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.

[@2006DURAMAX]

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

[@speedkar99]

+2006DURAMAX glad you enjoyed it. I wasn't expecting the belt drive or reciprocating ball bearing mechanism either, quite interesting how complex it actually is.

[@mareksumguy1887]

Its LINEAR motion.

[@shenghan9385]

Well. I am completely surprised too buy the choice of a toothed belt. It kind of making the whole thing feel toy like, a giant RC car. This type of steering rack can be easily used for some stupid DIY computer controlled gadgets, or just old school radio remote control.

[@leafbelly]

@@shenghan9385 It works.

[@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.

[@speedkar99]

+One Auto, that ks IMG and you found the video useful. Yeah that Chevy rack is a bit complex.

[@user-jn7or4ry3p]

Happy I seen the inside, I now know I have a sensor problem. Thanks👍🏾 One day, someone will show a bmw models waiting for it.

[@speedkar99]

Awesome

[@FilterYT]

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

[@90FF1]

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

[@speedkar99]

That's my style!

[@abueno6335]

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.

[@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.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks, I'm an engineer in the day and backyard mechanic on the weekend 😉 Now why is your brand new truck giving problems?

[@marcushughes2780]

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

[@speedkar99]

Thanks from Canada

[@extracelestial9941]

Is noone going to fucking talk about how buddy just GRINDS OFF THE BOLTS. 🤣🤦🏼 That was hilarious, thank you. 🥺😭❤️

[@LeavingCaladan]

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

[@speedkar99]

Thank you too!

[@alanhardman2447]

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

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@samd410]

YOUR VIDEOS ARE THE BEST ON KZbin. THANKS

[@InfaredMyth]

Amazing yet simple explanation!!! Keep up the good work, you just earned a subscriber

[@RoadHeros610]

Dude truly thank you so much for disassembling a unit .. you have the best explanation.. about the bearing .... I have a 2010 sho Taurus the steering rack is loud grinding sound I imagine I should be able to remove take it down to rack shaft and load it up with grease and hopefully get the horrible sound to go away ...

[@bhanuvardhanch7324]

Thanks for the video !! I was very excited to see whats there inside after cutting !!! Thank you very much!! I loved your videos!

[@speedkar99]

+Bhanu vardhan thanks. Check out my hydraulic steering rack video for more!

[@teamman101]

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

[@speedkar99]

+teamman101 thanks I'm glad you liked it. I have many more dissection videos just like this.

[@rickt2419]

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.

[@speedkar99]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Electric steering is better for fuel economy because it doesn't suck power directly from the engine all the time. Its a simpler setup compared to hydraulic, with less components. Unfortunately most electric steering setups aren't tuned for good steering feedback.

[@shenghan9385]

@@speedkar99 ok. Now I understand why some cars have that completely alien steering feel. They are not hydraulically assisted system. You learn something everyday. Lol

[@nukfauxsho]

@@shenghan9385 Drive by wire is the future. Its like driving a go cart. Granted you cant "feel" the road resistance like you would hydraulics, its a lot less trouble when theres a catastrophic hydraulic failure on a high pressure hose on conventional rack and pinon setups.

[@shenghan9385]

@@nukfauxsho right. Electric motors never fail. When waS the last time you had a catastrophic power steering failure? When was the last time you heard anyone having such a Catastrophic power steering failure on a hydraulic power steering system? Hydraulic leaks can often be detected. What about your brushed motor housed in a electric power steering system? How can you even tell if it is on its way out?

[@thebestitcanget8237]

@@shenghan9385wish i could agree but my electric motor failed on a Honda under 100k miles unfortunately.

[@pamodakoggala]

Nice video. Really enjoyed the video while gaining good insight. Thank you for uploading.

[@adi2addy833]

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

[@speedkar99]

Thanks glad you enjoyed the video

[@shobud7561]

Why would you want to destroy a perfectly good rack & pinion ...

[@pokomonpokomon4255]

Your videos helps me understands my vehicle better. Thanks

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome thanks

[@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!

[@speedkar99]

Thanks, short and to the point is my style

[@badonmar]

Thank for this video which shows clearly insides of steering rack. Now I see.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks I'm glad you found it knowledgeable

[@syedusamamanzoor1838]

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

[@speedkar99]

Hey it's been waiting for you all along!

[@syedusamamanzoor1838]

hahah! glad i didn't make it wait any longer

[@colinlyne1660]

speedkar99 fantastic video as usual always wanted to know how electric steering worked. Brilliant man!!!!

[@speedkar99]

+colin Lyne glad you learned something

[@TechTimeWithEric]

I just discovered your channel. Watched a few videos so far and really enjoy your style. I had to subscribe.

[@speedkar99]

+Eric Brunhammer I'm glad you enjoyed it and appreciate my work

[@selahattinisik6718]

Thank you very much my friend from İstanbul/TURKEY

[@lukeman87545]

Thats really cool how the eletric system works, great video. I really enjoyed the way you made it. I like your "special tool" hahaha

[@speedkar99]

+LukePlays Thanks, it is pretty neat, and it varies alot from the hydraulic system. I have another video on that.

[@flyonbyya]

Hardest workin man on KZbin! Great Demonstrations Clear Explanations!

[@kapilsoni5713]

Geat demonstration....really helped me a lot in understanding working of steering of car.....gr8 work🖒🖒

[@speedkar99]

+Kapil Soni Thanks I'm glad you learned something.

[@Mahmoud-hl8jt]

high quality video as usual! thank you

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@condor5635]

Another awesome educational video! Thanks!

[@speedkar99]

Thank you

[@Frenojan007rr]

Do more of these types of vids, keep it going

[@andypandy5224]

thanks for the video! helps me understand my steering and suspension class better. figured there would be more lube on the Chevy worm gear looked dry to be a new car? the thing applying pressure underneath the special nut you ground off the Toyota rack is called a yoke I think. again thanks for the video.

[@speedkar99]

+Andrew Ballew I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I did wipe off a lot of grease when removing these parts.

[@carlosmaldonado8600]

Thanks.. Very good job!!

[@Phenx]

Very cool. I want one of this because it has a steering angle sensor so i can use it on track.

[@ScottDLR]

Looks surprisingly well made.

[@speedkar99]

Yeah they are pretty sturdy...the the exception of that belt to drive the rack

[@charlesdeesawat4435]

Very Raw and educational video. Any thing stopping, and you just grinding it off! Lol

[@twig3288]

I can't wait to see how you reassemble it.

[@speedkar99]

+Twig I'm gonna use my angle grinder for that too

[@jackking5567]

Excellent rapid tear down.

[@speedkar99]

+Jack King thanks

[@_Wai_Wai_]

great explanation, thanks.

[@ajsimpson9743]

I lovee how you say "brother, wife things ect" haha ♡

[@speedkar99]

Yep Gotta steal what I can 🤣

[@camoapajafa]

Awesome video

[@alhindalhind5435]

Amazing video.

[@elbowtoe84]

Excellent content great effects

[@bravinneff1]

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).

[@speedkar99]

Thanks. I'm not an expert to know the terms but I know what it does. Are you a rack Engineer?

[@bravinneff1]

@@speedkar99 No, an engineer in CNC machinery, and these items are directly borrowed from CNC linear motion. In fact an argument could be made that electric power steering *is* a CNC machine, in a very real sense.

[@volvo09]

Good job! I liked it.

[@speedkar99]

+volvo09 thanks

[@chuckvoss9344]

very interesting. thank you.

[@electricmundo]

Great job explaining

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@1345CFA]

Awesome video. Thanks man.

[@speedkar99]

+H W glad you enjoyed it

[@landoe8383]

Thanks man, I learned a lot!

[@speedkar99]

Glad you learned something new !

[@diulaylomochohai]

great explainations. thumbed up

[@speedkar99]

+diulaylomochohai thanks for the feedback!

[@dannyhorry4943]

Brilliant it's like you could be doing this in your sleep x

[@speedkar99]

+Danny Horry sure but I wouldn't be able to put it back together!

[@brianday13]

Call me crazy, but, doesn't the simpler Toyota design seem MUCH more reliable over time? The electronics and the belt on the Chevy seem like a time bomb.

[@speedkar99]

+Brian Day of course the simpler design will be more reliable. The Chevy steering rack may last the lifetime of the car though, which is barely 10 years or so...just check out all those 10 year old Chevy cobalts in the junkyard as proof.

[@brianday13]

Truth right there! I on the other hand, think 10 years isn't that old. My Toyota rack went out on my Lexus after 14 years/255 K miles. Wonder if any power assist racks can last that long or if the the down side to the new tech shortened life spans. Thanks for the reply!

[@speedkar99]

+Brian Day New tech isn't meant to last as long as the old stuff. Cars are more disposable these days. To buy the inner tie rods for this car you have to buy the entire steering rack assembly! Therefore 10 years for a domestic car is normal. Japanese cars last longer and hold their value a bit more.

[@isaackarjala7916]

@@brianday13 my KIA with hydraulic power steering is at 239k, recently replaced outer tie rods but no issues with steering.

[@gobirajmusic]

The first rack is from a Camry which is a much larger car and has the luxury of placing the motor upstream inside the vehicle. The Cruze is much smaller and I'm curious to know if the Corolla (Toyota's comparable version to the Cruze) has a similar setup?

[@spankeyfish]

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

[@speedkar99]

+spankeyfish Good tip, thanks for the clarification, it makes sense.

[@shenghan9385]

So those parts essentially fix the rack in place? And it seems it's a adjustable arrangement. I may have to go back and see if this particular setup is put in place to simplify the machining process, reduce the otherwise stricter tolerance requirements of parts. It seems like a pretty smart solution that works.

[@shenghan9385]

Correct me if I am erred. I think it's safe to call that assembly a sleeve bearing.

[@naikkhan2174]

thanks good infarmation

[@autoshackghana]

Awesome Video. Thanks.

[@speedkar99]

+Auto Shack Thanks glad you liked it

[@ecordy]

Great video.

[@speedkar99]

+ecordy thanks!

[@i_just_dont_have_name7147]

Thanks for good information 👌

[@speedkar99]

Awesome

[@THOMASTHESAILOR]

We're those racks from your Brother's cars too.?

[@speedkar99]

+ThomasTheSailor Chubby Ahah Nah these racks were destined for the scrap heap. My brother would never drive a Camry or a Cruize

[@LukeWarmwater-yb5lx]

Thank You, very good video.

[@speedkar99]

Glad you liked it!

[@darrelldamon2745]

Impressive Friend, like what you are doing

[@speedkar99]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@dominicfong6341]

Another great video coming from you sir, thank you! I am wondering what happened to the electric motor that drives the Toyota steering rack as it never made an appearance in the clip though.

[@speedkar99]

Yup, I couldn't get my hands on that

[@vasanthraj6895]

Thanks for videos👏👏👏👏

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@foxgdsmck]

Great video again.

[@speedkar99]

+chris hill thanks Chris

[@Frenojan007rr]

Nice vid like it, super interesting, i have a problem with my cruze, (service power steering ) Electric , 2013 cruze Is it the electric motor cause at first steers well but then the wheel turns solid, hard and cant turn. Is it 1. Add lubrication into rack 2. Change the motor and have it reprogrammed 3. Replace for a new one?

[@nscbabu]

Wonderful demonstration. Perfect video.

[@speedkar99]

+Sarath natakam glad you enjoyed it thanks

[@aminhosseini6434]

Thanks bro 🙋👍

[@speedkar99]

+Amin Hosseini your welcome

[@srpatnaik4548]

Great Video...

[@speedkar99]

+S R Patnaik thank you

[@stang_daddy5980]

awesome video! i followed these disassembly instructions and have all my rebuild parts, now how do i get it back together?

[@speedkar99]

+slidestang242 thanks! You need to play the video in reverse at half speed. Use JB weld instead of the grinder and you should be good 😎

[@sajsed2]

Thanks and great work ?

[@speedkar99]

Your welcome

[@grzegorzfraczek5453]

@speedkar99 - in 2:07 when you take the cover off, you have two rotors there both pressed onto pinion. The pinion itself is consisted of two pinions (upper and lower). Those two rotors, are simple magnets. The Pinions are pressed concentrically and are connected with a torsion bar. When turned, the torsion bar will allow a slight movement of upper rotor to inside lower rotor thus creating changes in magnetic field. Then the Sensor (which is called hall Call Sensor) reads those changes and translates this information for the computer. This system allows the EPS to "read the mind" of a driver, so the gear knows in which direction you want to turn.

[@speedkar99]

Nice! Thanks for that information, pretty cool how it picks up that information. I thought it would have been a simple steering angle sensor further up the steering shaft.

[@ajayajay-is7xb]

wow videos are amazing,from where you learned all electronics and mechanical stuff

[@speedkar99]

+ajay javalkar thanks I'm glad you enjoy my videos. I learn my trial and error in my backyard.

[@speedkar99]

+ajay javalkar Thanks, I learn by trial and error

[@oby-1607]

Amazing how complicated rack and pinion steering can become with electronic assist. You have to wonder about the long term reliability of these pieces as the vehicles age.

[@speedkar99]

Agreed. Complex but technology has matured enough to make it reliable.

[@oby-1607]

I have had the electronic steering lock up several times in owning the car I drive. The only way to reset it was to turn off the key momentarily, restart and it began to work again. Luckily I wasn't on the freeway or a corner at highway speed when this happened.

[@Axabraxa]

Another great vide from you! Only one thing that did not make sense to me. In the end (at 8:20) you explain on how some racks with variable steering, the pitch between the teeth are different from the middle and out to either side (to make steering quicker towards full turn?) Does the pinion also have different pitch, and are sliding up-down to adjust to the variation in pitched gear/cogs/teeths on the rack?

[@mohamedsanoob.k1116]

nice thanku for uploading this video

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome. Glad it helped

[@mohamedsanoob.k1116]

☺

[@somebody7262]

I 100% agree that a grinder is a specialist tool to get bolts off 🤣

[@anandsalonia7218]

nice video thumps up

[@speedkar99]

+Anand Salonia thanks glad you liked the video

[@ziyad.h26]

nice video

[@speedkar99]

Thanks for subscribing!

[@beucan9200]

Sensor on steering rack is a torque sensor If there are 6 wires from it, it is likely that the car has Torque sensor 1 and Torque sensor 2 on the steering rack

[@speedkar99]

+Beucan Thanks for the info. There seem to be two gears with chips on it, probably for redundancy. Would be cool to know how they actually work.

[@josephjorgensen3282]

I love the this special tool

[@speedkar99]

Grinder 🤣

[@scottsrus]

The 'loud' interior brains my hurt...lol😂

[@keithwalker4013]

I have watched a number of your videos.... they are funny yet educational. Hope your brother isn't watching.

[@speedkar99]

Glad you enjoyed. No he doesn't watch

[@hectorheath9742]

Amazing engineering has gone into those racks.

[@speedkar99]

It sure has!

[@csmaster65]

Good video. Hydraulics for life.

[@speedkar99]

Yea I have another video on the hydraulic rack and it's more complicated

[@junmokoo9]

very good movie

[@speedkar99]

+Junmo Koo glad you enjoyed my film

[@johnnyleon4395]

Great!!!

[@caturskak6936]

you have to hold your breath working with a very special tool like that

[@speedkar99]

Or just use a mask 😁

[@edwardniel655]

I used the exact same method to pull the engine on my car. Cutting the transmission in half was probably the hardest part due to the small clearances with the tunnel in the floor. It took almost another hour or so to cut through all that sheet metal and carpet just to get to it, but I got it out. What a mess that made! Now.. to install that new clutch and pressure plate...

[@speedkar99]

+edward niel good to hear. I got an engine removal video soon, no cutting needed. Stay tuned.

[@philipram]

Brilliant concise explanation - if only my teachers had been as good . . . BUT: what happens if the electrics fail - to me it looks as though the recirculating ball system would jam any rack movement.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks. It would operate manually

[@OverlandTT]

Is it possible to damage an inner balljoint by hitting a kerb and can they be independently replaced or does it have to be the whole rack?

[@speedkar99]

+iVlogBuzz Usually the tie rods can be replaced

[@OverlandTT]

I suppose I need to find an honest mechanic that isn't the stealership or the so called Porsche specialists as they couldn't find anything wrong (but were happy to take money to tell me nothing and did so at an hour labour)

[@Diogenes30]

Thanks

[@speedkar99]

Welcome

[@amirmohammadmohseni]

Is the Cruze steering rack able to move if the DC motor gets locked or something that prevents motor from spinning happens?! I saw some sort of planetary gear sets for coupling a electric motor to steering shaft which keep the main shaft still functioning with a siezed motor.

[@melody3741]

Could you repurpose the chevy steering rack as a force feedback wheel?

[@engrhasan9147]

Nice

[@speedkar99]

+Engr Hasan thanks

[@jtcintl4373]

Sooo does the steering rack prevent/stop the wheels from turning too far left or right?? Wish you would have shown this in the video.

[@cattizos]

wonderful video, how do you recenter a rack and pinion?

[@speedkar99]

Thanks. Not sure how to center.

[@aaronpeacock8660]

That's a great vid, your style is so infomative, trial + error + destruction teaches so much...."and now to put it back together again"!!!!!!!.😕 My Peugeot 207 6 year old car electric power steering has broken, gonna attempt to replace myself, how hard is it out of ten? Why are Japanese cars made better?

[@speedkar99]

+AARON PEACOCK Thanks I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Japanese cars are engineered simpler than their European counterparts, which makes them easier to repair and more economical in The long run to maintain.

[@daves5765]

Thank you very much for that video! I wanted to ask you, on an electric rack like what is on the c7 Corvette, what is that very little mushy part as the steering wheel is turned from center? I mean slight. Like a few millimeters. Is there a spring in the steering sensor that allows slight movement before the rack is assisted by the motor? Or is the top shaft (the part where the sensor is) one solid piece that connects the steering shaft to the rack?

[@speedkar99]

Electric racks don't have a torsion bar like hydraulic ones. The on center looseness is how it's geared, in addition to your tire and suspension setup. It's made like that so you don't accidentally sneeze and change lanes lol

[@daves5765]

@@speedkar99 so is the midshaft one piece on an electric rack? I know the midshaft or input shaft is actually 2 pieces in a hydraulic one in order for the valves to actuate.

[@najaeporter3028]

Appreciate it

[@speedkar99]

Welcome

[@garyr7027]

Your brothers gonna be pissed, you took his underwear and his rack... LOL.

[@speedkar99]

Hahaha good one