Steering — design description (Mazda 121 (3))

The steering system consists of a steering wheel, a two-piece steering shaft, a steering gear, and steering rods. The steering wheel is secured with a bolt to the steering shaft, which leads to the steering gear. The steering rack moves back and forth through a toothed engagement. The steering rack is connected at both ends via ball joints to the steering rods. They transmit the force from the steering wheel through the joints to the steering knuckles and to the front wheels.

The rack and pinion steering should move easily and without play from lock to lock. It does not require maintenance, although the condition of the protective covers should be checked occasionally.

The driver's airbag is located in the steering wheel. In the event of a severe frontal impact, a small charge in the airbag assembly is ignited by the control unit, and the gases from the combustion of the charge inflate the airbag within a few milliseconds. This is enough time to soften the impact for the driver. The airbag then deflates within a few seconds, as the gases are removed through special outlets.





Depending on the vehicle's equipment, it may be equipped with a power steering system, which makes steering easier. The power steering system consists of an oil pump, a fluid (oil) reservoir, and oil delivery lines. The oil pump is driven by the engine via a V-belt. The pump sucks oil from the reservoir and delivers it under high pressure to the steering gear. There, the control unit provides the necessary action to increase the efficiency of the steering gear.

Precautionary measures; always replace the self-locking nuts. Welding and straightening work on steering components is not permitted. Work on the airbag should be carried out in a workshop, as it is dangerous.

Power steering

The text of the article is taken from the website mazbook.ru