Patent ID: 6684727
Filing Date: 2004-02-03
Classification: B21C,B21K,B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
A rack and pinion steering apparatus for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle upon rotation of a vehicle steering wheel, said rack and pinion steering apparatus comprising:a housing having a chamber; a rack linearly movable in opposite directions in said chamber to effect turning of the steerable vehicle wheels, said rack including rack teeth; a pinion operatively coupled for rotation with the vehicle steering wheel, said pinion including pinion teeth extending in a helical pattern, said pinion teeth being meshed with said rack teeth on said rack to cause said rack to move linearly upon rotation of said pinion, said pinion comprising coaxially disposed first and second members, said first member having a first outer surface and an end having a recess, said second member having a second outer surface and an inner surface, said inner surface of said second member defining a bore that receives said first member, said first outer surface of said first member interlocking with said inner surface of said second member to fixedly attach said first and second members together, said helical pinion teeth being formed on said second outer surface of said second member; an input shaft; and a torsion bar interconnecting said pinion with said input shaft, said recess of said first member of said pinion receiving a portion of said torsion bar.