Mike Ryan's Freightliner Race Truck Inspiration For Rack and Pinion Steering
North Hollywood, CA- Rack-and-Pinion steering is now available for heavy-duty trucks, thanks to the inspiration of Mike Ryan’s Freightliner Century Class Ò S/TÔ race truck, and the work of engineers at Freightliner Trucks in Portland, Oregon. www.freightlinertrucks.com
Freightliner Trucks is North America’s first heavy-duty truck manufacturer to offer rack and pinion steering. The idea came from the engineers at Freightliner, who while working with Mike Ryan spec’d his race truck with the new technology. The steering precision, durability, and light weight made it a perfect prototype for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The race truck performed so well on the demanding terrain, Freightliner determined heavy-duty trucks could benefit from this technology as well.
Rack-and-Pinion steering consists of two components. The rack is a horizontal shaft with teeth, which intersects the pinion at a 90- degree angle. Turning the steering wheel turns the pinion, moving the rack to the left or right, thus steering the wheels. The benefits of the system include being 45 pounds lighter than integral gear systems, allowing for greater payloads. The wheel direction is controlled accurately because it has fewer parts and pivot points. This provides the driver with more comfort and less fatigue.
Recently, The Truck Writers Of North America (TWNA) recognized Freightliner Trucks as one of the six finalists in its annual competition. Selections were submitted by TWNA members on the criteria of production innovation and advancement of trucking in a significant manner.
Mike Ryan will be competing for his seventh record at the 85th Annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, on July 21, 2007. For information regarding sponsorship, interviews, photos or film, please contact Julie Leibovitz. Julie@fastrucks.com or 818.766.2200.
Mike Ryan Motorsports is proud to be sponsored by: www.freightlinertrucks.com www.vortexvalve.com www.zf.com www.meritorhvs.com www.mercedesbenz.com www.transcore.com www.rotella.com www.accuridecorp.com www.michelin.com www.truckerbuddy.com www.wyotech.com