What are the common faults of a car steering gear?
4 Answers
Common faults of a car steering gear include: 1. Abnormal noise when turning; 2. Oil leakage from the steering gear; 3. Difficulty in returning to the original position; 4. Oil leakage from the power steering pump; 5. Heavy steering. Abnormal noise during steering is usually caused by mechanical failures, such as damage to the kingpin and bushing, or damage to the column thrust bearing. During inspection, you can turn the steering wheel left and right to observe the source of the noise and then disassemble for further examination. The function of the car steering system is to control the driving direction according to the driver's intention. The steering system is crucial for the driving safety of the car, so the components of the car steering system are called safety parts. Both the car steering system and the braking system are two systems that must be given high priority for car safety.
As a novice car owner with several years of driving experience, I recently noticed that the steering wheel has become unusually heavy, which has left me quite puzzled. Common steering system failures include power steering failure, steering wheel vibration, squeaking noises, loose steering mechanism, power steering fluid leakage, and unresponsive steering. Power steering failure is often caused by a damaged power steering pump or hydraulic system leakage; steering wheel vibration may stem from wheel axle imbalance or worn drive belts; while unusual noises typically come from worn ball joints or universal joint connectors. Once encountering these issues, it is advisable to stop immediately to check and refill the power steering fluid, or visit a repair shop to identify potential hazards to prevent loss of control during emergency turns. Regular maintenance, such as checking the steering system fluid condition and mechanism tightness every six months, can effectively prevent minor faults from escalating into major problems. Last month, I nearly had an accident due to ignoring unusual noises, and now I pay great attention to this small detail.
As an automotive enthusiast, I love tinkering with various mechanical components and have encountered many common steering system failures. The most troublesome issue is a heavy steering wheel, usually caused by power steering pump failure, clogged fluid lines, or unstable battery power supply. For example, steering wheel vibrations often occur at high speeds, possibly due to worn drive shafts or mismatched tires. Strange noises coming from the chassis might indicate loose tie rods or control arms. Other problems like power steering fluid leaks can suddenly cause steering drift, while electronic power steering system failures reduce assist power. These faults can actually be detected early through regular test drives—such as paying attention to resistance changes when turning the wheel and checking for oil stains under the chassis—allowing for timely repairs. I always remind my friends not to take these issues lightly, as steering problems directly affect driving safety. It's best to have them inspected by professional mechanics, and when replacing parts, avoid buying cheap, low-quality components.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've encountered all sorts of steering system issues. Common faults generally fall into a few categories: Heavy steering is mostly caused by hydraulic power steering system leaks or pump aging; steering wheel vibrations often stem from connection point wear or wheel axle imbalance; squeaking noises usually indicate loose steering columns; while loose steering mechanisms suggest it's time to replace ball joints or universal joints. All these can affect handling responsiveness. I recommend checking steering fluid levels and component tightness during each maintenance service, which can save you from many emergency repairs. Don't wait until problems become severe - sudden failure while driving is extremely dangerous, costing both money and peace of mind. Remember: Caution is the parent of safety.
