What is a loose steering wheel?
The steering wheel is one of the important and inseparable parts of a car, but during use, the steering wheel can become loose.
What is a loose steering wheel?
Loose steering wheel (also known as loose steering wheel) is a condition where the car's steering wheel is floating, has no feeling of grip on the road, making it difficult for the driver to control and at risk of losing control.
Causes of loose steering wheel
According to experts, the steering wheel play reflects the play of the steering system. This condition occurs due to long-term use, leading to worn joints such as intermediate shaft joints, ball joints, and steering shafts, increasing the delay when driving.
Loose steering wheel makes it difficult for the driver to control. Illustration photo
With hatchbacks or sedans that often use McPherson front suspension combined with rack-and-pinion steering, hydraulic or electric power steering, the steering wheel is loose often due to damaged or worn tie rods.
In addition, loose steering wheel can be caused by collision or strong impact that affects the steering system.
Signs of loose steering wheel
In case of loose steering wheel, the driver can recognize it through the following signs:
- Loose feeling, lack of stiffness when turning the steering wheel
- The steering wheel turns a large angle but the wheel only turns a small angle or does not fall.
- Feeling of jerking and instability when driving
- Rattles, squeals, or strange noises coming from the steering wheel
- When the car is running at high speed, the car loses stability and feels unsafe to drive.
How to adjust steering wheel play
To adjust the steering wheel play, the driver can perform the following steps:
- Put the vehicle in park and make sure the handbrake is engaged.
- Check the power steering fluid level and ensure adequate level.
- With the steering wheel in the middle, pull and push it to the right and left respectively to check for play. If you feel there is a lot of play, you can make adjustments.
- Adjust the play by removing the steering wheel cover and using a wrench to adjust the torque of the steering shaft.
- Recheck the play after adjustment by repeating step 3.
- When finished, close the steering wheel cover and check for play before driving.
Note, to ensure safety, steering wheel play adjustment should be performed by experienced or trained vehicle repair personnel.
