Patent ID: 6609588
Filing Date: 2003-08-26
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
A steering assembly for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle in response to rotation of a steering wheel of the vehicle, said steering assembly comprising:a pinion; a steering member that is movable axially to effect turning movement of the steerable wheels of the vehicle, said steering member having a rack portion for engagement with said pinion; a mechanism cooperating with said steering member to move said steering member axially upon actuation of said mechanism; an electric motor comprising a stator and a rotor drivingly connected to said mechanism to actuate said mechanism when said motor is energized; said steering member having an additional portion for connection with a steerable wheel of the vehicle; and a cold-formed metal housing having a generally cylindrical main body portion enclosing and supporting said electric motor and said mechanism and having a generally cylindrical outboard housing portion enclosing said additional portion of said steering member; said outboard housing portion including at least one mounting foot having a first leg and a second leg, said first leg extending tangentially from said outboard housing portion, said second leg extending perpendicularly from said first leg such that said first leg and said second leg form an L-shaped configuration, said mounting foot being for mounting said steering assembly to the vehicle, said mounting foot being formed as one piece with said housing and not being a part separate from said housing.