INTRODUCTION

Technical specifications:

- splitter ratio: 60-44 mm/rev

- steering wheel angle/wheel angle ratio: 13.0° steering wheel/° wheel

- no. of turns lock to lock: 2.6 for a turning circle (between pavements): 11.25 m or 11.75 m (between walls).

VARIABLE RATIO RACK AND PINION STEERING BOX

Specifications

The innovative feature lies in the possibility of reducing the difference between the maximum force applied to the steering wheel, when the vehicle is cornering or committed to manoeuvres with high steering angles, and the minimum force applied when the steering wheel is actually or almost in a straight line position.

This feature is produced thanks to the particular shape of the rack teeth, which are capable of determining variable ratios between the force applied to the steering wheel and the force transmitted to the wheels, depending on the position of the rack in relation to the pinion.

The rack teeth are cut with a variable pressure angle and module from the centre towards the ends so that the pinion meshes with different step teeth depending on the steering angle.

A more direct ratio is produced in this way when the pinion is working in the centre part of the rack, and a more split ratio gradually as the pinion meshes close to the two ends of the rack during steering.

This increases driving sensitivity in straight lines and improves driving comfort round bends and during manoeuvres.

SECTION OF VARIABLE RATIO STEERING BOX WITH DIAGRAM SHOWING RACK AND PINION TEETH