ADVANTAGES OF RACK AND PINION CAUSING STEERING SYSTEM U-TURN BY 1985?

By 1985, 85% to 100% of U.S. passenger cars could be equipped with rack and pinion steering which offers space and weight savings for improved fuel economy. This steering system was introduced in the U.S. market in the late 1960's but the development of a power assist in 1974 gave the added mechanical advantage necessary for big, heavy American cars. From the first power-assisted rack and pinion units weighing 29 lb., the current systems have been refined to weigh 13 lb. A conventional/parallelogram steering system weighs an average of 48 lb. Service business will change as the new systems become prevalent. Parts which can be replaced on a rack and pinion equipped car include: inner socket assemblies, outer tie rod ends, bellows, seals, and mounting bushings. Some new-car dealerships are replacing the entire unit. Repair work should be followed by a front end alignment. Servicing is somewhat different but not much more difficult than with a conventionally steered car.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/0193726X
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Prepared in cooperation with TRW Replacement Division.
• Corporate Authors:

  Babcox Publications, Incorporated

  11 South Forge Street
  Akron, OH  United States  44304
• Publication Date: 1980-9

Media Info

• Pagination: 4 p.
• Serial:
  • Brake and Front End
  • Volume: 50
  • Issue Number: 9
  • Publisher: Babcox Publications, Incorporated
  • ISSN: 0193-726X

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Fuel consumption; Level of service; Steering
• Uncontrolled Terms: Rack and pinion steering; Service
• Subject Areas: Energy; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00380088
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-030 278
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Dec 30 1983 12:00AM