Have you ever wondered why some car steering systems last for years while others fail spectacularly? The answer is in CNC-machined parts. CNC-machining ensures the car steering mechanism’s durability, reliability, and superior performance.
Understanding key steering mechanisms fundamentals – rack and pinion, power steering, and recirculating ball – and the respective steering component names helps car part suppliers, car business owners, and aftermarket buyers make better purchase decisions, improve customer satisfaction, and enhance sales.
The consistency, tight tolerances, and versatility of Prolean Tech’s CNC machining for main steering components is the answer for modern and early cars.
Discover all about CNC machining and how our company’s precision machining prowess can always provide top-level parts.
No more setbacks and inconsistencies when sourcing car steering components. Clients globally have entrusted us with custom mass production solutions because we have a rapid turnaround (1-day lead time), tolerance of down to ± 0.0004 ″, and ISO 9001:2015 certification, among other prolific characteristics.
In this article, we unpack the automotive steering system, detailing the components and working mechanism, and outline the CNC machining processes that contribute to the best steering systems in the market.
How Does Car Steering Work? A Crucial Guide as You Identify the Parts
Understanding how the car steering works is the best way to start the sourcing of the related parts. It helps you to buy the best parts because your decision-making is more informed.
The car steering works through a linkage between the steering wheel and the wheel knuckles. When the driver applies torque to the steering wheel, the rotational force in the steering column is changed to linear motion to turn the wheels.
With the help of gear reduction, the car steering effortlessly turns the wheels of a car in the desired direction, which is left or right. Modern cars have assist mechanisms that make the process even smoother. It takes several turns of the steering wheel for the wheels to shift by only a few degrees.
The Basics of Car Steering
The interrelationship between steering wheel turns, and the degree turns on the wheels (steering ratio) matters from one vehicle to another. For instance, rally cars require fewer turns compared to ordinary cars. A lower steering ratio means the car turns faster, and vice versa.
But one challenge remains – the effort to turn the steering wheel. Engineers found a solution to this in a power-assisted steering system.
So, in short, the car steering system entails the transfer of the rotational motion of the steering wheel to a linear one that leads to the change in the angle of the wheels. The system converts many steering wheel turns into small angle changes on the wheels.
What Are the Types of Steering Systems for Cars? Important Insights When Sourcing for Parts.
A check of the car market reveals three types of automotive steering systems: The conventional rack and pinion component system, the power-assisted system, and the recirculating ball system. All these systems comprise precise CNC machined parts for smooth and accurate performance.
Prolean Tech thrives at machining various parts of these steering systems, thanks to technical expertise, well-refined manufacturing systems, and an undying commitment to offer the best CNC machining services from China.
Due to its commitment to quality and precision, the company holds various certifications, including ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, and IATF 16949:2016.
Next is a more detailed explanation of the three common types of automotive steering systems.
The Rack and Pinion Steering System for Light Vehicles
Rack and pinion components
The rack and pinion system is the most synonymous with conventional cars. It is simple, something that vehicle manufacturers have a preference for. This system comprises the steering column, pinion gear, rack, tie rods, and steering knuckles.
Other components for this steering technology are bellows and bearings.
When you rotate the steering wheel, this motion transfers to the steering column and intermediate shaft before reaching the pinion gear.
The steering column and intermediate shafts are usually made of aluminum or steel, which are among the popular metals used in auto parts manufacturing for their durability and strength.
The pinion is connected to a rack, a linear gear that converts rotational motion to linear motion.
The rack transmits this motion to the tie rod, which enables the steering knuckles to turn the car’s wheels. When the linear gear moves right or left, it transfers this effect to the wheels.
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The Power Steering System for Modern Cars, SUVs, and Trucks
Power steering system
If you are driving a modern car, especially a utility vehicle, you are most likely using this steering system. It is a contemporary one characterized by several rack and pinion component additions.
As the name suggests, the highlight is additional power in conventional types of steering systems. Electric or hydraulic power makes the turning of the wheels less tedious. This system comes with an electric motor or engine-powered pump.
The parts of a power steering pump include the housing, pressure control valve, reservoir, and gear mechanism.
It is not a modern concept because it first emerged in the 1950s. Engineers thought it wise to incorporate a hydraulic system to reduce the effort needed to turn the wheels.
The power steering system has other benefits apart from being easy to use. It provides a higher steering ratio, meaning the response time is shorter.
This is a critical feature in modern traffic environments where drivers need to maneuver into tight spaces often. Enhanced vehicle control through this advanced system helps reduce traffic accidents.
Commercial steering uses this method, particularly the Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS) version.
The Recirculating Ball Steering System for Commercial and Heavy Vehicles
This system has a different technology for transmitting the steering wheel motion compared to the rack and pinion components. A worm gear is at the center of this mechanism.
The main components of this system are a recirculating ball gearbox, pitman arm lever, pitman arm shaft, pitman arm, tie rod, and drag link.
You can expect commercial steering to be based on this steering technology.
Recirculating ball steering system
This is how it works:
When you turn the steering wheel, the steel balls transmit the force to the nut. As the nut moves axially, it connects to the sector gear. The sector gear changes the linear motion to rotational motion. The rotational motion connects to the link arm and steering linkage which changes the angle of the wheels.
Looking at these forces transfer, it is evident that the recirculating ball system utilizes a two-stage transmission mechanism. The first one is the transmission between the nut and the screw. The second stage is the transmission between the rack and sector gear.
Talking of transmission, we have a very insightful article on transmission shaft manufacturing & design that you may want to check out.
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Your Manufacturing Options for Automotive Steering System Components
As you look for quality automotive steering system components, you may wonder what technologies are involved. CNC machining is a popular method for steering system parts production because it meets the requirements for durability, precision, and precision.
This system comprises many metal parts of different designs and sizes. Producing such parts involves many considerations. It also requires adherence to various manufacturing best practices regarding the quality of raw materials and the manufacturing processes.
As we have reiterated before, CNC machining is one of the main manufacturing processes to produce the relevant steering components, assemblies, and fasteners. Prolean Tech is well-versed with all the requirements for such productions.
Our tolerances are as good as ±0.0002″ (0.005mm), something most other manufacturers would struggle to reciprocate.
Here are some of the manufacturing processes to expect for steering components:
CNC Machining for Precise and Reliable Steering Components
CNC machining is an irreplaceable process in the manufacture of automotive steering components. Computer-controlled machines are used to precisely cut materials and create complex components for the different types of steering systems.
CNC-machined rack ends
CNC machining is an umbrella term for many machining methods, including CNC turning, milling, drilling, and grinding.
Casting and Forging for Added Strength and Durability
Casting and forging produce metal parts from the liquid state and solid state respectively. They are useful in the production of steering components in their unique ways.
For instance, forging brings in the capability to contour components as desired. Forging is beneficial because its parts are impact and fatigue-resistant.
Durability and Enhanced Performance with Heat treatment
Steel part heat treatment
Heat treatment is an ideal approach to harden components for the steering technology options. For instance, the metal steering system parts can vary a lot in shape.
The steering system components must withstand tough conditions, including wear and tear and possible hot environments. Furnace hardening, induction hardening, and other heat treatment methods add value.
Secure and Reliable Joints with Welding
Automotive manufacturers also weld to join components in the steering system. An example is the joint between the steering rack and tie rod ends.
Surface Finishing for Further Durability and Performance
Surface finishing involves modifying a part’s surface to make it more corrosion-resistant, durable, and making such improvements. Many processes are done under surface finishing including deburring, polishing, and coating.
How do these manufacturing processes apply to different steering components?
Modern steering systems comprise many components that have to be precise, durable, and compatible with each other. Only then can a car be steered smoothly and safely. You may wonder why the custom machining services at Prolean Tech are ideal for the parts you are looking for.
Prolean Tech partners in the automotive industry have high standards that we proudly match. CNC machined parts from our company meet international safety standards.
We produce steering system parts fast – as fast as within one day- and meet diverse custom part requests.
We are one of the leading manufacturers of the following steering system components. You can upload your project files & receive a quick estimate today.
Steering Rack Housing
CNC machining casting offers a way to produce durable and functional steering rack housings for the steering system.
CNC machined steering rack housing
Pinion Gear
Precision types of machining help manufacture the best pinion gears for automotive steering systems. The small cylinder-shaped gear must meet tight tolerances, surface finish, and durability requirements, which the CNC method helps meet.
Rack
A car steering rack
Using the best CNC machining for this part ensures accuracy and consistency. The best CNC machining methods enhance compliance to industry safety requirements through consistent results.
Steering Column Shaft
The steering column shaft must be robust and precise, elements CNC machining helps achieve. Significant stresses are generated within the shaft during steering, hence the need for the best manufacturing approach.
Steering Column and intermediate shaft
The reliability of the CNC machining methods at Prolean Tech is crucial for the optimal performance of this shaft.
Tie Rods
The superior capability of CNC machining techniques ensures that each tie rod is produced with the highest dimensional accuracy. This is crucial for the perfect performance of this component, which is common in the different types of steering systems. Further, the precision machining provided enhances the part’s durability in the face of dynamic loading conditions.
A tie rod end
Steering Knuckle
The steering knuckle is at the center of the steering, suspension, and chassis systems. Its mounting bores, bearing housings, and other parts plus the intricate contours must meet precision requirements. CNC machining is perfect for actualizing these requirements.
Steering Knuckle
In Conclusion
With this background about the car steering system function and various steering component names, explore our CNC machining services for the most reliable and cost-effective parts. At Prolean Tech, we provide the most professional machining services with the best value for your money.
If you need any CNC machining service related to this fascinating system or would like to learn more, ProleanTech industrial experts are available at a single call. Embark on your journey to the most comprehensive and reliable custom mass production and small quantity prototyping service for automotive today.
FAQs
What is cold steering?
Cold steering refers to turning the steering wheel when the vehicle is in slow motion or stationary. It is undesirable for the unnecessary strain it subjects to the steering system components.
How do tie rods work?
Tie rods transfer the steering force from the steering system to the wheels. They are the link between the rack and the wheel. They turn or push the wheel to facilitate turning whenever you turn the steering wheel.
What are the requirements of a good steering system?
The requirements of a good steering system include stability, smoothness, durability, and accuracy.
What factors influence the material selection for steering system components?
The factors for the steering system component materials are strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, temperature resistance, and machinability.
How much does it cost to replace a steering system?
The cost to replace a steering system can vary widely based on the location, car type, and steering system type.
What is the most common failure in a power steering system?
The power steering system mostly fails in the form of fluid leaks related to the hoses and power steering pump.
How long does it take to replace a power steering system?
The time to replace a power steering system can vary depending on factors such as expertise level, availability of steering system parts, and car design.
How much does it cost to replace a power steering control module?
The cost to replace a power steering control module can vary based on many factors including car make/model and labor rates. Generally, the cost is higher for high-end cars because their control modules are more advanced.
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