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Along with the redesign of the front suspension, there was a redesign of the steering system.

​ The first iteration of rack-and-pinion steering was found to require too much effort, and even seized at one of the competitions. To reduce effort within the system, the need for u-joints was eliminated, a custom housing was designed, and a sturdier support system was implemented. 

Changes Made:

• Decrease steering effort
• Eliminate need for U-joints
• Creation of sturdier support system
• Custom housing for rack and pinion designed and manufactured

Process:

• Conducted ergonomics study of drivers for steering wheel position using Solidworks and physical mock-ups
• Modeled and fabricated rack housing that spans foot box
• Performed FEA to determine deflection of supports under loading

Outcome:

• System uses single tube column
• Reduced steering effort 
• Sturdier system with less risk of failure 

Problems Overcome:

• Rack housing heavier than off the shelf system, redesigned with steps reducing weight by over half a pound
• Steering effort greater than expected due to bore linearity and friction from wiper seals, modified wiper seals to reduce drag and redesigned rack extensions to reduce internal pressure

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