The steering system is not just another component of your vehicle, it’s a crucial part that enables you to control the car’s direction and takes you where you need to go. Like all mechanical parts, it’s prone to wear and tear, leading to potential failure. This can compromise your safety and that of your passengers. Hinsdale Automotive is a steering repair expert, and we wanted to delve into the most common causes of steering system failure, the warning signs to look out for, and the preventive measures to avoid costly repairs in the long run.
What causes the steering system to fail?
There are several reasons why a vehicle’s steering system might start to fail, all of which can compromise the safety of the driver and passengers.. The steering wheel in a vehicle is designed to help the driver control the direction in which they want the vehicle to move. With the gas pedal, steering wheel, and tires, the driver is able to turn left or right, drive forward, or reverse the vehicle. The steering wheel system consists of the steering wheel, steering shaft and column, tie rods, rack, idler arms, pitman arm, and a drag or center link component. All these parts play a crucial role in enabling the vehicle to be driven in the intended direction.
What are the signs of a failing steering system?
Some of the signs that the steering wheel system is failing include:
- Difficulty turning the wheel.
- Squeaking and grinding noises
- Steering wheel vibrations
- The steering wheel tilt is not functioning
- The steering wheel feels loose or wobbly
- The steering wheel is off-center.
These signals are the vehicle’s way of communicating that the steering wheel and its components are on their way to complete failure. Auto repair professionals highly recommend having the steering system inspected and repaired as soon as any of these signals occur. Staying on top of maintenance prevents irreversible damage and eliminates the opportunity to compromise the safety of you and your passengers.
The steering system in a vehicle is prone to failure, just like any other component. Failure in the steering column is often due to normal wear and tear, such as corrosion, loose or damaged connections, or electrical issues. Corrosion can occur due to exposure to moisture, salt, or other environmental factors. When corrosion happens in the steering column, the steering parts may become weak or brittle, leading to potential failure over time. Since the steering system is connected to many other vehicle components, loose or damaged wiring or parts can make the steering column especially vulnerable to failure. Lastly, electrical issues have the potential to cause numerous faults in the vehicle, and the wires and sensors within the steering system are also susceptible to failure if there are issues in these components.
Some of the best advice for keeping your vehicle at optimal performance is through maintenance. Auto repair shops promote maintenance because it can bring to light issues that may start as minor but become major if not taken care of promptly. Our auto repair technicians have the technology to properly diagnose the vehicle to find and eliminate any complexities that may be going on within it. Visit our trusted auto repair shop whenever you suspect any issues with the steering system in your vehicle.