Steering problems and solutions

Steering Problems: Causes and Solutions

March 27, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

Today, we are going to look at the different steering problems and how these problems can be resolved. So read on and learn….

An essential component in the control mechanism of any vehicle is the steering system. It gives direction and control while driving. However, unlike some mechanical issues, power steering problems can surprisingly be frustrating. However, you will continuously get signals about the problems, until it is fixed. Not paying attention to these signals may lead to an accident that your insurance company may not take responsibility for.

Causes of Steering Problems

Delayed servicing, worn-out parts, and periodic maintenance are some of the direct causes of steering problems. However, it’s necessary to understand them to help you recognize the steering problems in time before they degenerate into something worse.

Tire Pressure

Inadequate air pressure can be a reason for the wheel steering issue. This issue can be triggered by bad tire pressure, the deflated ones in particular. Based on the manufactures recommendation, all the car tires should always be inflated. This issue can also result from uneven tire pressure. Another relevant thing is the front-end alignment. While taking a turn or driving, your vehicle will pull to the side because of the front tire’s uneven wear. Misalignment results from uneven tire wear, leading to stiff and rigid steering at once during turning on the road.

Improper Steering Rack

This component is usually joined to the wheel through U-joints and shafts. The rack and these components suffer and wear and damage because of driving every day. If the wheel seems stiff after starting the vehicle, the issue is with the steering rack. As you continue to drive, the wheel will eventually become free. This occurs because the rack is heating with the engine running, thus enabling the fluid to settle. Although you can drive in this scenario, ring the rack may amplify the problem.

Damaged Serpentine Belt

Another reason for a damaged steering wheel is a broken or damaged serpentine belt. Because it’s in use whenever you drive the car, the belt wears out with time. The wheel begins displaying stiffness symptoms when the belt wears and gets loose. Ignoring the replacement or repair will lead to the belt breaking and the steering wheel malfunctioning.

Fluid Leakage

The improper fluid level in the steering system can also culminate the problem. This occurs when the hose gets loose or has a leak. Lubricant spills through the leak resulting in drying out the pump and lessened pressure in the system. Because of this, the wheel suffers from adequate lubricant supply to function properly.

Pump Malfunction

Asides from from from the lubricant issue, the pump also plays a significant part in building the necessary pressure required in the power steering system. If the pump stops functioning or gets damaged for any cause, it will adjust the steering wheel. Although a damaged pump will not eliminate the wheel, you will move it with more energy, which can be hazardous during a quick turn on the road.

Thick Fluid

Like other fluids in a car, the power steering flits accumulate debris and dirt over time. Its thickness hiders its free flow to another component of the system when you delay its change with the given time. The result makes turning at low speeds. To solve this problem, you need to drain out the old liquid and change it with new fluid. Therefore, it’s best to hand it over to a mechanic for repair or inspection if your steering wheel is having failure symptoms.

Symptoms of Steering Problems

The section below discusses symptoms that may signal to steering problem.

Difficulty in adjusting the wheel: As it is with most cars today, if you have a steering problem, it may indicate that the system has an issue. Examine if the fluid tank is fun, and if it’s short, add up to it. If it has gone down, examine beneath the vehicle for any indication of fluid leakage by the time you check next. The leaks can be present in the hoses, steering rack, or steering pump.
Steering wheel vibration: Although this is usually a sign of a wheel alignment issue, a vibrating steering wheel can also signal a problem with the steering. The accumulation of contaminants in the system can also lead to vibration or ‘pulsate’ of the steering wheel when it is completely turned in different directions. Generally, this problem can be fixed with a power steering flush.
Slipping during hold: this can also be a lead that the wheel steering is failing. Asides from leakage, other possible causes of wheel steering failure include worn steering rack mounts, faulty pumps, and worn or loose steering belts.
Loose steering wheel & excessive steering wheel: This is resultant from tie rods or loose steering racks. Too much acceleration when you turn into a corner or accelerate is also caused by worn or faulty tie rods. If permitted to go on, it will allow the whole vehicle to vibrate and culminate in a wheel steering loss. It should therefore be fixed immediately after the problem is observed.
Vehicle pulls or wanders to a side: This signals an issue with the steering gear. Worn out of premature steering gear may be a result of power steering fluid or lack of lubrication. More reason why it is essential to look out for power steering leakages when changing worn steering hear.
Immoderate play in the steering wheel: In automotive terminology, play means the movement of a vital component before the outcome is recognized. Take, for instance, a clutch pedal having a play but doesn’t begin functioning immediately. On the other end, steering shouldn’t have a play. If you observe a play in your steering wheel, it is resultant from worn-out tie rods.
Grinding sound while moving the steering wheel: This is another sign of a steering wheel problem. When you move the wheel, the screeching noise you hear results from a worn or loose power steering belt (the connectivity belt of the engine and power steering pump). As stated earlier, the noise can also be a sign of low fluid levels in the power steering.
Discoloured or Foaming power steering fluid: This signals that the liquid is not correctly lubricating the components as water or air has infiltrated the system. By servicing your vehicle regularly, keeping it from tear and tear (many insurance companies require this), and watching for any of the signs discussed above, you’ll have an opportunity to find and repair the steering problem before it degenerates into something more serious.
Stiff Steering Wheel: this signals the steering failure. All new vehicles have power steering that enables the commonly utilized pinion and rack system, thus easing the driver when adjusting the steering wheel. The stiffness of the wheel caused by the power steering failure will make the car difficult to run. Failing the power steering will make the steering wheel stiff and harder to turn.
Noises While Turning: If you hear a whining noise while trying to make a turn, iI is a sign of worn-out components. It mainly occurs when the steering rack needs to be changed. Unlike another car sound, this is quite distinct. It might be good to check if the sounds persist.
Burning Oil Smell

Although this symptom can be triggered frombyer problems, it can still be traced to power steering failure- a reason for its inclusion. A burning odor is a result of leakage or fluid getting into an overheated part. The liquid that flows there smells like burning oil. If you perceive the smell, halt your vehicle on the instant and reach out to a mechanic. The steering box overheating can result in a fire outbreak in a car.

Tackling Steering Problems

If you observe any of the signs discussed above in your steering, you can apply these steps to tackle the problem. If it persist after, do not hesitate to take your car to a mechanic.

Check your vehicle car tire pressure

If you observe that your steering wheel is difficult to turn at low speeds, you should examine the tire air pressure. Also, check if the tire maintains the automaker’s recommended PSI and stays filled with air.

Examine the fluid level and power steering condition:

Always check the fluid level and steering wheel, as issues may be triggered by some problem related to both the steering wheel and fluid level conditions.

Inspect the pulley on the power steering unit

If you find it difficult to turn the steering wheel, you can examine the pulley fixed on the steering unit. This is only useful in checking the car engine for security purposes. More so, you can take a snapshot to be sure the pulley belt is functioning well.

Check the power steering unit and front end parts

Do not forget to check the power steering unit, as a leakage from the joint pressure hoses will result in stiff steering because of the reduced pressure. You can also examine parts like ball joints and tie rod ends for lubrication and wear. Excessive wear on either of the components is hazardous and can lead to turning the steering wheel.

Conclusion

Steering problems are resultant from varying system issues. It could be because of a component wear out, thick liquid, system issues, bad tires, etc. However, a steering problem isn’t something every car owner would want to avoid. Therefore, it is vital to know the early symptoms of a developing steering wheel problem before it degenerates into something more serious. The 11 symptoms discussed above will let you know when your steering wheel is close to failing.

Steering Wheel Feels Loose When Turning

February 15, 2021 by admin Leave a Comment

Our article today will explain why steering wheel feels loose. One of the component of a car that stands out of the rest is the steering wheel mainly because it is fitted directly in front of the driver’s seat and is only used by the driver.

The steering wheel together with many other parts make up the steering wheel system of a car, this system enables you to easily control the direction car is going. Good steering system makes it easy to drive even a large vehicle without much force applied, giving you a smooth ride all the way to your final destination. Effortless and precise control is also easily achieved even in a panic swerve with a good steering. .

But what happens when a steering wheel is too loose than usual, this leads to overturning and makes it hard for the driver to acertain the position of the front tyres. This signals danger both for the car occupants and other road users especially in heavy traffic.

When you drive with a loose steering wheel for a period of time it can cause damage to other parts of your car at which point you’ll have no other choice than to take it for repairs. But you can save up some money by identifying the common symptoms of a faulty steering wheel as well as regular and proper maintenance. Needless to say that understanding of the basic anatomy of a steering wheel and how it works would be of added advantage.

Read also: How To Change Oil Filter In Cars

In this article I’ll show you what you can do whenever you have a loose steering wheel and share with you simple tips on how to maintain it.

How steering wheel system work

There are many factors that influence the exterior design of a car but the design of the steering wheel system incorporates a similar concepts in most cars. here’s how it works.

As you rotate a steering, a system of joints and pivots responds and stimulate the steering shaft. The steering shaft runs under the belly of the car transmitting the movement to the wheels that carry the tyres. Although not all the the tyres rotate in most cars, in others all four tyres rotate. This is known as a four wheel drive.

When one of this parts fail to function well, it makes the steering feel loose when turning and may need to a replacement depending on the type of steering wheel installed on your car. You may ask your mechanic if you’re unsure of what type of steering wheel system is installed on your car.

Types of steering wheel system

Rack and pinion system; developed in the 1930s by BMW, it is commonly found in smaller cars, trucks and SUVs. This system involves a pinions which is moved by the steering, the pinion in turn rotates a rack( the rack and the pinion are in contact ). The rack is a long horizontal rod that moves sideways as the pinion rotates about a fixed position. This results in the conversion of the circular motion of the steering wheel into horizontal motion. This system makes use of a few parts and they are easy to replace. It’s response is also fast and gives the driver a direct feel of movement of the wheels with the tyres.
Steering box system; this system is also known as a a circulating ball system. A moving ballpart is meshed by nuts to a large screw and the steering wheel joined at the other end of the screw. The ball part comes in different design some like peg or sector or roller. This links to a vertical rod that has an horizontal bar at its end. This horizontal bars extend to either side of the wheels on both ends. The movement of the various parts transmits the circular motion of the Steering into a linear motion .

Causes of loose wheels

After a long time of usage, your car will experience wear and tear. This affects every part of your car including the Steering wheel system. The wheel also becomes less firm and dangling. It can be caused by the following reasons.

Worn out racks and tie rod. When the racks and tie rods are worn out they separate from the pinion and without a firm contact, the pinion can’t move it well. This distorts the normal feel of your steering wheel. The rod and rack can be damaged by potholes and hitting curbs.
Worn pitman arm is another common cause of loose steering wheel. The pitman arm is an important component of the Steering wheel system so when it is worn out, it can lead to the steering being loosely fitting to handle
Worn ball joints in the long run will make a steering respond loosely this parts are small and easily damaged, it is also affected by rust.
Faulty power steering is another factor in that it is the mechanism that makes turning the steering easier in a narrow space so when it’s faulty it makes the steering overturn. It also causes a screeching sound when turning.
Worn out steering jack. The jack keeps the steering in an upright position, any damage to it will make it slip down when you turn the steering.
Entry of air or water into the system will make it malfunction. This is indicated by a foamy or discolored power steering fluid. This will either cause the Steering to be rigid or loose when turning.
Accumulation of dirt and debris is also responsible for the steering wheel vibrating.

symptoms of a loose steering wheel

There are several signs that can indicate if your steering wheel is bad, you should pay attention to this warning signs. It is important to realize that this symptoms can manifast almost immediately, other times it manifest over a long period of times and are easy to identify even though the part affected cannot be seen. Here are some of the common ones.

The degree of turning of the steering wheel doesn’t correspond with the angle of the wheels.
The steering feels like it is detached from the steering column.
There’s a strange noise or sound whenever you make a turn.
When the steering wheel is shaking. Take note this can also be caused by a bad wheel alignment or power steering.
When you experience a sluggish maneuvering of the Steering.
If your car suddenly sverves out of the road, it could also be a sign that your steering wheel is bad.

Tips on what to do when your steering wheel is malfunctioning

Be calm, don’t panic. This will ensure that you don’t take hasty decisions that can endanger your life and that of other road users. When you are calm, you’ll have the right state of mind to know what next to do.
Switch on the hazard light and reduce your speed immediately, this is what you should do next. This is very important so others road will take caution and give you way. Do not switch off your engine as this can make the steering stiff thereby leading to a loss of control.
Pull out of the lane and park as soon as you can. If you continue to drive with a faulty steering, it can lead to serious damage. You should also do a brief check on the car immediately like checking the power steering oil and then call your car repairer.

what your car repairer will do

Fixing a loose steering wheel might be expensive but it’s worth every penny spent. when you are able to Identify the symptoms as stated above, you can tell your mechanic what exactly the problem is, this can help save a lot of money and time. Otherwise your mechanic will typically run a diagnosis to know what the problem is and the exact place the fault is, there after fix it and replace all worn out part. The new parts should last for a year before needing change.

Tips to follow to ensure a good steering wheel.

You should take your car for regular maintenance. This will also ensures your insurance coverage is sustained if you have one.
Check and top up the power steering fluid to the brim and if you check again and discover a shortage. It mean there’s a linkage somewhere, this should be sealed immediately.
Foamy or discoloured power steering fluid should be completely poured out and the reservoir filled with a new one.
Driving at highway speed for at least 30 minutes a week will helps to expose some of the symptoms like leaking oil in your car.

Final words; Any How To Change Oil Filter In Cars problem is quite easy to identify as you drive. So when you note any don’t ignore it as driving with a loose steering is dangerous and can result in a fatal accident. If the crash is not covered by your insurance provider, it will cost you a fortune. Proper maintenance is key to afford a loose feeling steering wheel. Steering wheel has to be easy to handle and dependable for safety reasons.