What Happens When the Steering Gear Fails?
2 Answers
Steering gear failure can manifest as abnormal noises when the vehicle is stationary or moving at speeds below 20 km/h; difficulty in turning the steering wheel while driving; unstable steering, understeer or oversteer, and body shaking, among other symptoms. Causes of steering gear failure: Steering mechanism failure: Generally, steering mechanism failures are mostly caused by piston or cylinder scoring, or damage to the piston's sealing ring, which allows communication between the two chambers of the piston, preventing the effective buildup of power assist pressure. Power steering pump failure: When testing shows that the pump pressure of the power steering pump does not meet standard values, it is clear that heavy steering is related to this. First, check whether the engagement surface of the flow control valve and valve seat, as well as the sealing of the safety valve ball, are compromised. Clogged return oil filter in the reservoir: Long-term lack of maintenance or replacement of the return oil filter in the reservoir can cause clogging, hindering the circulation of power steering fluid and increasing the backpressure of the return oil, which can also lead to heavy steering. Methods for diagnosing steering gear failure: Difficulty in steering wheel return: Most vehicle steering wheels have an automatic return function. For cars equipped with hydraulic power steering, the automatic return function is somewhat weakened due to hydraulic damping. However, if the return speed is too slow, it indicates a malfunction in the return function. Such faults usually occur in the mechanical parts of the steering system. Steering wobble or drift: If the car tends to drift to one side when driving on a cambered road, and tire pressure issues have been ruled out, it is likely caused by a loose or broken mechanical component in the steering gear.
Last time I was driving and encountered a power steering failure, the steering wheel felt like it was stuck, no matter how hard I tried, it wouldn't turn. The car was swaying uncontrollably on the road, especially when turning, I almost scraped against the roadside guardrail. At that time, I was on the highway, my heart was racing, afraid of a major accident, so I quickly pulled over to the emergency lane to check. Usually, when the power steering fails, it also makes a squeaking noise, as if something is stuck inside. If this thing breaks and isn't repaired in time, at best it will cause uneven tire wear, at worst it could lead to a crash and injuries. So I suggest going to a professional shop at the first sign of trouble, don't delay to save money. Safety first, having the mechanic check the steering system during maintenance can prevent problems before they occur.
