What are the symptoms of a faulty steering gear in a truck?
2 Answers
Steering gear oil leakage, steering wheel stiffness, steering wheel not returning to center, abnormal noise when turning the steering wheel, steering wheel feeling loose, heavy steering wheel, etc. The specific cause needs to be determined by professional inspection for targeted repair. More relevant information is as follows: 1. The steering gear, commonly known as the steering box, is an important component for the steering function of a vehicle and a crucial guarantee for driving safety. 2. If the steering gear has issues, it must be repaired or replaced promptly. If not replaced for a long time, it can lead to excessive wear and clearance in the steering gear rack, causing abnormal noise when steering or driving, and in severe cases, making the steering heavier and losing power steering assistance.
I've been driving trucks for many years, and the symptoms of a failing steering gear are quite obvious. When turning, the steering wheel becomes extremely heavy, as if being dragged by something, making it exhausting to steer. During turns, you can hear weird squeaking noises, like metal rubbing against metal. The steering wheel also frequently shakes, causing the entire vehicle to wobble, which is especially dangerous at high speeds and can easily lead to drifting or loss of control. I remember that rainy day when the steering gear failed and nearly caused an accident—a lesson I won’t forget. I advise drivers to pay attention to these warning signs, such as difficulty steering or unusual noises during daily driving, and to visit a repair shop immediately. Don’t try to save money by ignoring the issue—safety comes first. During regular maintenance, pay extra attention to the steering fluid and component wear, and changing the oil periodically can extend the life of the steering gear.
