Rack and pinion systems work using an ingenious and highly-complicated set of gears. They're essential parts of your car's ...

Part of a rack-and-pinion steering system, the rack is a bar parallel to the front axle that moves left or right when the steering wheel is turned, aiming the front wheels in the correct direction.

Most car-based vehicles use rack-and-pinion steering in which the steering wheel turns a pinion gear that moves on a rack to turn the front wheels. Others use recirculating ball systems in which ...