Find Out the Components, Types, Functions, and How the Steering System Works on Buses!

The bus steering system is the component responsible for controlling the direction of movement of the bus. This system consists of various mechanical and electronic components that work together to allow the driver to change the direction of the bus. For more details about this system, you can learn about it through the following TransTRACK article.

Steering System Components on Buses

The main components in the bus steering system include:

Steering wheel

The steering wheel is the part held by the driver to control the direction of the bus. When the driver turns the steering wheel, the movement is sent to other components to change the direction of the bus.

Steering column

The steering column is the structure that connects the steering wheel to the other components in the system. The steering column may also have additional features such as turn signal levers, speed control levers and other function control buttons.

Steering shaft

The steering shaft connects the steering column to the steering wheel at the front of the bus. This shaft transmits the motion generated by the driver to the steering wheel system.

Steering gearbox

The steering gearbox converts the rotary motion generated by the steering shaft into linear motion to drive the steering wheel. The steering gearbox can also increase or decrease the force applied to the steering wheel to optimize response and stability while driving.

Suspension

The suspension on the bus also has an important role in this system. Good suspension helps to maintain bus stability and control, thus affecting response and comfort while driving.

In addition to mechanical components, modern bus steering systems can also be equipped with electronic technologies such as power steering to reduce the effort required to turn the steering wheel, stability control systems to maintain bus stability in bad road conditions. , and an all-wheel drive system to increase traction on all wheels of the bus.

A good system is very important to maintain the safety and comfort of drivers and passengers. This allows the driver to easily control the direction of the bus according to the purpose of the trip.

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Types of Bus Steering Systems

Following is a further explanation of the two types of bus steering systems that are commonly used:

Worms & Sectors

Worm & Sector steering system (worm and sector) is a type of mechanical system that is often used on buses and other heavy vehicles. This system consists of the main components in the form of a worm wheel and sector (sector gear).

Worm wheel

The worm wheel is a disc-shaped part with worm teeth around it. This worm gear is coupled with a sector gear to convert rotary motion into linear motion.

Gears sector

The gear sector is a component that moves back and forth and is connected to the steering wheel. The rotary motion of the worm wheel is converted into linear motion by the gear sector. This linear motion is then passed on to other components in this system, such as the steering arm and steering wheel.

The advantage of the Worm & Sector system is its ability to provide good stability for heavy vehicles such as buses. However, this system may have a slightly rough ride and require a little more effort from the driver to turn the steering wheel.

Recirculating Ball

The Recirculating Ball steering system is a type of system that is also commonly used on buses. This system uses a ball and screw mechanism to convert rotary motion into linear motion.

Thread

The Recirculating Ball system has a thread connected to the steering wheel. When the steering wheel is turned, this thread moves the balls located around it.

Ball

Small balls are used in this system to transfer linear motion from the thread to other components in this system. These balls move along a recirculating track that forms a closed track, thus distributing the load evenly and reducing friction.

The Recirculating Ball system has the advantage of providing a good response and greater stability compared to the Worm & Sector system. The system is also more resistant to wear and tear and can handle heavier loads. However, this system also has some drawbacks, such as slightly rough movements and higher construction complexity compared to the Worm & Sector system.

Both types of systems have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice of system used on a bus is usually influenced by factors such as bus size, stability requirements, operating environment demands, and manufacturer preferences.

Bus Steering System Functions

The function of this system is to control the direction of movement of the bus and provide accurate control to the driver. Following are some of the main functions of this system:

Change the direction of movement

The main function is to allow the driver to change the direction of movement of the bus as needed. By turning the steering wheel, the driver can steer the bus left or right, enabling safe and precise navigation.

Provide responsiveness

This system must respond quickly and accurately to the driver’s commands. Good response allows the driver to control the bus easily and avoid possible accidents.

Helps maintain stability

This system plays a role in maintaining the stability of the bus while driving on the road. By providing precise control, this system helps reduce the risk of slipping or overturning when facing bends or uneven road conditions.

Increase comfort

A good system also contributes to the comfort of the driver and passengers. By providing a smooth and precise response, this system reduces the vibration and shock felt in the bus cabin, thus increasing comfort during the trip.

Optimizing parking maneuvers

This system also assists the driver when performing parking maneuvers, including parallel parking, reverse parking, or parking in tight spaces. A responsive and accurate system makes it easier for drivers to perform these maneuvers safely.

Increase safety

An effective and reliable system is essential to keep drivers, passengers and other road users safe. By providing good control, this system helps reduce the risk of accidents and allows the driver to avoid hazards that may occur on the road.

With these functions, this system plays a crucial role in maintaining performance, stability, comfort and safety during bus operations. A good and well-maintained system is an important factor in maintaining overall bus performance.

How the Steering System Works on Buses

The workings of the steering system on a bus involve a series of mechanical and electronic components that work together to control the direction of movement of the bus. The following is an overview of how the steering system works on buses:

The driver turns the steering wheel

The process begins when the driver turns the steering wheel. The steering wheel rotation is converted into mechanical motion which is passed on to other components in the steering system.

Movement transmission through the steering column

The steering wheel movement is transmitted through the steering column, which connects the steering wheel with other components in this system. The steering column can also be equipped with additional features such as a turn signal lever and a speed driver lever.

Steering shaft and gearbox

The movement is transmitted through the steering column and then enters the steering shaft. The steering shaft connects the movement of the steering column with the steering gearbox. The steering gearbox functions to convert the rotary motion received from the steering shaft into a linear motion that is used to drive the steering wheel.

Steering arm and links

The linear motion generated by the steering gearbox is transmitted through the steering arm and links. The steering arm connects the steering gearbox to the steering wheel at the front of the bus. The steering linkage connects the steering arm to the steering wheels on both sides of the bus. The movement received by the steering arm and links will change the angle of the steering wheel, thereby changing the direction of movement of the bus.

Power steering system (optional)

Some modern buses are equipped with a power steering system that makes it easier for the driver to turn the steering wheel. This system uses hydraulic or electronic assistance to reduce the effort required by the driver to turn the steering wheel.

All-wheel drive system (optional)

Some buses may be equipped with an all-wheel drive system to increase traction and stability on all wheels. This system allows for better control when dealing with bad or slippery road conditions.

In addition to mechanical components, modern buses also use electronic technology such as steering sensors and electronic control units (ECU) to optimize the performance of these systems. Steering sensors help detect changes in steering wheel position, while the ECU controls the response and characteristics of these systems based on input from sensors and other parameters.

With good coordination between all these components, this system allows the driver to control the direction of movement of the bus responsively, accurately and safely.

In maintaining the optimal performance of the system and ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers, it is important to carry out regular maintenance and monitoring. In this case, TransTRACK’s Vehicle Maintenance System can be an effective solution.

By using the Vehicle Maintenance System from TransTRACK, you can efficiently optimize the maintenance and monitoring of the bus steering system. This will help maintain the performance, reliability and safety of the steering system, minimizing the risk of damage and possible accidents.

Get TransTRACK’s Vehicle Maintenance System and ensure your bus’s steering system is kept in top condition for a safe and successful journey.