Abstract: An apparatus for orienting the position of a machine tool carriage relative to a stationary machine part, which machine tool carriage is movable in a plane defined by orthogonally related X and Y axes. In a first embodiment, the carriage is freely movable on a holder parallel with respect to the X axis and the holder is arranged freely movably in the stationary machine part parallel with respect to the Y axis. In a different embodiment, two pairs of steering knuckle arms are provided and which are arranged symmetrically with respect to the carriage. Each pair of arms consists of two hingedly connected steering knuckle arms which define a right angle with one of each thereof being hinged to the carriage, the other one to the stationary machine part. Two modifications are described for the design of the joints. The apparatus can be used, for example in machines for the precision working of gears.