Steering racks

The function of the steering rack is to transmit the movement imparted by the driver through the steering wheel and steering column to the front wheels.

The steering rack consists of a toothed rod inserted into a lubricated housing, which is mounted perpendicular to the steering column.

This acts via an articulated shaft ending in a pinion, the rotation of which causes a lateral movement of the toothed rod inside its housing, to the right or left depending on the desired change of direction. At each end, the rack is connected to the steerable wheels by a system of steering links and ball joints, which orientate the wheel hubs in perfect symmetry.

On virtually all modern off-road vehicles, the rack-and-pinion steering system benefits from a hydraulic assistance system that multiplies the force of rotation of the steering column in order to limit the driver's effort on the steering wheel. This effect decreases with vehicle speed. Depending on how they are fitted, the hydraulic power-assist cylinders can be integrated directly into the rack and pinion system.

The steering rack on your 4x4 suffers from shocks. As it ages, the rack's internal components wear out. So it's important to check its condition regularly, especially after off-road use. 

Euro4x4parts offers a wide range of steering racks in 3 different options: original, generic and standard exchange.

Steering Racks