The steering mechanism in the car - design and restoration. What are the symptoms of a damaged mangle?
Content
The design and types of steering gears of passenger cars.
The advanced steering mechanism design allows for precise vehicle control and ensures system reliability. You can find many types of rocking chairs, and their design depends, among other things, on the suspension used. Their components are made of high quality metals and plastics.
rack and pinion
The classic rack and pinion steering mechanism is a technological solution that transmits the rotational movement of the steering shaft through a special rack to the rack, which moves once to the left, once to the right. Rods equipped with ball bearings are also screwed to it. This design is the most popular bulge you can find on cars, trucks and vans.
Worm gears
Built on the principle of perpendicular axes in two planes, the elements are types of steering gears also found in winches and cranes. The worm mechanism is called self-locking. The disadvantage of this solution is the possibility of a sudden stop due to an increase in the coefficient of friction, which can be caused by poor lubrication. There are also designs with a spherical snail.
SHVP
One of the popular solutions found in passenger cars is modern ball screws. It consists of a steering column shaft, at the end of which a thread and a nut with a spherical internal section are mounted. Between the screw and the nut, special bearing balls are placed, the task of which is to convert sliding friction into rolling friction.
The most common symptoms of a damaged steering gear in a car
The symptoms of a damaged steering gear in a car are quite typical. Never underestimate them. Self-diagnosis is not always correct, so it is worth using the services of a professional mechanical service. What are the most common symptoms of a steering failure? They are here:
- wet clutch release - moisture is a sign of fluid leakage from the steering system seals due to mechanical damage to the body;
- knocking is an annoying symptom that appears while driving a car. This is usually caused by wear on the guide bushings, struts, and spider gaps. They are especially audible when driving on uneven surfaces;
- Leaks. A power steering fluid leak is the most common sign of damage to an automotive steering gear. This is usually due to the need to repair or replace the pump or the complete release ring;
- tooth loosening - looseness between the teeth of the system - other symptoms that you may encounter when trying to diagnose problems with the gear mechanism;
- inefficient power steering - the inability to turn the steering wheel due to its high resistance is a common sign of damage to the steering mechanism. This may be due to the failure of the drive shaft position sensor, as well as the distributor or seals;
- control lock - associated with broken rack teeth. In this case, you will not be able to drive properly. You may need to transport it to the workshop using a tow truck.
If you feel play in the steering wheel while driving, you should definitely see a mechanic as soon as possible. They are additional symptoms of a damaged cavity.
Professional steering gear regeneration
The occurrence of symptoms of damage often necessitates a quick and at the same time professional regeneration of the steering gear. Whether you choose to do it yourself or entrust this service to a mechanic shop, you need to know what the repair process is. It usually begins with a thorough assessment of the current condition of the components and an accurate diagnosis of steering gear damage and possible defects. The next step is a thorough cleaning of the parts using ultrasonic cleaning and sandblasting to perfect smoothness.
Proper steering regeneration also involves replacing all worn rubber parts. These include sealants and o-rings. The guide sleeve, toothed rack, bearings and clamping slide must also be new. After assembling the functional elements, the mechanisms are adjusted and complex tests of the system operation are carried out. Remember that after the repair of the steering mechanism, it is necessary to regularly check the condition of the steering rack for defects or leaks.
Do-It-Yourself Repair of a Damaged Steering Gear
If you are wondering how you can save money and whether you can repair a damaged steering gear yourself, then think about several aspects. The process itself, carried out by an experienced mechanic, can take up to 2 days and costs around 100 euros on average. To regenerate a rocking chair, you need not only professional knowledge, but also appropriate workshop equipment that will allow you to carry out repairs.
Self-elimination of a transmission malfunction in a car requires the use of a grinder, as well as lathes for self-manufacturing of a bushing of a given size. It is also necessary to have a pressure washer and a device for sandblasting surfaces. You will also need to use a professional set of keys. The purchase of all tools can significantly exceed the cost of repairs in an auto repair shop.
Steering restoration costs in a mechanical workshop
Depending on the model of the car, the cost of repairing the steering mechanism in a mechanical workshop can vary significantly and range from several hundred to several thousand zł. If you have a budget, you should definitely choose a service that uses original or branded parts. The durability and reliability of the repaired system will depend on their quality.
Operation and wear of automotive gears
The normal operation of the vehicle determines the wear of the transmission in the vehicle. Its reliability is estimated at 150-200 thousand. km. Be aware, however, that these values are affected by driving style, potholes, or off-road driving. The low profile of the tire, as well as the large size of the rims, also contribute to earlier wear of the mechanisms. Therefore, be sure to regularly check the technical condition of the car and identify leaks.
Safe driving thanks to efficient steering rack
There is no doubt that an efficient steering rack is a guarantee of safe driving. Knocking, fluid leaks, loose gear teeth, or steering wheel play are symptoms of transmission damage that should not be underestimated. Quick troubleshooting will prevent further costly repairs or vehicle breakdowns while driving off-road. However, you should not save on the process of restoring the steering and entrust it to a professional auto repair shop.
