Is Steering Wheel Play Normal?
1 Answers
Steering wheel play is a normal factor. The steering wheel must have an appropriate amount of free play, and national standards stipulate that it should not exceed 15 degrees. The main reasons for excessive steering wheel play when turning are: Loose steering gear bearings or excessive clearance in the steering gear meshing transmission pair; Wear and looseness in the main and tie rod ball joints, causing play; Severe wear in the steering knuckle kingpin and bushings, resulting in excessive clearance; Loose front wheel hub bearings. Precautions regarding steering wheel play: Excessive play is often caused by excessive clearance in related components of the steering linkage, such as the steering column, steering gear, tie rods, and ball joints. First, consider the vehicle's mileage. If it's a new car, the likelihood of excessive clearance in these components is minimal. Therefore, it's advisable to visit a 4S shop for an on-site test drive to inspect the free travel of the steering system and check for any signs of excessive clearance in the transmission components. For vehicles with power steering systems, the free travel should be checked with the engine off to ensure accuracy.