Steering Gear Durability Testing Systems

Select image to enlarge The IST steering gear rig systems are designed for durability testing of a wide range of steering specimens from passenger cars to trucks. Vibration inputs from road data can be generated in up to five degrees of freedom dependent on the complexity of the steering gear rig. Some steering gear rigs only use rotational and one other axis (vertical or horizontal) others use all five degrees of freedom.

IST steering gear rigs can be used for a variety of applications:

• Durability Testing
• Key Life Testing
• Impact Abuse Tests

Durability Testing

Field measured data can be produced on the steering gear rigs without the need for a complete vehicle. Typically, IST would assist the customer in measuring the data on the vehicle and then would correlate it to the rig. Tests that previously took months on the proving ground to simulate the fatigue life of the steering gear system can now be completed in days.

Key Life Testing

IST key life rigs are designed to simulate closely the under hood (bonnet) conditions which all of the parts in the full steering gear system would see. The rig simulates hot spots coming from the engine and brakes as well as imputing the real vibration which not only the rack sees but also, the power steering pumps, hoses and heat exchanger. It allows the whole system to be evaluated without building a full prototype car.

Impact Abuse Tests

IST produces a set of flexible rigs to allow a set of impact tests on the steering gear system. Linear, rotary, static impact tests and ultimate strength are carried out on the steering column and tie rod ends of the rack.

IST steering gear rigs have the following characteristics.

• Modular rigs can be expanded from 3 axis to 5 axis
• All are available with temperature chambers and power steering control
• Special software to meet first tier supplier specifications
• Reliability
• Durable design

A wide range of steering gear rigs are available:

• 3 axis steering
• 5 axis steering
• Electric power steering rigs
• Impact abuse test rigs
• Truck steering rigs
• Multiple steering rack test rigs

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