What Causes Automotive Steering System Failures?
2 Answers
Automotive steering system failures can be attributed to the following causes: 1. Damage to the kingpin and bushing, or failure of the strut thrust bearing. In such cases, turning the steering wheel left and right can help identify the source of the noise for further disassembly and inspection. 2. Steering gear oil leakage, which requires checking the cause of the leak and performing repairs or part replacements accordingly. 3. Malfunction in the return mechanism, necessitating repairs at an authorized service center. 4. Power assist failure due to communication between the two piston chambers or clogging of the return oil filter in the reservoir, requiring troubleshooting. 5. Oil seal leakage at the power steering pump drive shaft end, which can be resolved by replacing the oil seal. The automotive steering system, generally referred to as the series of devices used to change or maintain the direction of a vehicle's movement, functions to control the vehicle's direction according to the driver's intent. This system is crucial for the safe operation of the vehicle.
I've been driving for over a decade, and steering system failures are quite common. The most frequent cause is insufficient or leaking power steering fluid. Like when my car's steering became extremely heavy, and upon inspection, it turned out the fluid reservoir was leaking. Loose or broken belts can also lead to insufficient power assistance, especially in older cars with aged belts. Wear and tear on the steering column or tie rod ends can cause strange noises and unstable steering. Additionally, low tire pressure or unbalanced tires indirectly increase the burden, exacerbating the issue. It's even more troublesome when sensors in the electric power steering system fail, as you lose feedback. Safety is paramount; steering failure can lead to loss of control. I recommend developing a habit of regularly checking fluid levels and testing steering feel, and getting it repaired immediately if anything seems off.
