Recirculating ball
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Recirculating ball, also known as recirculating ball and nut or worm and sector, is a steering mechanism commonly found in older vehicles. Most newer vehicles use rack and pinion steering instead, but some significant manufacturers (including DaimlerChrysler and General Motors) still use this technology in some models, e.g. the Jeep Wrangler.
A worm gear on the end of the steering shaft has a spiral groove filled with steel balls, all encased in an assembly called the ball nut or steering gear nut. The nut has grooves on the inside to accept the bearings. As the steering wheel is turned, the nut moves up and down along the worm gear. A sector gear transmits the motion of the nut to the steering linkage, causing the vehicle's wheels to turn.
