It is actually a pretty simple mechanism.
Simple rack and pinion steering diagram.
A rod called a tie rod connects to each end of the rack.
The use of a variable rack still using a normal.
A typical rack and pinion steering layout showing how the rack acts directly on the road wheel steering arms.
Both the pinion and the rack teeth are helical gears.
Helical gearing gives smoother and quieter operation for the driver.
A simplified rack and pinion steering diagram showing the column 2 rack and pinion 3 and tie rod 4 image via wikimedia commons laurensvanlieshout a tie rod links the rack to the kingpin.
The rack and pinion steering box has a pinion connected to the steering column.
The steering system converts the rotation of the steering wheel into a swivelling movement of the road wheels in such a way that the steering wheel rim turns a long way to move the road wheels a short way.
Rack and pinion steering uses a gear set to convert the circular motion of the steering wheel into the linear motion required to turn the wheels.
This pinion runs in mesh with a rack that is connected to the steering tie rods.
Rack and pinion steering is quickly becoming the most common type of steering on cars small trucks and suvs.
A rack and pinion is commonly found in the steering mechanism of cars or other wheeled steered vehicles rack and pinion provides less mechanical advantage than other mechanisms such as recirculating ball but less backlash and greater feedback or steering feel the mechanism may be power assisted usually by hydraulic or electrical means.