Is It Necessary to Replace the Steering Gear If It Gets Water Inside?
3 Answers
Not necessarily. You can disassemble the power steering unit to drain the water. Below are the maintenance methods for the steering gear: 1. Check the spool valve: Ensure it functions properly. If it fails to close tightly due to excessive gap, replace the steering screw and spool valve with new ones. 2. Inspect the sealing rings on the power piston: Verify whether the middle sealing ring in the radial groove of the valve chamber body is functioning well. Replace if necessary. Also, check the cylinder surface for any damage. 3. Examine the ball and seat of the one-way valve for sealing: If it fails to close tightly due to dirt, clean it thoroughly. If the valve body itself causes poor sealing, replace it with a new one.
Last time my car got flooded, and water got into the steering gear—what a hassle! At first, I thought the whole thing would need replacing, but when I took it to the repair shop for inspection, the technician said as long as the water hadn’t caused severe rusting, it could still be cleaned. I just spent a bit of money to have it disassembled, dried, and derusted, and now it works perfectly. The key is to assess the extent and duration of the water exposure—if it’s been soaked too long and internal parts are corroded, then replacement might be unavoidable. Usually, it’s best to drive slowly through waterlogged roads to prevent issues in the first place.
Young people drive for the thrill, but steering gear water ingress is no joke. Once after a rainstorm, I splashed water into the steering gear while speeding, and noticed the steering became heavier. Consulting an experienced mechanic, I learned replacement isn't always necessary - for minor issues, cleaning and lubrication may suffice. Safety comes first - never continue driving at high speeds when problems arise, as loss of control becomes likely. Get it professionally inspected with proper tools promptly to avoid costly repairs later.
