Signs that something is wrong with your car’s steering

A vibrating steering wheel or the vehicle veering to one side when released on a straight line are clear signs that the system needs to be checked

“The steering system is a safety system that is also linked to other elements of the vehicle, such as shock absorbers and tyres. For this reason it must be in perfect condition, since things like the parallel of the front wheels, the
even tire wear and stability of the vehicle, both when cornering and when braking”, warn from ‘Choose quality, choose confidence’ (ECEC), an initiative of twenty parts manufacturers affiliated with Sernauto, who advocate responsible maintenance to promote road safety.

In that sense, they recommend from ECEC to pay attention to the signs that indicate that the
steering system needs to be checked. “If the steering wheel vibrates or if it is released in a straight line and the vehicle pulls to one side, it is best to go to the workshop and have the vehicle checked,” they warn. Other signs that also indicate that something is starting to fail are: excessive noise when driving in a bumpy area; annoying driving, with vibrations and shocks; excessive bouncing; off-center steering wheel or tires that wear unevenly.

Likewise, if none of these signs are observed a priori, “it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations about when it is time to review the steering system,” they add to the initiative.

Steering systems are particularly safety-relevant vehicle components. That is why many manufacturers develop steering systems based on high quality and reliability standards. Therefore, in most cases they are designed to last the life of the vehicle. However, mounting parts, such as tie rods and bellows, may be damaged or worn and need to be replaced. However, entire steering systems usually only need to be replaced in the event of an accident or mechanical overloads that affect steering performance.

In this sense, the steering systems should be replaced if there are obvious signs of failure and damage. This includes unusual noises, hydraulic leaks, as well as increased and irregular effort required to perform steering operations.

Even if there is visible damage to the wheelhouse, including blackening or discoloration of the housing, caused by overheating. Likewise, when the control unit connectors of vehicles equipped with Electric Power Steering (EPS) are damaged or show hairline cracks, as well as permanent deformations or cracks in surrounding or connected components.

In addition, the steering systems must also be replaced if there is any doubt about the correct operation due to mechanical overloads in the past. This is usually the result of external influences, such as accidents or driving maneuvers where extreme forces act on the steering system.

It is difficult for workshops to diagnose internal damage to steering gears as only manufacturers can properly check the internal power transmission components of rack and pinion steering systems. “Possible damage can only be deduced indirectly, for example by analyzing the surrounding components,” they explain from ECEC, which warns that when the possibility of damage to the steering system cannot be excluded, it must be replaced.

Source: La Verdad

Mary

I am Mary Fitzgerald, a professional journalist and author of the Today Times Live. My specialty is in writing and reporting on technology-related topics. I have spent the last seven years extensively researching and understanding the field of technology so I can properly inform my readers about developments in this ever-evolving world.