Will a faulty steering gear make a clunking noise when driving on rough roads?
2 Answers
If the steering gear is faulty, it may produce a clunking noise when driving on rough roads. In such cases, it is necessary to check whether the play in the outer tie rod ball joint of the steering gear is normal and whether the play in the internal tie rod ball joint of the steering gear is normal. If any abnormality is found, replacing the tie rod ball joint should suffice, and there is no need to replace the entire steering gear. However, if the play in the internal gear rack of the steering gear is excessive and the issue persists even after adjusting the play, then replacement of the steering gear is the only solution. The steering gear is a crucial component for the steering function of a vehicle and plays a vital role in ensuring driving safety. In vehicles equipped with power steering systems, the energy required for steering is, under normal circumstances, only a small portion provided by the driver's physical effort, while the majority comes from the hydraulic energy (or pneumatic energy) supplied by the oil pump (or air compressor) driven by the engine (or motor).
I experienced a clunking noise when driving my old car on rough roads, which turned out to be a faulty steering gear. The sound was particularly noticeable, like metal parts hitting each other repeatedly, especially jarring when the car body shook. The gear backlash in the steering gear had increased, or the bearings inside were excessively worn. Every time the car jolted, it would loosen and produce that clunking sound. I noticed it was almost silent on smooth roads but would act up as soon as I hit bumpy surfaces. I promptly took it to the repair shop to check the tie rods and ball joints, and sure enough, the steering gear was severely worn. The problem was only solved after replacing the entire unit. I must warn you not to delay fixing this—steering system issues can make the car feel unstable at high speeds, which is extremely dangerous. Regular maintenance should also pay attention to the steering system, and try to avoid forcing the steering wheel too hard.
