I hardly ever hear the phrase rack and pinon anymore.

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ArishMell · 70-79, M

Why not?

The rack and pinion mechanism is very common in all sorts of machinery.

In the workshop: on drilling-machines and simple "arbor" presses. On conventional (non-CNC) lathes for moving the saddle along the bed.

In mechanical aids for disabled people: The electrically-powered lift to help the user into and out of a bath. The stair-lift.

Rack railways carrying tourists up and down mountains.

In most car steering-gears, albeit nowadays with hydraulic assistance and hidden inside a casing.

Wireman · 31-35, M

Either it is made better or vehicles don't last that long.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@Wireman It's neither of those.

Most vehicles from small cars upwards now have power-assisted steering. They still use a rack and pinion but it's subsumed within the entire unit, and when necessary likely the whole assembly is replaced.

Wireman · 31-35, M

@ArishMell a because nothing is fixed anymore, it's easier to replace complete units. But cars are getting better too.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@Wireman They are - no more minor servicing every thousand miles apart from regular (e.g.) tyres-pressure, oil and coolant. Though they are also becoming far harder to service, with so much stuff squeezed into small compartments.

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