Steering system for Kia Optima
Steering System Components
Steering system is a group of mechanisms that transmit and amplify the force from the steering wheel to the car wheels. The steering system allows the driver to give the car the necessary direction of movement. Its two main tasks are: transmitting the muscular energy of the driver's hands to the car wheels and keeping the vehicle on a straight trajectory. Without the effective and coordinated work of all steering system components, normal car movement is impossible.
System and Types of Mechanisms
The components of the steering system are: steering wheel, steering column, steering shaft, gearbox, power steering: hydraulic, electric or electro-hydraulic.
The car steering mechanisms that convert the rotational movements of the steering wheel into translational movements of the suspension elements come in several types, among which two are more common:
- Worm mechanism. Consists of a worm (rotary screw with trapezoidal threading) and a worm wheel with spiral teeth. Such mechanisms allow the wheels to turn at a large angle, dampen suspension impacts and provide maneuverability. However, the worm mechanism requires more attention and timely quality maintenance and is expensive. Today, this type is mainly installed on trucks, buses and other heavy equipment.
- Rack and pinion steering mechanism. Constructively a much simpler type of steering mechanism. A gear is fixed on the same shaft as the steering wheel, which moves the toothed rod of the steering rack in the required direction when turning. An additional advantage is that such a system also uses a simplified steering drive, where only two steering rods are sufficient. Other advantages of the rack are high efficiency, low price and small dimensions. The disadvantages can be considered sensitivity to vibrations and road irregularities. This type of steering is most often found in modern passenger cars, especially front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
In addition, there are also screw-type and hydraulic steering drives, which are installed much less frequently.
Malfunctions of Car Steering Mechanisms
Steering control fails due to various events that may be related to external events or appear due to the so-called human factor. Among them:
- Insufficient quality of road surface;
- Aggressive driving style;
- Lack of proper control and maintenance;
- Use of inappropriate or poor-quality components, lubricants and fluids;
- Incorrect wheel balancing, wear of wheel bearings, low tire pressure.
Malfunctions of most steering system components manifest in a similar way: unusual sounds appear, the steering wheel becomes difficult to turn, and play increases. In hydraulic systems, fluid leaks appear; in electric systems, errors and information messages appear on the instrument panel. All these are at least reasons to visit a service station for steering system diagnostics.
How to Maintain the Car's Steering System
Steering mechanisms, along with the braking system, are the main safety elements of the car. Therefore, it is absolutely unacceptable to neglect their serviceability and delay repairs. In cases of any malfunctions of racks, columns, power steering, contact STS Parts for help. With us, you can get qualified services for repair or restoration of all steering components, as well as purchase the necessary spare parts.
The STS PARTS online store offers steering mechanisms - new steering gearboxes, power steering pumps, steering columns with EPS, gearboxes. For unit repairs, we offer repair kits, consumables and car steering parts for purchase.
You can purchase new and reconditioned original steering parts:
- In stores;
- By ordering on the website. Mechanisms in sets or as separate parts are sorted by categories and described in detail, so it's very easy to find the necessary steering parts;
- Buy through our sales department with delivery to any city in Poland.