How to Adjust Excessive Steering Wheel Play?
1 Answers
Excessive steering wheel play is usually caused by improper driving habits. Common issues include wear on the steering column universal joint, steering gear rack and pinion wear, and tie rod end wear. There is almost no way to adjust excessive play, and the following measures should be taken: 1. Check if the steering column universal joint is worn. If worn, it needs replacement. The steering column universal joint is essentially a universal joint that changes the direction of the steering column torque and prevents the steering column from impaling the driver in severe accidents. Wear on the universal joint can cause excessive steering wheel play and sometimes produce a clicking sound. 2. Inspect the steering gear rack and pinion for wear. If wear is found, timely replacement is necessary. When the rack wear is not particularly severe, the tightening force of the rack and pinion can be increased using the adjustment screw on the steering gear, but this will make the steering wheel heavier. 3. Check the tie rod ends for wear. If wear is present, replacement is also required. The steering gear has inner and outer tie rod ends. The inner tie rod end connects the tie rod to the steering gear rack, while the outer tie rod end connects the steering knuckle to the tie rod. Lifting the car and manually shaking the wheel can help feel the play in the tie rod ends and hear a rattling sound.
