How serious is the problem of abnormal noise in the car steering gear?
2 Answers
There are many reasons for abnormal noise in the steering gear, usually related to faults such as low power steering fluid, universal joints, and plain bearings. Abnormal noise is a relatively obvious symptom, so it should be immediately sent to a 4S shop for inspection once detected. The reasons for abnormal noise after a cold start are: 1. Belt slipping on the generator: Intense friction and vibration between the belt and pulley produce noise at a certain frequency. Belt slipping may be due to a loose belt, so it should be checked at a repair shop promptly; 2. Generally, it's the sound of the valves: After the car has been parked for a long time, the engine oil returns to the very bottom, meaning the top of the engine, i.e., the valve chamber, will lack oil, as the valves are missing the sealing and lubrication from the oil. Therefore, you will hear a lot of noise when starting the car the next morning.
Hey, steering gear noise is nothing to take lightly. As someone who frequently drives long distances, I've seen plenty of similar cases. Generally speaking, abnormal noises in the steering system—like "clicking" or "squeaking"—often indicate mechanical wear, such as loose ball joints or insufficient lubrication in bearings. This issue isn't trivial; if it's just a minor lubrication problem, adding some grease might solve it. But if left unchecked, internal wear in the steering gear worsens, potentially causing wheel lock-up during turns, which is especially dangerous at high speeds and could lead to accidents. I once had to spend hundreds on repairs because I ignored it early. My advice? Get it checked at a shop the moment you hear any noise—don’t wait until it’s too late like I did. Honestly, regular maintenance like changing steering fluid and avoiding sharp turns can prevent this and save you a lot of money.
