Patent ID: 6247375
Filing Date: 2001-06-19
Classification: B62D,F16C,F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle upon turning of a vehicle steering wheel, said apparatus comprising:a housing having a chamber;a rack having an axis and being movable axially in opposite directions in said chamber, movement of said rack in one direction effecting turning of the steerable wheels in a second direction and movement of said rack in a direction opposite said one direction effecting turning of said steerable wheels in a direction opposite said second direction;a pinion meshed with said rack; anda yoke partially disposed in said housing and supporting said rack for axial sliding movement relative to said yoke, said yoke comprising:a molded plastic body having a recess; anda plate spring located in said recess, said plate spring having a surface engaging said rack and biasing said rack into engagement with said pinion, said plate spring supporting said rack for axial sliding movement relative to said plate spring in said one direction and in said direction opposite said one direction.