When inspecting the steering, pay special attention to the condition of the protective covers and threaded connections. Torn, cracked or elastic rubber covers must be replaced, otherwise water, dust and dirt that gets into the units will quickly put them out of order.
The vehicle is equipped with a power steering system. Check the condition of the hoses and pipes connecting the pump, reservoir and steering gear.
Check the position of the steering wheel spokes, which should be symmetrical relative to the vertical axis when the front wheels are straight. Otherwise, determine the cause of the malfunction and eliminate it.
Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock, check visually and by ear:
- reliability of fastening of the steering gear and steering wheel;
- no clearance in the tie rod bushings and ball joints of the tie rod ends;
- reliability of tightening and locking of ball joint pin nuts;
- absence of jamming and interference that prevents the steering wheel from turning.
If you detect knocking and sticking, disconnect the steering rods from the steering knuckles and repeat the check. If the knocking and sticking do not stop, remove the steering mechanism from the car and have it repaired in a specialized workshop.
1. Check the condition of the tie rod end protective boots. Replace any torn, cracked or loose boots.
2. Turning the steering wheel sharply in both directions (an assistant should do this), check the steering mechanism fastening visually and by ear. Movement of the mechanism and knocking are not allowed.
3. Check for play in the ball joints of the steering rod ends. Replace the ends whose joints have noticeable play. Also check the tightness of the nuts of the ball joint pins of the steering rod ends.
4. Check the condition of the steering rod protective covers. Replace damaged covers.