Which part transmits steering input from the steering wheel to the wheels in a vehicle?

The component that transmits steering input from the steering wheel to the wheels of a vehicle is the steering column. The steering column serves as the primary connection between the steering wheel and the steering mechanism, allowing the driver to turn the wheels in response to their input at the wheel.

When the driver turns the steering wheel, the motion is transferred down the steering column, where it connects to various components that ultimately affect the position of the wheels. The tie rod, although important in the steering system, primarily connects the steering gear to the wheel assembly, and it does not directly transmit input from the steering wheel.

Additionally, the pitman arm is a lever connected to the steering gear that translates the rotational motion from the steering input into linear motion. Meanwhile, the rack and pinion system is a type of steering gear that converts rotational motion into linear motion to turn the wheels, but it works in conjunction with the steering column.

Therefore, given the role of each part in the steering system, the steering column is correctly identified as the part that transmits raw steering input from the steering wheel to the other components of the steering assembly, allowing for effective steering control.