What are the symptoms of a faulty steering gear in the Baojun 560?
3 Answers
The symptom of a faulty steering gear in the Baojun 560 is that the steering wheel does not respond properly. Causes of steering gear failure: Power steering pump failure, steering gear failure, lack of oil, air in the system, or clogged return oil filter in the reservoir. Power steering pump failure: If testing shows that the pump pressure of the power steering pump does not meet the standard value, it is clear that the heavy steering is related to this. First, check whether the flow control valve and valve seat mating surface are tightly sealed, and whether the safety valve steel ball is properly closed. If there is leakage in the flow valve or safety valve, it can be repaired by grinding. Steering gear failure: If testing reveals low hydraulic pressure in the steering gear, the heavy steering is caused by the steering gear. In this case, professional repair services should be sought. Generally, steering gear failures are caused by piston or cylinder barrel damage, or a damaged piston seal ring, which allows the two chambers of the piston to communicate, preventing effective hydraulic pressure buildup. Additionally, damaged sealing rings on the piston circumference or steering screw can also lead to pressure loss and reduced hydraulic pressure. Lack of oil or air in the system: If the power steering system lacks oil, air can enter the system, resulting not only in heavy steering but also noise during steering. In this case, follow the oil refill and air bleeding procedure to remove the air.
I recently encountered this issue with some pretty obvious symptoms. The steering wheel became extremely heavy, requiring a lot of force to turn, almost like there was no power assistance at all. Then when going over speed bumps, I could hear a clunking noise from under the steering wheel, like metal hitting metal. It got worse when parking and turning the wheel - sometimes it would suddenly get stuck, which was terrifying. The steering alignment was also off - the car would pull to the right even when driving straight. Later inspection revealed it was caused by a leaking steering gear, with power steering fluid seeping out. My advice: if you notice these three symptoms, get it checked immediately, especially sudden heavy steering and strange noises. Don't wait until it completely fails on the road.
As a driver who frequently travels long distances, I pay special attention to the steering system. When there's an issue with the steering gear, the first noticeable symptom is that the steering wheel feels loose. During normal driving, the steering wheel shakes violently, especially at high speeds, to the point where my hands go numb from the vibration. When making U-turns, the steering wheel makes creaking noises, like an old wooden chair. Another detail is that after turning, the steering wheel doesn't automatically return to the center position and has to be manually pulled back. Later inspection revealed that these issues were caused by internal wear of the steering gear. These signs may not seem severe initially, but they can suddenly worsen over time, so repairing them early can prevent being stranded on the road.
