Steering mechanism for an automotive vehicle

摘要

A steering system (10) has a rack housing (12) formed of a first tube (14) and a pinion housing (16) formed of a second tube (18). A first opening (31) is provided in the first tube (14) and a second opening (33) is formed in the second tube (18). The first opening (31) and second opening (33) expose a respective fillet (32), (34). The relative position of first opening (31) and second opening (33) determine the position of the first tube (14) with respect to the second tube (18). A first bushing (40) and a second bushing (42) are used to support a rack (36) within first tube (14). A pinion shaft (60) positioned within second tube (18) has a pinion gear (62) for coupling with rack (36). Preferably a first bracket (26) and second bracket (28) are positioned on first tube (14) adjacent to first bushing (40) and second bushing (42), respectively.