Steering Rack
The steering rack turns the rotation of the steering wheel into the side-to-side movement that steers the front wheels.
What is Steering Rack?
Most cars use rack-and-pinion steering: a pinion gear on the steering shaft meshes with a toothed bar, the rack. Rubber gaiters at both ends protect the rack from dirt and water. Some racks have a variable ratio, so the steering is calmer around the centre and quicker towards full lock.
How it works
Turning the wheel rotates the pinion, which slides the rack left or right and moves the tie rods.
Why it matters for your car
Play, knocking or leaks from a hydraulic rack are reasons for inspection. Torn gaiters let dirt in and shorten the rack's life. A worn rack is often sold as a remanufactured unit; alignment must be set after replacement.
Other terms
- All-Terrain Tyre (A/T)
- Android Auto
- Battery State Of Health (SoH)
- Bonnet (Hood)
- Boot Lid (Trunk Lid)
- Build Date (Production Date)
- Camber
- Carburettor
- Central Locking
- Cruise Control
- Depreciation (Value Loss)
- Direct Injection
- Driving In Heavy Rain
- Engine Rebuild (Engine Overhaul)
- Seatbelt (Safety Belt)
- Silicone Spray
- Telematics Control Unit
- Ultrasonic Parking Sensor
- V8 Engine
- Vehicle Speed Sensor