Getting To Know Your Steering System: Steering Gears

The Importance Of Steering Gears In Your Semi-Truck

Your steering system is one of the most important systems in your semi-truck. It is made up of a series of complex components designed to make sure your commercial vehicle is responsive when you turn the wheel. One of the main components in your semi truck's steering system is the steering gears. The steering gear components of your steering system uses multiple gears that changes a circular motion into lateral movement. The steering gear also makes it easier to move the wheels while under the immense pressure of your truck.

If you've been researching steering gears and want to know more about them, you've come to the right place! Our experts have put together the following article to make sure you have a guide to help you learn more about steering gears. Read on to learn more!

What Makes Up A Steering Gear?

There are a multitude of different arrangements and setups to consider when researching steering gears. However, each of them is made with what are called input gears and output gears. For semi-truck that are equipped with a recirculating ball steering gear, the input gear, also known as a "worm gear," is connected to the steering shaft. It is designed with a toothed nut that connects to a toothed gear. The gear that is connected to the input gear is also referred to as the "sector gear." It is the part of the sector shaft that connects to a pitman arm.

There are also several bearings designed to reduce friction between the parts they are hooked up to, each of which hold up each gear shaft.

How Does A Steering Gear Operate?

Steering gears are designed to change the steering wheel's circular motion into one that moves the tires across a lateral axis. They are also developed to amplify your movements to help turn heavy steering linkages with ease.

When you turn the steering wheel of a commercial truck that uses a recirculating ball gear, it sends motion down the steering shaft to the worm gear that is attached to that shaft. The movement rotates the worm gear, which in turn moves the sector gear and sector shaft.

When the sector shaft moves, the pitman arm attached to the shaft moves as well. The pitman arm moves the steering linkage in a lateral motion, which moves the wheel that is controlled by the linkage.

Read More About The Steering System In Your Heavy-Duty Truck

If you've been looking for a single place to do all your steering research, then you are in the right place. We have a full range of articles designed to help you learn some of the basics when it comes to each of the components in your steering system. Click any of the links below for more information on steering!

• Get To Know Your Steering System
• Get To Know Your Steering System: Tie Rods
• Get To Know Your Steering System: Drag Links
• Get To Know Your Steering System: Steering Pumps
• Get To Know Your Steering System: Reservoir Tanks

Shop Now For Steering Gears!

If you are looking for replacement parts for your steering system, then you've arrived at the perfect time! Whether you are looking for steering gears, drag links, tie rods, pumps, or reservoir tanks, we have a full selection of steering parts from Dana, Spicer, Match Made, and Meritor. Shop now for amazing deals on the aftermarket parts you need to make sure your commercial truck is up and running as intended!