What part of the steering system connects the steering wheel to the axle?

The steering shaft is the component that directly connects the steering wheel to the axle, specifically to the steering gear or rack, allowing the driver to control the direction of the vehicle. By turning the steering wheel, the driver rotates the steering shaft, which transmits this motion to the steering mechanism that then adjusts the angle of the wheels.

The drag link, while important in connecting components of the steering assembly in some types of vehicles, primarily connects the pitman arm to the steering arms, facilitating the movement of the wheels based on the input from the steering shaft. The power steering pump provides hydraulic assistance to make steering easier but does not serve as a structural connection between the steering wheel and the axle. The pitman arm is a lever attached to the steering gear that translates the motion of the steering shaft into lateral movement used to steer the vehicle, but it operates as a part of the overall mechanism rather than directly connecting the steering wheel to the axle.