How an Electric Steering Rack Works

In this video two steering racks are taken apart to demonstrate how they work inside.

The steering rack on a car is responsible for turning the rotational motion of the steering wheel into a horizontal translation motion that push the wheels in and out via the tie rods. This results in the front wheels turning.

Rack and pinion steering consists of a housing, within which there is a tube, called the rack, with teeth. The teeth engage the input shaft that's connected to the steering wheel, and is called the pinion gear.

In this video 2016 Toyota Camry and 2016 Chevrolet Cruze steering racks are cut open to show their internal workings. The Toyota rack is a basic rack and pinon setup and is purely a mechanical mechanism, since its electric power assist comes from a motor mounted on the steering shaft above.

The Chevy steering rack has a servo motor and a computer that aids with the assist, and it comes as an assembly mounted to the rack itself. The steering angle input sensor sends a signal to the computer, sitting behind the motor. The motor is then turned on to allow an electric assist to aid in steering the wheels. It is connected to the rack via a recirculating ball type mechanism. The steering input shaft meanwhile, connects to the rack on the driver's side via a traditional spiral gear.

[DURAMAX]

"There's a couple bolts here I'm gonna take off." lol.

The Chevy Cruze electric steering rack is interesting. I didn't expect a toothed belt to use to connect the motor to the rack. Thank you for taking the time on tearing them down and sharing.

[OneAuto]

Wow. I never would have imagined what was inside that Chevy rack. When I change a rack the old one usually has to be sent back to get a refund on the surcharge. Thanks for posting that.

[extracelestial]

Is noone going to fucking talk about how buddy just GRINDS OFF THE BOLTS. 🤣🤦🏼

That was hilarious, thank you. 🥺😭❤️

[FF]

Great presentation. Quick pace. Clear cut explanations. No nonsense. With a little humor too. Ah yes, and NO music. Two thumbs up!

[FilterYT]

Really cool, thank you. Never saw a helical timing belt before. Thanks again for another great video!

[pokomonpokomon]

Your videos helps me understands my vehicle better. Thanks

[syedusamamanzoor]

this is the first time I found a proper video on electric power steering.

[alanhardman]

Excellent presentation!!! Love the "dry" humor, too. Subscribed!!

[LeavingCaladan]

by far…astronomically far, the best car channel on youtube, or anywhere. from aspiring mechanics everywhere, thank you so much. 🎉

[stefanzdroid]

Nice vid. Guy's a pro mechanic and speaks like a university professor.
I'm here bc my 2018 suburban power steering failed and it's kinda easy to see how many parts are involved in electric assist vs old fashion.

[rickt]

Thanks for the enlightening video! Especially more and more late model vehicles are now equipped with electrical steering to save room and weight from steering hydraulic pump, reservoir, belt and maintenance.

[teamman]

This is a bad ass video. Thanks for sharing your automotive surgery with us. It was very enlightening.

[marcushughes]

just stumbled on this channel by chance , and its fantastic, just been taken on as a trainee mechanic which is amazing considering the the pandemic and your videos are really helping, just have to pause i the video million to times to right down what your explaining, but great job. Hi from liverpool England

[abueno]

Awesome video... thank you very much! One small correction: "turning the rotational motion of the steering wheel into a horizontal ^linear^ (replaces 'translation') motion that push the wheels"... in essence that is the "translation: rotational to linear" which results in a transverse mounting. Thanks for taking showing us the internals and the wonderful narration.

[adiaddy]

Great work! Always wanted to do cut them up and look up what's inside. Saved me some time!

[rkgki]

You speak a bit quickly, but your explanation coupled with the disassembly does an excellent job in teaching how these things work. Concise and demonstrative. Well done!

[samd]

YOUR VIDEOS ARE THE BEST ON YOUTUBE. THANKS

[spankeyfish]

6:48 The cap, spring and piston are there to eliminate backlash by pressing the rack against the pinion.

[bravinneff]

Great video. Some terms to modify: Servo motor (not DC motor). Ball screw (not spiral screw). Ball nut (not spiral gear). Ball track (not spiral teeth). Input encoder (not sensor).

[flyonbyya]

Hardest workin man on YouTube!
Great Demonstrations
Clear Explanations!