What are the symptoms of a bad rear steering knuckle in a car?
3 Answers
Symptoms of a bad rear steering knuckle in a car include: 1. It can cause tire wear and misalignment; 2. It leads to brake shudder and damages the bearings and drive shaft; 3. It results in abnormal front tire wear and poor steering wheel return; 4. Unusual noises from the car body. The steering knuckle arm, commonly known as the "sheep horn," is one of the key components in a car's steering system, ensuring stable driving and sensitive transmission of the driving direction. The function of the steering knuckle arm is to bear the front load of the car, support and drive the front wheels to rotate around the kingpin for steering. During driving, it endures variable impact loads, requiring high strength.
I remember once when driving on the highway, the car felt very unstable, with the steering wheel constantly pulling to the left, and there was a squeaking sound coming from the rear wheels. After stopping to check, I found that the left rear tire was severely worn, with the tread almost gone on one side. A friend told me it was due to the aging and loosening of a rear suspension component. If not repaired in time, the braking distance would increase, and the car would be prone to skidding and accidents in rainy weather. It's best to glance at the suspension for rust or cracks during regular car washes—replacing it early can save a lot of money. Since then, I've checked tire wear monthly to prevent similar issues, and it has indeed made driving much safer.
If the rear suspension becomes loose while driving, the noise and shaking will be very noticeable, like a thumping sound when going over speed bumps, or particularly loud tire scraping noises when turning. Over time, the tires will wear unevenly, with the shoulders becoming jagged like a sawtooth. This could be due to component fatigue or impact damage. If left unrepaired, it may also affect the brake discs and shock absorbers. It's recommended to jack up the car and check for wheel play. If there's significant gap, seek professional repair immediately to avoid breakdowns and delays. Avoiding rough roads can extend the suspension's lifespan, saving both money and hassle.
