How to Disassemble and Assemble the Power Steering System?
3 Answers
The disassembly and assembly method of the power steering system is as follows: 1. Lift the vehicle and remove the tie rod fixing nut. 2. Remove the steering gear bolts and loosen the oil inlet pipe of the control valve housing. 3. Remove the left self-locking nut of the rear cross plate and the bolt that fastens the rack and steering tie rod. 4. Remove the lower cover on the side of the instrument panel, the ventilation pipe, and the pedal cover, and then remove the steering gear. Extended content: Precautions for disassembling and assembling the power steering device: 1. The disassembly and assembly should be carried out carefully, especially the control valve spool should be prevented from tilting during the process to avoid damaging or scratching the working surface of the parts. 2. Special attention should be paid to protecting sealing elements, such as oil seals, sealing rings, piston rings, etc. Avoid scratching or scuffing their working surfaces when passing through edges, splines, and threads. If necessary, use tools such as guide sleeves for disassembly and assembly. After installation, the O-ring should be free of distortion. 3. Keep the parts clean during the assembly of hydraulic components. Rubber seals should be cleaned with hydraulic oil or alcohol, and gasoline or kerosene should not be used. After cleaning, the parts should be dried with compressed air and should not be wiped with cotton yarn. During assembly, a small amount of hydraulic oil should be applied to the surface of the parts.
I've previously done the disassembly and assembly of the power steering system myself, mainly to replace the pump. Before starting, make sure the car is powered off and the battery is disconnected. Use a jack to lift and stabilize the car. Remove the steering wheel cover, loosen the connecting screws of the steering column, and carefully detach the pipes on the pump side to avoid oil leakage. Remember to wear gloves, as the oil is slippery. When installing the new pump, clean the contact surfaces first and tighten the screws evenly. After connecting the pipes, add power steering fluid, start the engine, and slowly turn the steering wheel to bleed air bubbles—this process is quite laborious and requires patience. During the test drive, the steering wheel felt much lighter. DIY saves money, but you need a basic set of wrenches. If you lack experience, it's best to ask for help. Be careful not to kink the oil pipes during disassembly and assembly, as it can easily lead to leaks.
I have handled numerous power steering repairs. Safety is the top priority: lift the vehicle to an appropriate height and secure it to prevent slipping. Turn off the engine and disconnect the negative battery terminal. Next, remove the steering wheel fasteners and take off the steering mechanism components. When removing the power pump, loosen the connecting bolts and carefully detach the lines with a wrench to avoid damaging the seals. Before assembling the new system, check the cleanliness of all parts and apply grease to the oil seals to prevent leaks. Reassemble in reverse order, tightening the bolts to specification with a torque wrench. After refilling the power steering fluid, start the car and slowly turn the steering wheel to bleed out air bubbles. Finally, test drive to ensure smooth steering and check for any unusual noises. This job requires considerable technical skill and is difficult to perform well without professional tools.
