Recognize signs of a damaged car steering system that can cause unexpected accidents for the driver

The steering system on a car helps the car move according to the driver's control through the steering wheel. Not only that, the steering system also has a direct impact on the safety of the car and the driver himself.

Currently, most modern cars have a power steering system to help the driver operate more easily, providing more comfort and safety when using the car. However, during the process of using the car, the parts in the steering system will be affected by forces that can cause them to wear out, deform, or cause damage... if the driver is not quick to grasp the warning signs of a damaged steering system below, it will be extremely dangerous if they lose control while operating on the road.

Signs of heavy steering when operating

While driving, if you suddenly feel the steering wheel is heavy and you have to force yourself to turn the steering wheel, think immediately that there is a problem with the steering system on the car. This phenomenon not only makes the driver uncomfortable but also greatly affects the safety when moving on the road, especially when traveling on crowded streets and during rush hour.

The driver needs to check the power steering fluid and pump. This could be due to low power steering fluid or a faulty power steering pump.

Signs of slow steering appear

This phenomenon is often accompanied by heavy steering due to the vehicle's power steering pump not working properly. This can be due to reduced pressure and oil flow through the pump, causing the steering rack to move slowly when turning the steering wheel. It can also be due to a leak in the steering rack's sealing ring, allowing oil to leak into the side chamber, also causing slow steering return.

There are also other causes such as dry or worn steering gears or steering rods that increase friction when we return the steering wheel. In this case, you should drive the car to the garage for inspection and maintenance.

Unusual noises in the steering system

When the power steering fluid level is too low or the power steering pump is not working properly, when turning the steering wheel all the way, you will hear a "creaking" sound, but before this phenomenon occurs, you can detect heavy steering or abnormal steering return. When turning the steering wheel lightly and there is a rumbling sound under the chassis, it may be due to worn or loose steering bushings.

Check the power steering fluid level yourself and top up if necessary, take it to a service center for inspection and repair.

Steering wheel loose

Steering wheel play reflects the play of the steering system. This condition is due to long-term use, the joints such as intermediate shaft joints, ball joints, and steering shafts are worn, increasing the delay when driving. When the play of the steering wheel is large, the driver needs to take the car to the garage to readjust the steering bushing.

In this case, you should take the car to a repair center to have the steering joints lubricated with more grease and the steering bushings adjusted accordingly.

Oil leak phenomenon in steering rack

This is a fairly common phenomenon in the hydraulic power steering system. The main cause of this phenomenon is due to the steering rack seal leaking oil, the life of the steering rack seal is low so after a period of use, it causes oil leakage.

Another case is due to the steering dust cover being torn, allowing water and dust to penetrate and damage the steering rack seal, causing the above phenomenon. The belt tightening the two ends of the steering rack is not tight, causing the shaft to become pitted and damaging the seal.