Description & Operation
WARNING:
Vehicle is equipped with an air bag restraint system. For additional information on air bag restraint system and before attempting any repairs involving instrument panel, steering column or related components, see appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article in RESTRAINTS.
The rack and pinion steering system consists of two main components, the steering pinion and the steering rack, located inside the steering gear case. See Fig 1 . When the steering wheel is turned, the motion is transmitted to the steering shaft, shaft joint and then to the pinion. Since the pinion teeth mesh with teeth on the rack, the motion is further transferred to the rack and changed to linear motion. The force is then transmitted through the outer tie rod ends to the steering knuckles which turn the wheels.