Manual steering is an unassisted automotive steering system that relies entirely on the driver's physical strength to turn the wheels. This technology has been largely discontinued in modern mass-market vehicles due to the prevalence and necessity of power assistance systems.

Description of Manual Steering: The manual steering system is the earliest automotive steering technology. Its core principle involves a direct physical connection that transmits the driver's input from the steering wheel to the vehicle's wheels.

Components: Key components typically include a steering wheel, a steering column, a steering gear (commonly rack-and-pinion or recirculating ball mechanisms), and connecting rods.

Operation: When the driver rotates the steering wheel, this motion is transmitted through the steering column to the steering gear. The gear assembly acts as a reduction drive, increasing the torque applied to the wheels at the expense of needing more steering wheel turns for a given change in direction. The driver is responsible for providing all the necessary force.

Road Feel: A notable characteristic of manual steering is that it provides significant feedback to the driver about road conditions, which can be desirable for performance driving enthusiasts.

Discontinuation in Modern Vehicles: The manual steering system has been almost entirely discontinued in mainstream automotive production for several key reasons:

Physical Effort: Without hydraulic or electric assistance, a large amount of physical force is required to steer, especially at low speeds or when parking.

Increased Vehicle Weight: Modern cars are significantly heavier than their predecessors, particularly with the weight of the engine concentrated over the front axle in front-wheel-drive vehicles, making power steering a necessity.

Driver Preference & Comfort: Power steering (both hydraulic and modern electric power steering) greatly reduces the driver's workload, enhancing comfort and ease of use for the average driver.

Technological Advancements & Safety: The integration of advanced safety features (like autonomous driving tech and advanced driver-assistance systems) and the move toward technologies like steer-by-wire are often incompatible with manual steering systems.