Lenksystem

Lenksystem, also known as the steering system, is the set of components that translates the driver’s turn of the steering wheel into the rotation of the vehicle’s front wheels. It determines the vehicle’s direction and interacts with suspension geometry and electronic safety systems. The main components are the steering wheel, steering column, steering gear (rack-and-pinion or recirculating-ball), linkages such as tie rods, and the power-assist mechanism.

In traditional manual steering, the steering gear provides a direct mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels. Rack-and-pinion and recirculating-ball designs differ in how they convert rotation into linear motion and how the steering effort is transmitted. Manual systems require more effort at low speeds and provide a different steering feel than power-assisted setups.

Most modern vehicles use some form of power-assisted steering. Hydraulic power steering (HPS) uses an engine-driven pump to generate hydraulic pressure that assists the steering effort. Electric power steering (EPS) uses an electric motor, mounted on the steering column or rack, to provide variable assist and improved energy efficiency. EPS can be tuned to deliver different steering characteristics and improves integration with other driver-assistance features. Some systems employ both hydraulic and electric elements or are transitioning toward steer-by-wire concepts in development.

Maintenance and diagnostics focus on wear, alignment, and fluid condition for hydraulic systems, and on software calibration and electric motor health for EPS. A loss of assist, abnormal play, noise, or misalignment can indicate component wear or a need for system calibration.