What Are the Common Faults in Automotive Steering Systems?
3 Answers
Common faults in automotive steering systems include heavy steering, one-sided heaviness, abnormal noises, oil leaks, steering wheel vibration, poor stability, and weak steering wheel returnability. Oil leakage in the steering gear is typically caused by aging or damaged oil seals inside the chamber, leading to poor sealing and seepage of steering fluid. External oil leaks from the steering gear usually occur at a few specific locations: the upper cover of the steering gear, the side end cover, and the connection point of the steering shaft arm. These areas are equipped with sealing rings, and replacing the oil seals and sealing rings can resolve the issue. The causes of abnormal noises in the steering system include: 1. Overloading of the steering system, causing excessive wear of the stator and rotor inside the steering pump, which leads to irregular movement of the fluid inside the pump and produces abnormal noises; 2. Loose installation of the steering gear or steering pump on the bracket, internal wear of the steering gear, and improper adjustment of the gears and rack.
I've repaired quite a few cars, and steering failures are quite common. Problems with the power assist system are the most troublesome. For example, if the hydraulic power steering pump fails or leaks, the steering wheel becomes extremely heavy, making long drives exhausting. Similarly, if the motor or sensors in the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system fail, it can feel like the car is pulling the steering on its own. Then there's wear and tear on the steering gear and rack, which can cause the car to pull to one side or produce strange noises—if you hear a clunking sound when turning, it's time to be wary. Loose or aged tie rod ends are another common issue, affecting steering precision and potentially causing vibrations at high speeds. Additionally, uneven tire wear or deformed wheel rims can indirectly mess with the steering, so they should be checked together. During regular maintenance, I always advise car owners to inspect the power steering fluid and chassis components when changing the oil, to catch problems early and avoid major repairs.
As a veteran driver with ten years of experience, I've encountered steering failures several times. The most troublesome incident was when the steering wheel suddenly became heavy. At first, I thought it was due to low tire pressure, but it turned out to be a faulty power steering motor, forcing me to barely drive to the repair shop. Common minor issues include loose tie rod ends, which make the steering feel unstable, and noisy steering gears that often produce annoying creaking sounds during turns. Nowadays, sensor failures in electric power steering systems are also becoming more frequent. Once the power assist fails, the steering wheel becomes as heavy as if it's filled with lead. I make it a habit to check the chassis and power steering fluid every six months—better safe than sorry, especially when driving on highways.
