Steering system for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels

Abstract

A steering system for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a steering wheel and a housing. A pinion is in the housing and connected to the steering wheel such that rotation of the steering wheel results in rotation of the pinion about a rotational axis relative to the housing. A first bearing rotatably supports a first end of the pinon in the housing. A second bearing rotatably supports a second end of the pinon in the housing. A worm wheel is meshed with the pinion in the housing and connected to steerable vehicle wheels. The worm wheel transfers torque from the steering wheel to the steerable vehicle wheels to effect turning of the steerable vehicle wheels. A pressing device applies a pressing force to the second end of the pinion via the second bearing to urge the pinion toward the worm wheel.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.