Steering linkage

A steering linkage is the part of an automotive steering system that connects to the front wheels.^[1]

Simplified steering linkage:

1. Steering wheel
2. Steering column
3. Rack and pinion
4. Steering arm
5. Steering knuckle

The steering linkage which connects the steering gearbox to the front wheels consists of a number of rods. These rods are connected with a socket arrangement similar to a ball joint, called a tie rod end, allowing the linkage to move back and forth freely so that the steering effort will not interfere with the vehicles up-and-down motion as the wheel moves over roads. The steering gears are attached to a rear rod which moves when the steering wheel is turned. The rear rod is supported at one end.

Technology

Most modern cars have a fully mechanical steering linkage system, but a recent innovation is the steer by wire system.

See also

• Bump steer
• Parallelogram steering linkage