The steering wheel is one of the crucial components of a vehicle and in this article, we are going to discuss different types of steering wheels. It serves as an interface between the driver and the car. Vehicles used various mechanisms before the introduction of steering wheels. The first method was the tiller, a liver-like device that demanded physical exertion to operate. Karl Benz, an automobile inventor in 1886, used horse-drawn carriages for transportation at that time. Additionally, the tillers could have been more ergonomic and user-friendly than modern steering wheels.
Alfred Vecheron, a French engineer, invented the modern steering wheel. The tiller was replaced by the steering wheel, which was designed to improve control and speed for the Paris to Rouen race in 1894.
Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft replaced the vertically positioned steering wheel in the Phoenix racing car in 1900 with an angle one. However, the introduction of the steering wheel brought significant innovation in design, functionality, and speed. Furthermore, this article will shed light on different types of steering wheels. So, let’s explore each type one by one.
Different Types Of Steering Wheels
There are varying kinds of car steering wheels. Some of the significant types are as follows.
Tilt-able Steering Wheel
General Motors introduced the steering wheel in 1963. It has a moveable arc that can be raised or lowered. Additionally, its wheel has been designed so that if the wheel position varies, the steering wheel remains unaffected. Furthermore, this is due to the match located in the early days; the tiltable steering wheel was used in luxury cars. It is now usually used in all types of vehicles.
Telescopic Steering Wheel
The telescopic steering wheel has telescopic characteristics, which move the steering wheel upward or downward. The car owners can manage its setting according to themselves in case of driving. Jaguar introduced the first telescopic steering wheel in 1949. The tightening and loosening of the column in the steering enables the driver to adjust the wheel according to the rider’s choice. Drivers with short or tall heights can flexibly drive and adjust the seat’s position easily. Additionally, the telescopic feature enabled the mode to be near to the driver by 3 inches or 76mm. Some of the 2016 models of cars in Pakistan have this kind of wheel.
Swing Away Steering Wheel
Ford Thunderbird introduced this kind of steering wheel in 1961. During park mode, the steering wheel can move a full 9 inches or 229mm to the right. Additionally, it enhances the overall comfort and design.
Recirculating Ball Steering Wheel
The term circulating means moving or turning. However, this type of steering wheel allows easy wheel turning. There are many reasons for stiff steering wheels. Additionally, the pitman arm is the part of the recirculating steering wheel that connects the pitman shaft and steering gear to the center link. Moreover, it has now been replaced by electronic power steering and is used in older cars. The following vehicles have a recirculating steering wheel.
Chevrolet Silverado
Hummer H2 2014 model
Dodge Challenger 1974 model
Mercedes E-Class W124
Adjustable Steering Column Steering Wheel
Most types of wheels have a fixed steering column. However, as the name suggests, this wheel has an adjustable steering column. The range of movements is not confined. In addition, compression locks or electric motors adjust these kinds of steering wheels. Electric motors have electronic adjustments with memory functions. Moreover, the drivers can make easy adjustments with a touch of a button. It helps in allowing easy entry and exit from the vehicle. It is found in high-luxury cars, which are as follows.
Toyota Land Cruiser LC200
Rack And Pinion Steering System
It is one of the significant types of steering wheels with a gear-like mechanism. It consists of a pinion (a circular gear) and a rack (a linear gear). These gears actually connect the steering wheels to the wheels. The steering wheel moves, which in turn rotates the pinion gear. The pinion gear moves the rack, which again enables the wheels to move. It is found in almost all types of cars, such as sedans and SUVs.
Power Steering System
A power steering system is also one of the standard systems that use electric or hydraulic power steering. It usually reduces the amount of effort required to turn the steering wheel. Additionally, it consists of a pump, hoses, and a steering gear. The system exerts power through hydraulic fluid or electric motors on the steering wheel. There are three types of power steering systems.
Hydraulic Power Steering
The hydraulic pressure turns the hydraulic power steering. The car engine drives the hydraulic pump to circulate the fluid, which in turn moves the wheels. Suzuki Liana is one of the cars with hydraulic power steering.
Electric Power Steering System
The electric power steering system has an electric system linked to the steering column. Additionally, many modern cars like Audi, Mercedes Benz, and BMW use this kind of steering with a comfortable driving experience. However, this type of steering wheel is complex to repair.
Electric Power Hydraulic Steering
The electric power hydraulic steering system combines an electric steering system with hydraulic power. Electric power turns the steering wheels with hydraulic backup. As a result, it reduces the load on the engine, enhancing fuel efficiency. Moreover, it also increases reliability in case of electric failure.
Final Note
In short, car owners should use the right steering wheels based on their needs and demands. However, they should safely and periodically clean the car steering wheel. Additionally, the choice usually depends on the vehicle’s design, body type, performance, and speed. Car owners should consider buying a steering wheel at the best price from PakWheels. They can also buy steering wheel covers from us. Our price range starts from PKR 380 to PKR 37,000. We have a comprehensive return and refund policy with 100k+ satisfied clients.
