What Causes Loud Noise After Replacing the Steering Gear?

[MartinLynn]

Reasons and solutions for loud noise after replacing the steering gear are as follows: When the intake manifold leaks: The engine will produce noise during idle operation, and the noise will intensify as the engine speed increases; when the exhaust manifold leaks, a detonation sound can be heard during engine acceleration. Solution: Inspect and repair the intake manifold. Damage to the pressure bearing: Damage to the pressure bearing is mainly related to driving habits. Solution: Avoid turning the steering wheel while the vehicle is stationary, try to steer only after the vehicle is in motion, and return the steering wheel to the central position after the vehicle comes to a complete stop.

[OMaggie]

I've been repairing cars for over 20 years and have seen too many cases of loud noise after steering gear replacement. The most common issue is substandard quality of new steering gears - excessive bearing clearance or poor gear machining accuracy can cause rattling sounds when rotating. Installation problems are also crucial; if the steering column connecting bolts aren't tightened to standard torque specifications, abnormal noises will appear within two days of driving. There's also the situation where the steering gear doesn't match the tie rod ball joints - forcing them together creates friction noises. Another thing to watch is the power steering fluid level - some mechanics forget to refill after replacing the steering gear, causing the pump to whine when running dry. All these can lead to clunking sounds during steering. You should immediately return to the repair shop to check bolt torque and bearing clearance - steering system malfunctions are no joking matter.

[StElliott]

I just encountered this issue last week - there was a clicking sound when turning the steering wheel after replacing the steering gear. Consulting an experienced technician revealed that installation position is crucial. Buffer spacers must be added between the steering gear housing and the frame; missing spacers allow vibrations to transmit directly into the cabin. Another possibility is deformation of the steering gear bracket - sometimes it gets pressed during disassembly/reassembly without being noticed. Using incorrect grease on the steering universal joint can also cause squeaking noises in cold temperatures. The key point is that these abnormal noises may mask genuine mechanical problems. I recommend first checking whether the anti-loosening marks on the steering gear mounting bolts are aligned, then measuring the clearance value of the steering shaft universal joint. Remember to have the mechanic close all windows during the test drive - it makes abnormal noises easier to locate.

[StXavier]

Encountered similar issues when installing a racing steering rack during car modification. Cheap knock-offs have rough helical gear meshing surfaces, causing a sandpaper-like grinding noise when turning. Professional installation requires adjusting the steering column insertion depth - excessive depth leads to bearing misalignment and squealing. Pay attention to the steering rack input shaft dust boot; improper installation allows dust ingress, accelerating wear and causing high-frequency noise. Additionally, skipping wheel alignment after modification can introduce tire scrubbing sounds into the steering system due to toe angle deviation. Recommend rechecking gear preload torque - the standard specification is 1.2-1.5Nm, as excessive tightness reduces lifespan.