What are the symptoms of a faulty steering gear in large vehicles?

[EmilioDella]

Large vehicle steering gear failure manifests as follows: Abnormal steering wheel noise: There is unusual noise when turning the steering wheel while stationary. Loose or heavy steering wheel: The steering wheel is either excessively loose during turns or extremely difficult to rotate. Difficult steering: Typically caused by power steering pump failure, making steering challenging. Maintenance tips for mechanical steering gears: Reduce speed when driving on rough roads to minimize the load on the steering gear. Regularly inspect the protective covers on both sides of the steering gear and the condition of the cover connecting the upper part of the steering gear to the universal joint cross shaft. Damaged covers are the primary cause of early wear and failure in steering gears. Once the cover is damaged, water, dust, and sand can enter the steering gear, disrupting the lubricating grease film on the gear rack and leading to internal rust and abnormal wear.