What are the symptoms of water entering the steering gear?
1 Answers
Symptoms of water entering the car's steering gear include: abnormal noises when turning the steering wheel while stationary; the steering wheel feels very loose or extremely heavy and difficult to turn during cornering; oil leakage from the steering gear is a noticeable symptom—check for any oil leaks or seepage, which is often related to aging seals or oil pipes in the steering gear; difficulty in the steering wheel returning to its original position. Solutions for water entering the steering gear: The solution for water entering the car's steering gear is to drain both the water and the power steering fluid, wait until it dries, then refill with new power steering fluid. If there is no oil leakage from the steering gear, simply replacing the steering fluid will not cause internal rusting. Heavy steering or steering lock-up is not necessarily caused by internal rust. Even if there is a small amount of water inside the steering gear, repeatedly turning the steering wheel to full lock can help expel the water with the fluid, after which the steering fluid can be replaced. Precautions for using the car's steering gear: Regularly inspect the condition of the protective boots on both sides of the steering gear and the boot connecting the upper part of the steering gear to the universal joint. Damaged boots are the primary cause of early wear and damage to the steering gear. Once the boot is damaged, water, dust, and sand can enter the steering gear, disrupting the lubrication film on the gear and rack, leading to internal rust and abnormal wear. If the internal water and sand are not promptly removed, the steering gear can be rendered useless in a short time. Therefore, inspect the condition of the dust boots at least once a month. If any damage is found, replace the boots immediately and conduct a thorough inspection and maintenance of the steering gear before replacement.
