Pontiac Steering Rack
The steering rack is typically found on Pontiac vehicles with front wheel drive.
A pinion gear moves horizontally through the steering rack to convert the turning
motion of the steering wheel into linear motion in order to control the wheel
more efficiently. It also provides a gear reduction feature that offers the end
user a smoother and easier turning of the wheels.
A Pontiac steering rack basically works with the pinion steering gear in which
it is used to convert and multiply the rotational motion from the steering wheel,
and into the a motion that is required to move the steering linkage and the wheels.
It is usually located at the sub frame of the Pontiac, connected to the steering
column and to the tie rod. It is designed to help you turn your front wheel easily.
Maintaining the condition of the steering rack is a must in order to ensure the
efficiency and performance of handling and control of your Pontiac. While checking
for the steering rack, this is also a good time to check for other steering parts
such as power steering belt, steering fluid (for power steering capable Pontiac
vehicle), steering pump, steering hoses, and ball steering gear. All these parts
including the steering rack works together to provide your vehicle an excellent
handling and better controlled wheels even on tough and terrain roads.
For power steering Pontiac vehicles, the steering rack contains a cylinder with
a piston at the center that is directly connected to the rack. The steering fluid
flows through the two hoses that are located on each side of the piston to supply
it with a highly pressurized fluid that forces the piston to move in either side.
This process also provides a power assist to the steering wheel.
