Patent ID: 6296018
Filing Date: 2001-10-02
Classification: B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
A rack and pinion steering gear assembly comprising:an input shaft having a cylindrical inner surface defining an internal bore in said input shaft;a pinion coaxial with said input shaft;an axially extending torsion bar having a first end portion rotationally fixed to said input shaft, a second end portion rotationally fixed to said pinion, and a torsionally flexible portion disposed axially between said first and second end portions;a first valve member rotatable with said input shaft;a second valve member rotatable with said pinion and disposed concentrically about said first valve member;said torsion bar having a support portion rotatable within said internal bore of said input shaft and having a circumferential groove on said support portion of said torsion bar; anda compliant ring disposed in said groove on said support portion of said torsion bar and engaging said cylindrical inner surface in said input shaft to enable rotation of said support portion of said torsion bar within said internal bore of said input shaft while limiting relative radial movement between said support portion of said torsion bar and said input shaft.