Consists of a round pinion gear attached to the steering shaft, and a flat bar with gear teeth cut into it, called the rack. The rack and pinion mesh at a point between the front wheels. As the steering wheel is turned, the shaft from the steering column turns the pinion gear, forcing the rack either right or left along a horizontal plane. The rack is linked to the wheels via tie rods, which push and pull the wheels to steer them. In general, rack-and-pinion steering is precise and responsive.