The function of a steering wheel is obvious at first glance, but there’s more to steering wheels and steering systems than meets the eye. They’re part of a machine that’s gone from being simply a way to get from A to B to something that offers entertainment, navigation, prestige and even self-driving capabilities. As the complexity of vehicles has increased, so have the steering wheels inside them.
What’s the Function of a Steering Wheel?
Obviously, a steering wheel and the system it connects to primarily controls the direction of a vehicle. It converts rotational commands of the driver into swiveling movements of the vehicle’s front wheels. The driver’s movement passes through a series of joints and hydraulic lines in the steering system, ultimately reaching the rubber as it hits the road.
Modern steering wheels also often have accessory functions built in, such as cruise control, audio system selection and volume. Some steering wheels are even electrically heated.
Main Parts of a Steering System
Although not all automotive steering systems are the same, rack-and-pinion is one of the most common. In this design, the steering wheel attaches to a shaft (called a steering column) that connects to a rack (a long metal component with serrated teeth that links the two front wheels together). The steering column and rack are joined with a gear wheel called a pinion.
Most vehicle steering systems also include some kind of power-assist to make it easier for the driver to turn the steering wheel, i.e., power steering (anyone who has driven a pre-1970s vehicle knows how helpful this is!).
Power steering uses a belt-driven, hydraulic pump that pressurizes power steering fluid. The pressure ultimately assists the mechanisms and allows tires to turn more easily when a driver directs the steering wheel.
Steering wheels can become broken or torn, and the controls on the wheel can sometimes stop working. If you hear any unusual noises when turning the steering wheel, or you feel unusual resistance, take your vehicle to a licensed mechanic right away.
