What problems will occur if the steering gear of a car is broken?

[VonSienna]

Generally, vehicle steering wheels have the function of automatic return to center, especially for cars equipped with hydraulic power steering gears. Here are the relevant descriptions: Problem 1: When a car is driving on one side of a cambered road surface, it naturally has a tendency to deviate. When the camber is significant, the deviation becomes more obvious, which is a phenomenon caused by external factors. After ruling out tire pressure issues, it is likely caused by loosened or broken mechanical components of the steering gear. Problem 2: If the driver feels that steering is lighter in one direction and heavier in the other, it may be due to leakage in the seal responsible for sealing the high-pressure chamber on one side. Another possibility is improper adjustment of the limit valve in that direction.

[StZachary]

As a seasoned mechanic with years of experience, I can tell you that a faulty steering gear causes numerous problems. Difficulty in steering is the most immediate issue—the steering wheel suddenly becomes very heavy, making turns strenuous and tiring over long drives. It also leads to frequent misalignment, where the car veers left or right even on straight roads, making it hard to control the front end, which could result in accidents during emergency braking. Loud creaking noises indicate internal part wear or insufficient fluid. Oil leakage is another concern; low power steering fluid can cause system failure and increase the risk of hydraulic pump damage. If left unrepaired, it may damage other components like tie rods or bearings, leading to higher repair costs. The safety risks are severe, as loss of control on highways could cause crashes. I recommend regularly checking the steering fluid level and seeking professional repair immediately if issues arise—don’t skimp on small costs and invite bigger troubles.

[FernandoRose]

I encountered a steering gear failure shortly after buying this car. When driving on the highway, the steering wheel was as stiff as a rock, making it difficult to return to center. The car kept pulling to the left, requiring strong effort to keep it straight, almost scraping into other lanes. The noise was extremely annoying, with constant creaking whenever turning. The handling deteriorated, and the brakes became less responsive, making city driving nerve-wracking. The repair costs aren't cheap, estimated at several thousand yuan, but a friend suggested checking for power steering fluid leaks first. Safety is paramount—don't delay driving it; immediately pull over and call a tow truck to the repair shop. Long-term neglect could lead to electrical circuit damage, and replacing the entire system would be a huge loss.

[EmmettFitz]

As a veteran driver with decades of experience, a broken steering gear can cause serious trouble. It makes the steering wheel extremely heavy and unresponsive, causing the car to wander and lose control. Loud noises are obvious signs - creaking sounds indicate internal wear. You'll feel unstable while driving, with longer braking distances and higher accident risks. When I was younger, I neglected maintenance and ended up spending thousands to replace the whole system. My advice: regularly check fluid levels, pay attention to abnormal noises or drifting while driving, address issues early, and never compromise safety for convenience.