What are the hazards of replacing the steering wheel assembly?
2 Answers
When replacing the steering gear assembly, it is important to align the position with the steering wheel during installation, otherwise it may easily result in different steering wheel rotation counts on both sides. Below is a partial introduction to the automotive steering system: 1. Composition: The automotive steering system mainly consists of the steering wheel assembly, steering column assembly, rack and pinion power steering gear and tie rod assembly, power steering (hydraulic or electric) system, and wheel assembly. 2. Function: During driving, the vehicle needs to frequently change its direction of travel according to the driver's will, which is called vehicle steering. For wheeled vehicles, the method to achieve vehicle steering is that the driver uses a specialized mechanism to make the wheels (steering wheels) on the vehicle's steering axle (usually the front axle) deflect a certain angle relative to the vehicle's longitudinal axis.
I've been in the car business for nearly two decades, and replacing steering wheel assemblies isn't uncommon, but the potential hazards are significant. If the parts are of poor quality or improperly installed, the airbag system could be rendered useless, failing to deploy in an accident—this safety risk is absolutely deadly. The steering mechanism might also loosen, causing the front end to wobble uncontrollably at high speeds, making it hard to maintain control. Additionally, electronic functions often malfunction, like cruise control buttons failing, buttons pressing randomly, or the music suddenly cutting out, which can be incredibly distracting while driving. Even worse, some aftermarket steering wheels aren't aligned properly, making the steering feel stiff and turning difficult. My advice is to always opt for genuine parts and have the work done at a certified repair shop—don't cut corners to save money or time, or you might regret it when it's too late.
