What are the symptoms of water damage to the steering gear?
2 Answers
Here are the symptoms of steering gear damage: 1. Difficulty in steering wheel return: The vehicle's steering wheel has an automatic return function. For cars equipped with hydraulic power steering gears, the automatic return function is somewhat weakened due to the hydraulic damping effect. If the return speed is too slow, it indicates a malfunction in the return function, which usually occurs in the mechanical part of the steering system. 2. Steering wobble or deviation: When driving on one side of a convex road surface, the car naturally tends to deviate. When the convexity is significant, the deviation becomes more noticeable, which is caused by external factors. After ruling out tire pressure issues, it is likely caused by a loose or broken mechanical component in the steering gear. 3. Uneven steering effort: When turning the steering wheel, one side feels light and easy, while the other side feels heavy. This symptom is caused by leakage of the seal responsible for sealing the high-pressure chamber on one side or improper adjustment of the directional limit valve.
I remember one time after driving through a deep water puddle, the steering wheel became unusually heavy, requiring a lot of effort to turn, accompanied by continuous humming and rattling sounds. When I stopped to check the power steering fluid reservoir, I saw that the hydraulic oil had turned into a milky, foamy substance, completely losing its usual clarity. This condition caused the steering system to respond sluggishly, with unstable feedback from the steering wheel at high speeds, nearly leading to an accident. The mechanic analyzed that after water ingress, water molecules corroded internal metal components, such as the pump and valves, which could eventually seize up completely over time. He advised shutting off the engine immediately after wading through water, avoiding continued driving, and promptly draining and replacing the oil; otherwise, the entire system might require a major overhaul. It's recommended to develop the habit of avoiding deep waterlogged areas, regularly inspecting chassis seals to minimize the risk of water ingress.
