Benefits of Rack and Pinion Steering

When purchasing a new vehicle, most have done their research and know what questions to ask. One item some overlook is the type of steering the vehicle has. Many assume it’s your typical mechanical steering and the only difference is if it is power or non-power. In today’s ever changing technology, many vehicles are now equipped with Rack & Pinion Steering; but what is it and what are the benefits, keep reading to find some of those answers.

In simple terms, the rack is a grooved bar which extends across the bottom of the engine compartment connecting the two front wheels together. The pinion is a gear located at the end of the steering shaft which fits into the grooves of the rack. When you turn your steering wheel, the pinion rotates and moves the rack from side to side. Depending on which way you turn your wheel, as the pinion rotates, the rack will move and push the back of one tire out and pull the back of the opposite tire in causing your car to turn appropriately.

Okay, so what are the benefits? There are some great benefits to Rack and Pinion steering. The simplicity of this type of steering means there are fewer parts. Having fewer parts, means your vehicle will be lighter thus increasing fuel economy. Another benefit to fewer parts is it makes your steering easier to control. And yet another plus, fewer parts under the hood means fewer parts to break and an easier diagnostic exam for your repairman.

Now that you have a brief understanding of how Rack and Pinion steering works and it’s benefits, be sure to ask your sales person what type of steering each car has. The more you know about the car you are purchasing, the better the odds you will purchase the right vehicle for you.