What Causes the Steering Gear Bushing to Make a Clicking Sound When Broken?

[DeTanner]

The noise coming from the lower part of the steering column near the steering wheel could be due to loose bolts or insufficient lubrication. Below is relevant information about the steering gear: 1. Introduction: The automobile steering gear, also known as the steering mechanism or direction machine, is the most critical component in the vehicle's steering system. Its function is to amplify the force transmitted from the steering wheel to the steering linkage and to alter the direction of force transmission. 2. Types of Steering Gears: (1) Rack and Pinion Steering: This is the most common type of steering gear. Its basic structure consists of a pair of meshing small gears and a rack. When the steering shaft drives the small gear to rotate, the rack moves linearly. Sometimes, the rack directly drives the tie rod, enabling the steering wheels to turn. Therefore, this is the simplest type of steering gear. Its advantages include a simple structure, low cost, sensitive steering, compact size, and the ability to directly drive the tie rod. It is widely used in automobiles. (2) Worm and Roller Steering: This steering gear uses a worm as the driving part and a roller as the driven part. The worm has trapezoidal threads, and the finger-like tapered pins are supported by bearings on the roller, which is integrated with the steering rocker arm shaft. When steering, the worm is rotated by the steering wheel, causing the tapered pins embedded in the worm's spiral groove to rotate and move in an arc around the steering rocker arm shaft, thereby driving the roller and steering arm to swing and turning the steering wheels through the steering linkage. This type of steering gear is typically used in heavy-duty trucks that require greater steering force. (3) Recirculating Ball Steering: The recirculating ball power steering system mainly consists of two parts: the mechanical part and the hydraulic part. The mechanical part includes the housing, side cover, upper cover, lower cover, recirculating ball screw, rack nut, rotary valve spool, and sector gear shaft. There are two pairs of transmission components: one is the screw and nut, and the other is the rack and sector gear or sector gear shaft. Between the screw and the rack nut, there are recirculating steel balls that convert sliding friction into rolling friction, thereby improving transmission efficiency. The advantages of this steering gear are easy operation, minimal wear, and long service life. The disadvantages are a complex structure, higher cost, and less steering sensitivity compared to the rack and pinion type.

[DiVera]

The steering gear bushing is worn out and making a clunking sound, usually caused by aging and wear of the rubber bushing. I've been driving for almost twenty years and have seen many such cases. The bushing inside the steering gear is responsible for cushioning friction between components. Once the rubber cracks or hardens, the gap increases, and parts collide when turning the steering wheel, producing a clunking noise. Long-term driving on bumpy roads or frequent sharp turns can accelerate this process. If not addressed promptly, not only is the noise annoying, but it can also lead to loosening of the steering system and even affect driving safety. I recommend getting it checked at a repair shop as soon as you hear any unusual noise. Drive smoothly to minimize impacts and replace old bushings during regular maintenance to prevent more serious failures, such as damage to the entire steering gear.

[MacLila]

I've encountered this issue several times. The knocking sound from the steering gear is mostly due to worn-out bushings. That small rubber block at the steering linkage serves as a fixing cushion. After prolonged use, the rubber deteriorates, cracks, or becomes loose, causing metal-to-metal impact noise when the steering shaft moves. Causes include long-term driving on rough roads, high temperatures making the rubber brittle, or improper installation. When I took it for repair, the mechanic fixed it in half an hour by simply replacing the bushing, and it became quiet immediately. This reminds me to pay attention to abnormal sounds in the car and address them early to save trouble and money. Avoid hitting potholes at high speeds, have technicians regularly inspect steering system components during maintenance, and use high-quality lubricants to prolong bushing life. Otherwise, other steering components may also be affected and prone to failure.

[TaliaLynn]

The knocking noise caused by damaged steering gear bushings is primarily due to increased clearance from rubber wear. During daily driving, I noticed the sound is particularly noticeable when turning. The bushings serve as buffers, and when they fail, components directly collide, creating noise. There are several causes: natural aging, lack of lubrication, or frequent bumps. This can damage the entire steering system, and if not repaired promptly, it may lead to steering failure risks. It's recommended to seek professional inspection at the first sign of abnormal noise and avoid DIY repairs to prevent safety hazards.