Is It Normal for a New Car's Steering Wheel to Be Loose?
1 Answers
It is not normal for a new car's steering wheel to be loose. The reason for the looseness may be due to steering wheel play, which is generally acceptable if it is within 15-20 degrees and not considered a fault. If the steering gear is not power-assisted, it indicates an internal issue with the steering gear, which usually requires replacing the steering gear. Introduction to the Steering Wheel: Steering wheel play refers to the free movement (also called free angle or travel) of the car's steering wheel. It is the angle the steering wheel can turn without causing the steering wheels to deviate. When the vehicle is stationary, turning the steering wheel without affecting the wheel movement is called play. This is the combined gap between the entire steering system and the steering wheels. However, this gap has a range, typically around 15-20 degrees. Beyond this 15-20 degrees, the wheels will start to turn with the steering wheel. Introduction to Steering Wheel Play: Most modern cars are equipped with steering wheel play functionality. Without this feature, the car would behave like a go-kart, where even slight turns of the steering wheel would immediately adjust the direction, especially at high speeds, making the tires prone to deviation and potentially causing safety hazards. With steering wheel play functionality, the free movement of the steering wheel can absorb the impact forces from the road surface.
