How the steering system works | How a Car Works

The steering system converts the rotation of the steering wheel into a swivelling movement of the road wheels in such a way that the steering-wheel rim turns a long way to move the road wheels a short way.

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The system allows a driver to use only light forces to steer a heavy car. The rim of a 15 in. (380 mm) diameter steering wheel moving four turns from full left lock to full right lock travels nearly 16 ft (5 m), while the edge of a road wheel moves a distance of only slightly more than 12 in. (300 mm). If the driver swivelled the road wheel directly, he or she would have to push nearly 16 times as hard.

The steering effort passes to the wheels through a system of pivoted joints. These are designed to allow the wheels to move up and down with the suspension without changing the steering angle.

They also ensure that when cornering, the inner front wheel - which has to travel round a tighter curve than the outer one - becomes more sharply angled.

The joints must be adjusted very precisely, and even a little looseness in them makes the steering dangerously sloppy and inaccurate.

There are two steering systems in common use - the rack and pinion and the steering box.

On large cars, either system may be power assisted to reduce further the effort needed to move it, especially when the car is moving slowly.

On a heavy car, either the steering is heavy or it is inconveniently low geared - the steering wheel requiring many turns from lock to lock.

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Heavy gearing can be troublesome when parking in confined spaces. Power-assisted steering overcomes the problem. The engine drives a pump that supplies oil under high pressure to the rack or the steering box.

Valves in the steering rack or box open whenever the driver turns the wheel, allowing oil into the cylinder. The oil works a piston that helps to push the steering in the appropriate direction.

As soon as the driver stops turning the wheel, the valve shuts and the pushing action of the piston stops.

The power only assists the steering - the steering wheel is still linked to the road wheels in the usual way.

Article overview

• Steering system basics: The article explains the essential parts of a car's steering system, from the steering wheel to the tie rods, and how they work together to translate driver input into wheel movement.
• Types of steering: This section details the two most common steering systems in modern cars—rack-and-pinion and recirculating ball—and introduces how hydraulic and electric power steering make turning easier.
• Common problems & maintenance: The guide identifies three frequent power steering issues: fluid problems, a broken belt and a worn-out pump. It offers practical tips to prevent these failures and avoid expensive repairs.
• Preventive care: It emphasizes the importance of routine checks on fluid levels, belts and tire condition to reduce strain on the steering system and ensure long-term reliability.

Whether you're a car enthusiast fascinated by the mechanics of driving or an everyday driver looking to make informed decisions about vehicle maintenance, understanding how car steering works is essential. From choosing the right car to avoiding costly repairs, a basic knowledge of steering systems can go a long way.

Today, we’ll explore the basic types of car steering systems in modern cars and examine how these systems function. We’ll also walk through some of the common problems that can occur with steering systems and share tips for how you can avoid costly repairs. 

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AAA-Owned Car Care locations and AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities ensure that you’ll receive a quality repair at a fair price, along with the excellent service you expect. Plus, you’ll have access to special AAA Member benefits like extra discounts on labor and our 36-month/36,000-mile warranty on repairs at AAA-Owned Car Care locations, or a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty on repairs at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities.

Whether it’s steering system maintenance or a major repair, don’t leave your car’s performance to chance. Let AAA help keep your car moving. 

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