The steering rack is the bridge between your steering wheel and the car’s direction. It turns your hand movements into real-time wheel turns—here’s the simple breakdown.
1. Core Components
A long metal “rack” (with teeth on one side) sits under the car’s front.
A small “pinion” gear connects to the steering wheel via a shaft, and its teeth fit into the rack’s teeth.
2. How Wheel Turns Drive the Rack
When you turn the steering wheel, the pinion gear spins along with it.
The pinion’s teeth “push” or “pull” the rack’s teeth—making the rack slide left or right.
3. Link to Front Wheels
Tie rods (long rods) connect to both ends of the rack.
As the rack slides, tie rods move too—they push or pull the front wheels to turn left or right.
4. Power Steering Assistance (If There)
Most cars have power steering to ease turning, which helps the rack move:
Hydraulic type: A fluid pump sends fluid to the rack, reducing the force you need to turn.
Electric type: A small motor near the rack gives extra force, making steering lighter.
5. Final Outcome
Your steering wheel turns → pinion spins → rack slides → tie rods move → front wheels turn. This chain lets you steer smoothly, whether parking or driving.
1. Core Components
A long metal “rack” (with teeth on one side) sits under the car’s front.
A small “pinion” gear connects to the steering wheel via a shaft, and its teeth fit into the rack’s teeth.
2. How Wheel Turns Drive the Rack
When you turn the steering wheel, the pinion gear spins along with it.
The pinion’s teeth “push” or “pull” the rack’s teeth—making the rack slide left or right.
3. Link to Front Wheels
Tie rods (long rods) connect to both ends of the rack.
As the rack slides, tie rods move too—they push or pull the front wheels to turn left or right.
4. Power Steering Assistance (If There)
Most cars have power steering to ease turning, which helps the rack move:
Hydraulic type: A fluid pump sends fluid to the rack, reducing the force you need to turn.
Electric type: A small motor near the rack gives extra force, making steering lighter.
5. Final Outcome
Your steering wheel turns → pinion spins → rack slides → tie rods move → front wheels turn. This chain lets you steer smoothly, whether parking or driving.