What Is A Car Steering Wheel? 5 Signs Of Damage & Proper Maintenance Instructions

Introduction: Steering Wheel - The Control "Arm" Of The Car

When you turn the steering wheel, the wheels turn in the direction you want them to. This seemingly simple process is done by a very important part called theSteering Rack. This is a detail that directly affects safety and driving experience.

However, after a period of use, the steering rack may malfunction, causing the steering wheel to be heavy, vibrate or make unpleasant noises. In this article, Gartz will help you understand what a steering rack is, how to identify damage and the optimal maintenance method.

1. What is a Car Steering Wheel?

The steering rack is the system that connects the steering wheel to the two front wheels of the vehicle. Its main task is to convert the rotary motion of the steering wheel into translational motion (left or right) of the steering rack, which in turn acts on the tie rods to steer the wheels.

Currently, there are two popular types of power steering:

Hydraulic power steering (Hydraulic):Uses power steering pump and hydraulic oil to make steering easier.

Electric power steering:Use electric motor and sensor.

2. 5 Signs That Your Car's Steering Wheel Is Having Problems

Steering racks rarely fail suddenly, and there are usually warning signs. You should check immediately if you experience the following symptoms:

Unusually Heavy Steering:If you feel like you have to use more force to turn the steering wheel, especially when driving slowly, you may have a weak power steering pump or low power steering fluid level.

Slow Driver:When turning the steering wheel, it does not return to the neutral position or returns very slowly. This is usually due to a loose steering ring or worn screw.

Strange Noise When Steering:A "whirring" or "clunking" noise when you turn the steering wheel is a sign of low power steering fluid, a faulty power steering pump, or loose steering tie rod.

Power Steering Fluid Leak:If you find a red or pink puddle of oil under your vehicle, there's a good chance your steering rack seal is torn or broken, causing an oil leak.

Uneven Tire Wear:Misaligned steering racks will cause incorrect wheel camber, resulting in uneven tire wear on one side.

3. Steering Alignment Instructions (Toe Adjustment)

Wheel alignment is essentially adjusting the wheel angles (Camber, Caster and Toe). Below is the standard procedure that professional garages often apply:

Step 1 - Check:The technician will check the tire pressure, suspension, and tie rods to ensure there are no loose parts.

Step 2 - Install the sensor:Attach the reflectors (targets) to the 4 wheels and use a specialized 3D wheel alignment machine to measure the current parameters.

Step 3 - Compare and Adjust:The computer will compare the actual parameters with the manufacturer's (OEM) standard parameters. The technician will adjust the tie rod screws to bring the angles (especially the Toe angle) to the correct standard.

Step 4 - Test run:Test drive the car to make sure the steering wheel is straight when the car is going straight and there is no wobble.

Note: You should not align the wheel at home by eye or with a string, because even a small error can cause rapid tire wear.

4. Steering Rack Protection Solution From Gartz

For vehicles using hydraulic power steering,power steering fluidplays a vital role. It not only transmits power but also lubricates and protects the rubber seals.

Why choose Gartz products for steering systems?Many of Gartz's automatic transmission fluids (such asGartz ATF) can be used perfectly for power steering systems (Power Steering Fluid) thanks to its properties:

Rubber seal protection:Prevents aging and hardening of the seal, the main cause of steering gear oil leakage.

Abrasion resistance:Reduces friction for the power steering pump and rack, helping the steering rack operate smoothly without noise.

Thermal stability:Maintains stable viscosity even under continuous steering in severe conditions.

Conclude

The steering rack is an expensive and important part. Regularly check the power steering fluid level and listen for unusual noises from the steering wheel. If you detect any abnormalities, take the car to a reputable garage for alignment. Don't forget to use high-quality power steering fluid fromGartzto protect your steering system over time.