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Why Are Automobile Steerings Not Designed Like That Of A Forklift - Car Talk - Nairaland

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Why Are Automobile Steerings Not Designed Like That Of A Forklift by jodeci(m): 10:20pm On Sep 09, 2014
You will agree with me that designing automobile steerings to be as flexible,almost 360 rotatable as that of a forklift will make for easier reversing and getting away in emergencies.
I wanna know,is there any reason why it wasnt designed like that?
Re: Why Are Automobile Steerings Not Designed Like That Of A Forklift by Nobody: 10:42pm On Sep 09, 2014
The steering wheels of a forklift truck are at the rear, hence it's excellent turning circle. Not practical for a car though. A forklift steering assembly is not a rack and pinion (like in a modern car) or even a steering box (like in some SUV's, light and heavy duty trucks).

The forklift uses a set-up similar to a brake hydraulic cylinder. Hydraulic fluid is pressurised in a cylinder, causing rams at each end to move in or out (depending on design). Whilst this works well enough on a forklift that may not move at speeds greater that 25 mph, and can withstand greater loads, it lacks feel and precision. As the movement is by hydraulic action, rather than a mechanical connection, there is often "lag" in operation, as hydraulic fluid is slightly compressible (depending on DOT spec).

This lag is the delay in transferring movement from the steering wheel to the steered wheels. Not an issue with a heavy, slow forklift, but definitely no good in a road-going automobile, where quick reactions and sharp steering responses are required.

I hope this answers your question?

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Re: Why Are Automobile Steerings Not Designed Like That Of A Forklift by Nobody: 11:10pm On Sep 09, 2014
OP, read this when you get time.

"In the 1980's, Japanese car companies were looking for a gimmick to market their flagship vehicles. Honda, Mitsubishi, Toyota, and Mazda all developed their own system to steer the rear wheels. However, Mitsubishi (VR4), Toyota (Celica GT-R), and Mazda (MX6) used systems that were electronically actuated, which removed control from the driver and were unpredictable during panic turns.

Honda's solution (after years of testing and development based on how people drive in the real world) was 100% mechanical and debuted in the 1988 3rd generation Honda Prelude. Because it is fully mechanical it requires no servicing and there has been no history of a system ever failing, even after nearly 20 years and 300000 miles of driving. It uses an ingenious eccentric lobe system to turn the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels when little steering input is used (like at high speeds), and then go opposite direction when the steering is cranked hard (for parking or U-turns). This makes the car more stable during lane-change manoeuvring, and also makes it one of the tightest-turning cars on the street. The feel of all four wheels transmitted through the steering wheel to the driver is impeccable.

In 1988 the 4WS Prelude was the best-handling car of all time, even beating the 1988 Corvette and several high-end European cars through the slalom. (tested by Road & Track)

Unfortunately Honda moved to an electronic system with the 1992 4th generation Prelude, which was prone to failure. Few people sprung for the option, and it was removed from the US market. Japanese and European 4g and 5g Preludes (including 2001, the last model year) were still available with the electronic 4WS system.

Chevy introduced a system called QuadraSteer in their 2001 truck line, but like other electronic systems it was doomed to failure, being removed as an option in 2006.
Man, if Honda had kept the mechanical version on all models of the Prelude, we'd all be driving 4WS cars today! "
Re: Why Are Automobile Steerings Not Designed Like That Of A Forklift by jodeci(m): 3:05am On Sep 10, 2014
Thanks a bunch @Siena and CityNG
Re: Why Are Automobile Steerings Not Designed Like That Of A Forklift by peterjero(m): 8:29pm On Sep 12, 2014
@cityng inasmuch you are one hell of a harsh, eccentric fellow, you seem to know your onions so well. @siena you've always been our cartalk guru since 1900 ☺
Re: Why Are Automobile Steerings Not Designed Like That Of A Forklift by Nobody: 8:58pm On Sep 12, 2014
peterjero: @cityng inasmuch you are one hell of a harsh, eccentric fellow, you seem to know your onions so well. @siena you've always been our cartalk guru since 1900 ☺

Na condition make Crayfish bend grin

I'm only pointed when necessary. We're all here to learn and share knowledge.
Re: Why Are Automobile Steerings Not Designed Like That Of A Forklift by icemann(m): 9:39pm On Sep 15, 2014
CityNG: OP, read this when you get time.

"In the 1980's, Japanese car companies were looking for a gimmick to market their flagship vehicles. Honda, Mitsubishi, Toyota, and Mazda all developed their own system to steer the rear wheels. However, Mitsubishi (VR4), Toyota (Celica GT-R), and Mazda (MX6) used systems that were electronically actuated, which removed control from the driver and were unpredictable during panic turns.

Honda's solution (after years of testing and development based on how people drive in the real world) was 100% mechanical and debuted in the 1988 3rd generation Honda Prelude. Because it is fully mechanical it requires no servicing and there has been no history of a system ever failing, even after nearly 20 years and 300000 miles of driving. It uses an ingenious eccentric lobe system to turn the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels when little steering input is used (like at high speeds), and then go opposite direction when the steering is cranked hard (for parking or U-turns). This makes the car more stable during lane-change manoeuvring, and also makes it one of the tightest-turning cars on the street. The feel of all four wheels transmitted through the steering wheel to the driver is impeccable.

In 1988 the 4WS Prelude was the best-handling car of all time, even beating the 1988 Corvette and several high-end European cars through the slalom. (tested by Road & Track)

Unfortunately Honda moved to an electronic system with the 1992 4th generation Prelude, which was prone to failure. Few people sprung for the option, and it was removed from the US market. Japanese and European 4g and 5g Preludes (including 2001, the last model year) were still available with the electronic 4WS system.

Chevy introduced a system called QuadraSteer in their 2001 truck line, but like other electronic systems it was doomed to failure, being removed as an option in 2006.
Man, if Honda had kept the mechanical version on all models of the Prelude, we'd all be driving 4WS cars today! "

4WAS cars are still present, It is an option on the G37 and Q50, standard on Q60. The turning radius on the Q60 is less than an accord (the Q60 is longer)



http://www.infinitiusa.com/now/technology/4-wheel-active-steer.html

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