Abstract: A steering assembly is provided for steering a pair of vehicle wheels. The assembly includes a tie rod assembly having first and second tie rods. Each of the tie rods has an inboard end and an outboard end. The inboard ends may be coupled to the output member of a steering gear or they may be supported on a movable support member. The outboard ends are coupled to the vehicle wheels and, in particular, to tie rod arms extending from steering knuckles. The inboard ends of the tie rods are positioned forward of the outboard ends of the tie rods relative to the forward direction of vehicle travel when the vehicle wheels are facing forward. As a result, the effective length of the tie rod assembly increases as the turn angle of the vehicle wheels increases thereby reducing toe out of the vehicle wheels and tire wear and allowing sufficient clearance with wheel and brake components including brake drums found in conventional drum brake systems.

Abstract: A steering assembly is provided for steering a pair of vehicle wheels. The assembly includes a tie rod assembly having first and second tie rods. Each of the tie rods has an inboard end and an outboard end. The inboard ends may be coupled to the output member of a steering gear or they may be supported on a movable support member. The outboard ends are coupled to the vehicle wheels and, in particular, to tie rod arms extending from steering knuckles. The inboard ends of the tie rods are positioned forward of the outboard ends of the tie rods relative to the forward direction of vehicle travel when the vehicle wheels are facing forward. As a result, the effective length of the tie rod assembly increases as the turn angle of the vehicle wheels increases thereby reducing toe out of the vehicle wheels and tire wear and allowing sufficient clearance with wheel and brake components including brake drums found in conventional drum brake systems.