Rack and pinion

A rack and pinion is a pair of gears which convert rotational motion into linear motion. The circular pinion engages teeth on a flat bar - the rack. Rotational motion applied to the pinion will cause the rack to move to the side, up to the limit of its travel.

Related Topics:
Gear - Pinion

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The rack and pinion arrangement is commonly found in the steering mechanisms of cars or other wheeled, steered vehicles. This arrangement provides a lesser mechanical advantage than other mechanisms such as recirculating ball, but much less backlash and greater feedback, or steering "feel".

Related Topics:
Steering - Car - Wheel - Mechanical advantage - Recirculating ball - Backlash - Feedback

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For rack and pinion railways see Cog railway.

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