A Ball-drive Steering Gear WORKING on the nut-and-lever VV system
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the new Lavine steering gear, which is manufactured by the Lavine Gear Co., Milwaukee, U.S.A., is being handled in this country by Automotive Products Co., Ltd., Brock House, Langhara Street, London, W.I.. As will be seen from the accompanying illustration, the drive is taken through balls located in the steering nut, the balls engaging directly with the worm, and the -trunnion arm having mounted upon it a block upon which the nut may slide. The steeling worm is mounted on thrust bearings, whilst the trunnion shaft runs in needle bearings, -thus reducing frictional resistance to a minimum. Reference to-the illustration will make clear the operation of the gear, and it will be noted that the steering nut carries two balls set at an angle of 90 degrees
B..38 with respect to the axis of the worm, considered radially. It is claimed that the balls afford rolling contact, and that the life of the
parts is thereby increased. Furthermore, the lubrication of the gear is said to be improved, as the hall nut constantly displaces lubricant, distributing it to the moving parts.
A simple adjustment is provided, there being an adjusting screw situated in an accessible position outside the gear casing.
A reasonable amount of reversibility is obtained with this gear, and it is claimed that this, allied with certain damping characteristics, makes it unnecessary to interpose in the mechanism anything in the nature of a
• damping device. The gear is produped in various sizes suitable for all classes of commercial vehicle. . ,