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Hugh Borbidge, BSME, Director of Engineering Animations
This animation illustrates a basic configuration of the linkages that steer the wheels when the steering wheel is turned. The steering wheel essentially controls one wheel. The second wheel is connected to the first by a tie rod. This tie rod allows both wheels to steer the vehicle. Should the tie rod fail, the steering wheel would only be able to continue to control one wheel, while the second wheel would be uncontrollable. At high speeds this could have tragic consequences.

Hugh Borbidge, BSME, Director of Engineering Animations with DJS Associates, Inc., can be reached via email at experts@forensicDJS.com or via phone at 215-659-2010.