RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR ADJUSTER CLEARANCE ENHANCEMENT

摘要

The invention provides a steering assembly (10, 10a) including a first shaft (28, 28a) having a first longitudinal axis (29, 29a). The steering assembly (10, 10a) also includes a second shaft (32, 32a) having a second longitudinal axis (33, 33a). The first and second longitudinal axis (29, 29a, 33, 33a) are transverse and offset with respect one another. The first and second shafts (28, 28a, 32, 32a) are engaged at an intersection (35, 35a) such that the second shaft (32, 32a) translates along the second longitudinal axis (33, 33a) in response to rotation of the first shaft (28, 28a) about the first longitudinal axis (29, 29a). The steering assembly (10, 10a) also includes a bearing member (34, 34a, 34b, 34c) contacting the second shaft (32, 32a). The bearing member (34, 34a) is moveable along a bearing axis (37, 37a) extending transverse to both of the first and second longitudinal axis (33, 33a) at the intersection (35, 35a) to support the second shaft (32, 32a). The steering assembly (10, 10a) also includes an adjustment member (36, 36a, 36b) adjustably spaced from the bearing member (34, 34a, 34b, 34c) along the bearing axis (37, 37a). The adjustment member (36, 36a, 36b) limits movement of the bearing member (34, 34a, 34b, 34c) along the bearing axis (37, 37a). The steering assembly (10, 1Oa) also includes a post (40, 40a, 40b, 40c) disposed between the bearing member (34, 34a, 34b, 34c) and the adjustment member (36, 36a, 36b) along the bearing axis (37, 37a). The post (40, 40a, 40b, 40c) prevents the bearing member (34, 34a, 34b, 34c) and the adjustment member (36, 36a, 36b) from contacting one another.