The Sunday News
Lovert Mafukure
Steer Safe
THE steering system is of paramount importance because without it there is no control. Let’s look at how you can possibly maintain a good steering system and how you can possibly tell if your steering has gone bad. Every problem is unique but here are the common problems and how they can be solved.
The most common type of steering setup is the rack and pinion type. It consists of the steering wheel, the steering rack, column and pinion as well as the tie rods ends, perhaps also the front wheels that do the turning.
Most modern cars have power steering to assist with steering so the driver does not have to use excessive force. This system usually does not allow for much of DIY service as you really need to know what you are doing or risk making your car a death trap. Always use caution and when in doubt contact a professional.
Steering system maintenance
For obvious reasons, the steering system needs regular maintenance; there is nothing more dangerous than a car you cannot control. Basic steering system maintenance involves regular inspection, lubrication and adjustments of movable parts. Dust boots also need regular checks to make sure they are still in sound condition. They are important in keeping the steering system working as it should for longer. When they tear up you lose grease and all kinds of debris, mud water find their in and affect everything.
Symptoms of a bad steering
Freeplay
One thing to look out for is steering freeplay. A good steering should have no freeplay at all. At law, it should not be more than 45 degrees freeplay. Whenever there is freeplay, the steering system must be checked as soon as possible. Always replace worn dust boots. When they are worn out you lose grease and that creates more friction and excessive wear and tear. Tie rod studs also have dust boots to cover them from all foreign matter. Things like mud or dust can easily accelerate wear and tear on suspension components hence the need to always replace dust boots when they are worn out.
Steering vibrations
Steering vibrations are caused by a lot of things and usually its not the steering system unless there are some loose bolts and nuts or worn bushes. Most of the times, it is because of unbalanced tyres. It’s essential to balance tyres every time you change them. Unbalanced tyres also increase tyre wear and usually its uneven wear. Uneven tyres eventually affect the steering and one may find the car wandering off course due to uneven tyres. The fact that you have to fight the steering so it stays on course shows that the car is fighting the forces of nature and that puts strain on the system as a whole.
Damaged tyres
Tyres play an important role in the handling of a motor vehicle. Tyres with separation can cause steering vibrations. A tyre with separation usually has an even surface or side-wall. Replacing such tyres is wise before they blow out when you least expect. Damaged brake disks can also cause vibrations but only when braking. You will need to be sure of when the car starts vibrating to ascertain where the problem is coming from.
Knocking steering
A knocking sound when you rock the steering back and forth is a sign of worn tie rod ends. An inspection can easily show which parts are worn out. Moving the tie rods back and forth by hand can ascertain where the problem is. Usually when there’s that knocking sound the tie rods move back and forth and have a lot of free play — then they definitely need reconditioning or replacement.
Steering wander
If your car wanders off in a certain direction and cannot maintain straight line driving then you may also need to check the car immediately. Different size tyres can cause steering wander. This can also be caused by low tyre pressure on the affected side.
Before looking at other suspension parts, first check tyre pressure and the condition of the tyres to make sure they are not the ones causing trouble in your paradise. A tiny lump might seem insignificant but can change the handling of a car in a big way.
Misalignment can also cause steering wander. When your wheels are not aligned properly you will experience what we call steering pull, where the car pulls towards the left or right without the driver directing it towards that pulling side. Excessive tyre wear is also common when the wheels are misaligned.
Whining noise
Whining noise when turning the steering wheel is usually caused by low steering fluid and can easily be corrected by adding fluid to the right level. It’s good to check for leaks to make sure the system has no leaks. This can easily be done by checking the ground where you park the car overnight, if any oil spills then check for leaks.
Hard steering
Improper inflation in both or one of the tyres can cause hard steering. There is a common myth that tyres should always be inflated to a certain level according to size but that is not always true.
Manufacturers have different tyre inflations for the cars they make. Recommended tyre inflation is on the inside of the driver’s door on most cars. Always make sure that the steering dust boots are in good condition and that there is enough lubricating grease. If your car has power steering, check the steering fluid level.
Memory Steer
Lastly let’s look at memory steer. This is whereby there’s an excessive pull towards one side when you turn the steering. It can be on one side or both. Its more like spring action.
This is usually caused by misalignment. With this kind of problem, the steering usually doesn’t return to the centre after turning and sometimes does not have a proper turning circle and it slides when the steering is locked.
@lovert116 Automart Used Spares Centre – Quality Used Japanese Spares +263 772 33 99 38 – [email protected]/ Facebook: @automartusc
