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Problems with Steering Wheel
The steering wheel is the part of the steering system in an automobile, which is controlled by the driver. The steering works with the help of the rack and pinion gears or the hydraulic power steering in the modern computer controlled cars.
There are two types of steering systems: the rack and pinion and the power steering gear. Rack and pinion gears are used in the cars which have front wheel driving. While the cars which have rear wheel driving might have either the rack and pinion or the power steering gear. Depending upon the gear the cars use for their steering system, the problems of the respective gear is also different.
- The most common problem faced in steering wheel is loosening up of the steering wheel. This can be detected by checking if you have to lift the wheel upwards before you take a turn, or if you feel looseness in the wheels if you shake the tires back and forth.
- If your car jumps or drives to the left or right whenever you go through a pothole, it might be possible that your steering systems ball joints are loose.
- Hard steering is also a common steering problem faced by the drivers. This could happen when there is a problem with the power steering pump or fluid. The steering system might have a leak and thus be very low of the fluid or your steering pump could itself be malfunctioning.
- If the tires are shaky, and are moving without the steering system’s movement; it is possible that the lug nuts are loose. The nuts can be tightened by removing the wheel and making sure the wheel studs are tight and are fitted properly.
- If the wheels are shaky even after tightening the nuts, it could be the fault in axle nut. You will have to remove hub cover of the wheel to check the axle nuts or tighten them. This usually should not happen as the axle nut itself is attached to the retaining washer and a pin. If you have to tighten the axle nut more than a few turns, then the pin or the retainer is damaged which should be changed.
- Another possible mechanical fault of the steering wheel not working properly is because of the coil spring damage in the steering system. This can be noticed through the loud noise while driving on the road. In some cases, the car may even sag on one side if such a case occurs.
- If you have recently had a minor bump or have been driving in potholes, this could result in changing the wheel alignment.
- If you are having problem with the steering of the car itself, in cases of power steering, this could be due to the low pressure in the pump.
- If you are hearing a chunky noise, you should check your belt. Your car belt could get loose, especially in cold weather.
- While driving at higher speeds, if you experience vibration, the cause could be the wheel balance. This could be due to one or more tires falling in uneven weight distribution of the car. You might have to change the wheel if such a thing happens.
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