Can You Still Drive with Steering Gear Noise?
1 Answers
Steering gear noise is related to driving safety, and it is not recommended to continue driving. Besides obvious faults like noise and oil leakage, a faulty steering gear is also closely related to the steering wheel. Identifying steering gear damage from certain characteristics is crucial for driving safety. The characteristics of a damaged steering gear are as follows: 1. Steering gear makes clunking sounds: Another sign of a faulty steering gear is the clunking noise during driving, especially when turning the steering wheel, which indicates a likely steering gear issue. There are many causes for steering gear noise, usually related to low power steering fluid, universal joint, or plain bearing failure. Noise is a clear symptom, so immediate inspection at a 4S shop is necessary once detected. 2. Steering wobbles or pulls to one side: When driving on a cambered road, the car naturally tends to pull to one side. If the camber is significant, the pull is more obvious due to external factors. After ruling out tire pressure issues, it is likely caused by a loose or broken mechanical part in the steering gear. 3. Uneven steering effort: When turning the steering wheel, if one side feels light while the other feels heavy, this is usually due to a leaking seal on the high-pressure side or improper adjustment of the limiting valve in that direction. 4. Steering gear oil leakage: Although steering gear oil leakage is a noticeable symptom, it is often overlooked. If steering abnormalities occur, check for oil leaks or seepage on the steering gear, which is mostly related to aging seals or oil pipes. 5. Difficulty in steering wheel return: Most vehicle steering wheels have an automatic return function. In cars with hydraulic power steering, the hydraulic damping slightly weakens this function. However, if the return is excessively slow, it indicates a malfunction, usually in the steering mechanical components.
