Steering. General information (BMW 3 Series E30)

The steering system consists of a steering wheel, a steering column, a rack and pinion steering gear, steering rods and a steering damper. The steering wheel is mounted on the steering column, which transmits steering movements to the steering gear. Depending on the steering wheel angle, the steering gear ratio changes. This means that the greater the steering wheel angle, the less proportional the steering becomes. As the steering wheel angle increases, it becomes easier to turn, for example when parking a car.

In the middle position, the steering gear ratio, approaching direct transmission, ensures precise control of the car, which is especially important at high speeds.

Depending on the model and equipment composition, a power steering system may be installed, reducing the steering effort required to turn the steering wheel. The servo system consists of a hydraulic pump, an expansion tank and a pipeline. The hydraulic pump is driven by a V-belt. The pump sucks in fluid from the expansion tank and delivers it under high pressure to the steering mechanism. There, the regulator unit, together with the working piston, maintains the control movement.

(The original text is available on the website BMWMAN.ru)