What does steering gearbox do?

A steering gearbox is a mechanical device that converts the rotary motion of the steering wheel into the linear motion needed to turn the wheels of a vehicle. It is located in the front of the vehicle, and is connected to the steering wheel by a steering column.

When the steering wheel is turned, the steering gearbox uses a series of gears to multiply the force applied to the steering wheel and turn the pitman arm, which is connected to the steering linkages that move the wheels.

There are two main types of steering gearboxes: worm and sector, and rack and pinion. Worm and sector steering gearboxes use a worm gear to turn a sector gear, which is connected to the pitman arm. Rack and pinion steering gearboxes use a rack and pinion gear to turn the wheels.

Both types of steering gearboxes have their own advantages and disadvantages. Worm and sector steering gearboxes are more durable and can handle more weight, but they also have more play and are less precise than rack and pinion steering gearboxes. Rack and pinion steering gearboxes are more precise and have less play, but they are not as durable and cannot handle as much weight as worm and sector steering gearboxes.

Modern vehicles typically use rack and pinion steering gearboxes because of their precision and responsiveness.