168 Auto Suspension and Steering
Introduction
The steering system components are a common
source of driver complaints. Tire wear is almost completely
dependent on the condition and adjustment of the steering
components. This chapter covers the construction and
operation of both conventional and rack-and-pinion
steering systems. Study this chapter carefully.
Note: Chapters 13 and 14 will cover
electronically controlled steering systems.
The Job of the Steering System
The steering system is a group of parts that transmit
the movement of the steering wheel to the front, and
sometimes the rear, wheels. The primary purpose of the
steering system is to allow the driver to guide the vehicle.
When a vehicle is being driven straight ahead, the steering
system must keep it from wandering without requiring the
driver to make constant corrections.
The steering system must also allow the driver to have
some road feel (feedback through the steering wheel about
road surface conditions). The steering system must help
maintain proper tire-to-road contact. For maximum tire
life, the steering system should maintain the proper angle
between the tires both during turns and straight-ahead
driving. The driver should be able to turn the vehicle
with little effort, but not so easily that it is hard to
control.
Common Steering System Parts
All steering systems contain several common parts.
Every steering system, no matter what type, will have a
steering wheel, a steering shaft and column, a flexible
coupler, universal joints, steering arms, and ball sockets.
These parts are discussed below.
Steering Wheels
The only part of the steering system the average driver
is familiar with is the steering wheel. Older wheels are
made of hard plastic, are larger in diameter, and are
relatively thin when compared to modern steering wheels.
The modern steering wheel is generally padded. Most
steering wheels have two or three spokes or a large center
section that connects the wheel portion to the hub. To
prevent slippage, the steering wheel hub has internal
splines, which match external splines on the steering shaft.
Some shafts and steering wheels have a master spline,
which is larger than the others. The master spline prevents
the installation of the wheel in the wrong position. A large
nut holds the hub to the steering shaft, Figure 9-1.
Steering wheel hub
retaining nut
Steering wheel
SIR coil and
combination
switch assembly
Steering shaft
Column cover
Steering column
Steering
shaft
joint
Ignition
switch
Column cover
Hub
Air bag
(when used)
Figure 9-1. A large nut holds the steering wheel hub to the steering shaft. (General Motors)