Why is the steering of a large truck unstable and difficult to control?
2 Answers
The causes of steering wheel shaking or wobbling include the destruction of the dynamic balance of the front wheel assembly due to tire patching or repair, loose parts in the drive shaft assembly, destruction of the dynamic balance of the drive shaft assembly, failure of the shock absorber, inconsistent stiffness of the leaf springs, wear and looseness of steering system components, and improper front wheel alignment. Below is more related information: 1. Always pay attention to abnormal noises in the vehicle: While driving, the driver should closely monitor the sounds from various parts of the vehicle. Once an abnormal noise is detected, the first step is to accurately determine whether the sound is coming from inside or outside the vehicle. If it is confirmed to be from inside the vehicle, it may not be a big issue; if it is from outside, the vehicle should be stopped for inspection. 2. Learn to read the faults on the dashboard: For novice drivers, learning to read the dashboard is very important. Pay frequent attention to the pointers on the dashboard and the icons displayed. Whenever a red light appears on the dashboard, stop the vehicle and turn off the engine for inspection as soon as possible.
I've been driving heavy trucks for many years and often encounter steering instability issues, mostly caused by uneven tire pressure. When there's a significant difference in pressure between the left and right tires, the steering wheel feels floaty and hard to control. Additionally, aging suspension systems are common problems, such as broken shock absorbers or fatigued springs, which cause severe wobbling when hit by crosswinds on highways. Loose steering linkages and ball joints are also critical factors. I recommend checking these areas before driving - adjusting tire pressure to be even usually helps. Regular suspension maintenance is crucial too, especially after long-distance trips. Otherwise, it not only wears out tires faster but also makes driving nerve-wracking. In short, this isn't a minor issue - early troubleshooting can save you lots of trouble.
