Drag link: Difference between revisions
imported>Mucketymuck m This verb unnecessary. |
imported>Lfstevens ce, rem tag |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Short description|Motion converter in automotive steering}} | {{Short description|Motion converter in automotive steering}} | ||
[[File:Draglink.JPG|thumb|Steering system showing drag link | [[File:Draglink.JPG|thumb|Steering system showing drag link]] | ||
A '''drag link''' converts rotary motion from a crank arm to a second [[bellcrank]], usually in an automotive steering system. | A '''drag link''' converts rotary motion from a crank arm to a second [[bellcrank]], usually in an automotive steering system. | ||
The term pre-dates the automobile, although its origin is unclear. It was in use in 1849 as a means of rotating a [[Henry Reynolds-Moreton, 2nd Earl of Ducie|Ducie]] cultivator operated by cable by a stationary steam engine (or between engines).<ref>{{cite news |title=Mr. James Howard on Steam Cultivation: Its Rise and Progress |newspaper=Dorset County Chronicle |date=6 March 1862 |page=15 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0000408/18620306/079/0015 |access-date=2025-06-30 |url-access=registration |via=British Newspaper Archive}}</ref> | |||
==Automotive use== | ==Automotive use== | ||
The | The drag link in [[automotive technology]] connects the drop arm (also called [[pitman arm]]) on the steering box to a "steering arm" which turns the wheels to steer the vehicle. Normally the drop link connects to one wheel which is connected to the other wheel by a track rod (or [[tie rod]]), which is an adjustable rod that determines the relative wheel alignment.<ref>{{cite book |chapter=The Steering System |title=The Modern Motor Engineer |volume=III |first=Arthur W |last=Judge |publisher=Caxton |date=September 1954 |page=140}}</ref> | ||
Typically, one end of the drag link is connected via the drop arm and steering gearbox to the steering wheel (providing the connection between the driver and the steering system); the other end is attached to one of the wheels by the steering arm. | Typically, one end of the drag link is connected via the drop arm and steering gearbox to the steering wheel (providing the connection between the driver and the steering system); the other end is attached to one of the wheels by the steering arm. | ||
| Line 12: | Line 12: | ||
An alternate steering mechanism is a [[rack and pinion]], a three bar linkage that eliminates the drag link by directly moving a center link. | An alternate steering mechanism is a [[rack and pinion]], a three bar linkage that eliminates the drag link by directly moving a center link. | ||
"The drag link connects the pitman arm to the steering arm, or in some applications it connects to the tie rod assembly. Unlike a center link, the drag link does not connect to an idler arm, and has no inner tie rod ends attached to it. On some applications the drag link swings from the front to the rear of the vehicle. On these applications the drag link connects to the steering arm located at the wheel. In some Jeep applications, the drag link will swing from right to left on the vehicle and will connect to the steering arm at the wheel. Drag links can be a solid one-piece design or an adjustable design. Many drag links have replaceable or rebuildable ends."<ref> | "The drag link connects the pitman arm to the steering arm, or in some applications it connects to the tie rod assembly. Unlike a center link, the drag link does not connect to an idler arm, and has no inner tie rod ends attached to it. On some applications the drag link swings from the front to the rear of the vehicle. On these applications the drag link connects to the steering arm located at the wheel. In some Jeep applications, the drag link will swing from right to left on the vehicle and will connect to the steering arm at the wheel. Drag links can be a solid one-piece design or an adjustable design. Many drag links have replaceable or rebuildable ends."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rareparts.com/drag-link.php |title=Drag link}}{{dead link|date=June 2025}}</ref> | ||
==Effect of wear== | ==Effect of wear== | ||
Wear in the joints at the end of the drag link in | Wear in the joints at the end of the drag link results in "play" (looseness) in the steering. It does not affect the wheel alignment, which is determined by the track rod (also known as a tie rod). | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| Line 26: | Line 26: | ||
[[Category:Automotive steering technologies]] | [[Category:Automotive steering technologies]] | ||
[[Category:Linkages (mechanical)]] | [[Category:Linkages (mechanical)]] | ||
{{Automotive-part-stub}} | {{Automotive-part-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 02:06, 1 July 2025
A drag link converts rotary motion from a crank arm to a second bellcrank, usually in an automotive steering system.
The term pre-dates the automobile, although its origin is unclear. It was in use in 1849 as a means of rotating a Ducie cultivator operated by cable by a stationary steam engine (or between engines).[1]
Automotive use
The drag link in automotive technology connects the drop arm (also called pitman arm) on the steering box to a "steering arm" which turns the wheels to steer the vehicle. Normally the drop link connects to one wheel which is connected to the other wheel by a track rod (or tie rod), which is an adjustable rod that determines the relative wheel alignment.[2]
Typically, one end of the drag link is connected via the drop arm and steering gearbox to the steering wheel (providing the connection between the driver and the steering system); the other end is attached to one of the wheels by the steering arm.
An alternate steering mechanism is a rack and pinion, a three bar linkage that eliminates the drag link by directly moving a center link.
"The drag link connects the pitman arm to the steering arm, or in some applications it connects to the tie rod assembly. Unlike a center link, the drag link does not connect to an idler arm, and has no inner tie rod ends attached to it. On some applications the drag link swings from the front to the rear of the vehicle. On these applications the drag link connects to the steering arm located at the wheel. In some Jeep applications, the drag link will swing from right to left on the vehicle and will connect to the steering arm at the wheel. Drag links can be a solid one-piece design or an adjustable design. Many drag links have replaceable or rebuildable ends."[3]
Effect of wear
Wear in the joints at the end of the drag link results in "play" (looseness) in the steering. It does not affect the wheel alignment, which is determined by the track rod (also known as a tie rod).
See also
References
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".Template:Dead link