Main causes of steering rack malfunctions
Every motorist needs to know the causes and signs of a faulty steering rack because problems with steering feel can lead to accidents on the road.
If the steering rack mechanism starts to fail, there's a reason for it – it's driving on bad roads or aggressive driving. When the wheels of the car get into pits, hit the kerbs, it becomes the cause of additional loads on the mechanisms and as a consequence – wear of the steering rack. Another important cause of breakdowns is dust, its small particles quickly clog the mechanism.
The main causes of steering rack failures are rash actions by the driver, these are:
- Driving at high speed on pits, «lying policemen»;
- Crossing rails and other obstacles without reducing speed;
- Spinning wheels during long parking periods;
- Energetic steering movements when the car is still warm.
There are many factors that cause steering failure. To avoid costly repairs, it is necessary to seek help in a timely manner in a car centre, where there is specialised equipment for diagnostics of the steering rack. Remember that repairing the steering rack is less costly at the initial stage of breakdown.
Signs of steering rack failure
To fix a problem with your steering rack will require an accurate diagnosis. A steering rack test bench can help diagnose the failure quickly and accurately, but you'll need to visit a car repair shop to do so.
If the driver is aware of the basic steering rack failures, steering rack replacement can be avoided. Signs of a broken mechanism:
- The occurrence of knocking in the steering rack (backlash);
- Oil leakage;
- Difficulty turning the wheels;
- Difficulties with steering (steering stiffness).
Testing your steering rack requires expert help and MSG Equipment's diagnostic equipment. Some damage to the steering rack cannot be replaced, then the rack is replaced with a new one. Diagnostics of the power steering pump is carried out on the MSG Equipment stand, if there is a suspicion of power steering malfunction. Remember that even small problems with the power steering system can cause an accident, so do not try to check the operation of the mechanism yourself.
What to do if the steering rack breaks
Service station specialists will conduct an external inspection of the rack for corrosion, mechanical defects. MSG Equipment diagnostic equipment will help the technician to perform his work as quickly and qualitatively as possible.
When you come to the car service, pay attention to the professionalism of the staff and the availability of specialised equipment. To get your car back to work in a short time, you'll need MSG Equipment's steering rack diagnostic and repair equipment. Every workshop that specialises in diagnosing and repairing steering mechanisms has this equipment.
