The intermediate shaft in a conventional steering gear is splined to which gear?

The intermediate shaft in a conventional steering gear connects the steering wheel to the gear box, and it is splined to the worm gear. The worm gear is a crucial component of the steering mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel into linear motion, allowing the vehicle to turn. This connection through splines enables a secure and effective transfer of motion while allowing for some degree of misalignment and torque tolerance between the various components.

The worm gear interacts with the sector gear, which is responsible for moving the actual steering linkage. However, the splined connection is specifically made with the worm gear since it is where the torque and rotation from the steering wheel is first engaged. Understanding this relationship is key for diagnosing issues or servicing the steering system in vehicles.