this, power steering systems were developed. These systems utilize hydraulic pressure to
minimize friction, allowing for more precise and effortless steering.

10.REFRENCES

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https://wiregrass.libguides.com/c.php?g=1035978&p=7530246

https://www.jstor.org/stable/44723675

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346894799_Review_on_Steering_Mechanism

REFRENCE BOOKS

AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING , BY RAJUPT R K , LAXMI PUBLICIANS Pvt, Ltd, NEW

DELHI (2008) ISBN 97881170089919

AUTOMOTIVE MECHANISM, BY CROUSE W H , TATA McGRAW

PUBLICATIONS ,DELHI (2004) ISBN 978007070148215

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