22.11.2021
How much is the steering rack. Steering rack description device types types of malfunctions photo video
If you are an experienced motorist, then you probably know what a steering rack is and why it should be constantly in working order. But if you are a beginner, knowledge about the steering rack will probably come in handy. In the article, we will consider what types of this mechanism are, how to determine a breakdown and what you will have to face in this matter.
Rack and pinion steering is the correct name for the part of the car that we are considering. Although the common expression of the steering rack has stuck for a long time and everyone understands what is at stake. This mechanism converts the rotation of the rudder shaft into left-right movement of the rods. And they, in turn, transfer power to the steering knuckles of the front wheels. In other words, the steering rack is a transitional link between the driver who turns the steering wheel and the wheels that turn. Now you yourself understand how important the performance of this device is.
On the other hand, the rack is a piston rod, the body of which is the power steering cylinder. The body contains a spool that distributes the fluid flows into the first or second cylinder cavity. Depending on which direction the driver turns the steering wheel, the side with the fluid, which is under pressure there, will also change.
The steering rack device also depends on the type of mechanism. The mechanical type is the simplest and most common. It can be installed on both front-wheel drive vehicles and rear-wheel drive vehicles.
In this case, the wheels turn directly due to the efforts made by the driver. And in order to reduce them as much as possible, a rail containing a variable subordinate number can be used.
The size of the steering clearance is very important for the good and correct operation of the car, and this indicator directly depends on the condition of the steering rack.
Therefore, we will consider the device of the mechanical section. In such a mechanical mechanism, the teeth of the rack change their pitch from the center to the edges. Therefore, when driving at high speed, the steering wheel becomes a little heavier and its maneuverability decreases. And on the road at low speed, for example, when parking, the steering wheel turns a little easier (since there is a smaller subordinate ratio).
The first domestic car with such a device is the VAZ-2110. The drivers considered it a big plus that when turning, due to the mechanical rack, the steering wheel automatically became in the initially level position. It was not necessary to exert effort in order to return the steering wheel to its original position after turning, it was enough just to release it.
Hydraulic rack device
How is the hydraulic steering rack structured? This question can be asked by the drivers of new cars in which the hydraulic booster has been introduced. The most basic difference from the mechanical type is that power steering is present here and it gives ease of control and its sharpness. 
If we consider the structure of a hydraulic mechanism with a rack, then it consists of:
- Entrance.
- Spool bushings.
- Dust cap.
- Retaining ring.
- Spool oil seal.
- Spool.
- Bearing.
- Rod oil seal.
- The back.
- Rail stock.
- Retaining ring.
- Back seal.
- Piston rod.
- Stem bushings.
- Clamp nuts.
- Spool nuts.
- Spool plugs.
- Spool worm.
- Bypass tubes.
- Exit.
Whatever version of the steering rack is on the car, it is important to listen to its work and identify errors that are present. It can be knocking, creaking, whistling in the steering gear. And every driver should be alerted by these sounds. Even if they pass only one time, something is broken in the work - contact a specialist or look at the problem yourself.
Very often, to eliminate unpleasant sounds of a car, it is enough to lubricate all parts with oil or add liquid to a mechanical device. This will keep the machine working for many more years without the use of major repairs. It is better to fix small problems right away than they turn into big problems. Take care of your car and it will serve you well and for a long time!
Video " How to replace the steering rack "
The recording shows step-by-step instruction to replace the steering rack. Watch this video and you can easily repeat all the steps on your car.
Steering rack - This is a car unit that is designed to steer the wheels. The driver turns the steering wheel, through special shafts the "turn" is transmitted to the rail, which transmits the force to the wheels. Thus, they are deflected to the desired angle. Thanks to this design, the car can go around obstacles, turn, maneuver, and not move in a straight line.
This unit evolves along with the machine, before it was a rather primitive design, now more and more technologies are being put into control. But to this day, there are only three main types of steering racks. Let's take a closer look.
Steering rack types
- Normal, no amplifiers ... It was used in 70 - 80 years of the last century on 90% of cars. Here, all the steering effort lies with the driver, there are no amplifiers, and therefore it is not always easy to turn the steering wheel.
- Steering rack with GUROM or power steering. In fact, this is the same ordinary rail only a special pump and a closed circuit with oil seals (where a special fluid swings) are added to it, which helps to turn the steering wheel. That is, the driver does not need to put in a lot of effort to turn the steering wheel. This is especially valuable on heavy vehicles (trucks, buses and SUVs).
- Steering rack with EURO or electric power steering. This is a dry type of amplifier, no oil is used here, and the principle of operation is completely different. Next to the shaft there is an electric motor with a gear (power comes from the on-board network), which helps to turn the steering wheel. He is given the order by the ECU, he sees where the wheels are deflected and orders the electric motor to help in the turn.
To exaggerate, the types are divided as follows: - conventional mechanics with 100% use of muscular strength, a rail with a hydraulic booster and an electric booster.
How does the steering rack work?
The steering rack of a car is a device, the purpose of which is to convert the driving force during the action on the steering wheel in the car, which is necessary to ensure that the wheels of the car turn.
Today there are three types of steering racks, the operating principle of which is different.
Hydraulic steering rack. It is used in almost all passenger cars that are produced today. Provides a fairly comfortable driving experience, since hydraulic power steering is used, so that the driver needs to make a minimum of effort. Mechanical steering rack. The device of this element is very simple. At one end of the rack, there is a gear mechanism that contacts the toothed rack. The latter interacts with the steering wheel drive.
Electric steering rack. Its difference from its hydraulic counterpart is that hydraulics are not used. To increase the driver's efforts, the car is equipped with a separate electric motor... The design of the steering rack, as well as the principle of its operation, depend on the characteristic features of each car. The steering rack can have an upper or lower position, which also depends on the model vehicle... Overhead steering racks are mounted to the rear of the engine and are attached to the vehicle body. Bottom-mounted steering racks are attached from the bottom, they are connected to the body, subframe or beam.
Troubleshooting the steering rack
Steering rack malfunctions are quite common, since this unit and the entire steering system on domestic roads are exposed to increased loads. Breakage of the rail can be detected independently, guided by a number of signs:
When these symptoms of a rail failure appear, it is recommended not to delay the dismantling of the steering gear for inspection and troubleshooting, in order to minimize repair costs.
- it has become more difficult to rotate the steering wheel, or it periodically bites (difficult rotation is observed only periodically in certain positions of the steering wheel);
- there is a knock of the front suspension, which clearly "gives off to the steering wheel";
- the power steering pump makes a noise;
- backlash in the steering wheel, which means there is a backlash in the rack;
- oil leakage from the steering rack, which is often accompanied by a noticeable increase in the steering effort and the noise that occurs during this action.
The manifestation of such signs indicates that steering rack device somewhere it is broken and this mechanism requires diagnostics and further repairs.
Repair features
Even before disassembling the steering mechanism, it is required to conduct a thorough inspection of the rack and all associated units (ball, steering rods, hub bearings, etc.). This will help to localize the problem from the very beginning. Further, the steering gear is completely or partially dismantled and the breakdown is repaired. The rail is a repairable unit, therefore, if it fails, a complete replacement is not always a necessary solution.
Without partial disassembly of the entire mechanism, it is almost never possible to troubleshoot problems associated with the steering racks due to the specifics of the location and connection of this unit.
A corrected steering rack with your own hands is also quite likely, with the exception of the repair of electronic racks that need special adjustment. However, in order to achieve optimum quality, it is always better to trust the job to a specialist and to give preference to replacing the rails instead of repairing them, given the importance and high wear rate of this unit. 
- The condition of the protective anthers must be monitored.
- Do not keep the steering wheel in the extreme position for more than 5 seconds. Do not crank the engine at the extreme steering position. This leads to wear of the power steering pump, an increase in the load on the parts of the steering rack, steering gear; contamination of the power steering system, breakdown of the power steering seals.
- In winter, do not twist the steering wheel to drive out of the parking spot immediately after the engine has warmed up. Turn the steering wheel in short, smooth strokes. This is necessary to warm up the oil in the power steering system.
- Personally supervise all operations at the workshop, one way or another affecting the steering elements. Often, when adjusting the camber, mechanics loosen the boot clamp and forget to tighten it back. Moreover, the work is done with dirty hands! Sand and dirt can ruin a rack and power steering in literally two days, and even faster.
The steering rack is considered a fairly reliable unit that rarely fails, but there are exceptions when the rack causes a lot of inconvenience to car owners. The main cause of the malfunction can be considered the load that the steering rack is subjected to during the operation of the vehicle.
The uneven road is "transmitted" to the rack by the steering rods, in addition, the steering rack is subject to loads from the driver himself, who, willy-nilly, constantly rotates, thereby loading the rack. It is for these reasons that a seemingly durable part can also easily fail and cause a lot of trouble.
Repairing a steering rack in 9 cases out of 10 is pointless, although there are craftsmen who claim that almost any part in this device can be repaired.
A few words about the steering rack device ...
There are several main types of steering racks - mechanical and hydraulic (power steering -). The first is characteristic of the first domestic models, the offspring of which are produced to this day. The mechanical rack was eventually replaced by a hydraulic one due to a more advanced successor mechanism and more convenient control. A little later, a third type of steering rack appeared - electric (EUR). This modification works without hydraulics, its role is played by an electric motor. The disadvantage of the EUR is the high cost and complexity of the mechanism, the repair of which not everyone can do. For more details on the differences and features of power steering and power steering, read in.
The steering rack consists of the following mechanisms:
- Tie rods and tips... They are attached to the retractable steering rack mechanisms, with their help, the wheels are turned;
- Gears and toothed bar... By means of gears and a bar, force is transferred from the steering wheel to the steering rods, as well as a pair of wheels is controlled;
- Carter... It is also called a housing, most often made of aluminum, the main parts of the rail are located in it;
- Spring system... They are necessary for a snug fit of the rack to the gear, if the springs are in good order, there is practically no play and free wheeling of the steering wheel;
- Bearings... Necessary for ease of maneuvering and turning movements of the staff;
- Limiters... The limiters determine the maximum swing value (steering rack travel) from the right to the left edge.
The design of the steering rack may differ depending on the manufacturer, for example, the rack, the modification of which is patented, combines the steering rack and the planetary gear, which made it possible to automatically change the steering settings depending on the vehicle speed. There are truths and negative aspects of such experiments, for example, while driving on bad roads, the mechanism very quickly becomes unusable. Moreover, the cost of repairing such a rail of an eminent brand can be about half the cost of the entire part.
How does a steering rack with power steering work
The power steering is connected to the steering rack housing, so it only turns on when the engine is running and fluid is pumping. The pulley of the hydraulic booster is driven by a belt drive, in turn, the hydraulic pump inside the rack creates pressure and acts on the wheel rods at the request of the driver. An important role in the work of the power steering is played by the built-in computer, which calculates forces and pressure.
- The torsion bar in conjunction with the electrical systems distributes the pressure depending on the steering wheel rotation;
- The spool valve is a pressure source capable of increasing the pressure in the rail, depending on the need;
- A special container is used to collect oil when the engine is turned off. As soon as the steering wheel starts to rotate, oil is injected through the spool valve, exactly where it is necessary to create pressure. After the steering wheel stops rotating, the power steering pump stops pumping, as a result, it returns to the container.
The power steering must be constantly serviced, monitored, troubleshoot in time and changed the power steering fluid in accordance with the requirements of the automaker. The quality and timeliness of system maintenance can be considered a fundamental factor in long-term and trouble-free operation. You should pay attention to the viscosity of the oil, it should not be too viscous, as this can cause excessive pressure in the rail and lead to unpleasant consequences.
The main malfunctions of the steering rack and how to solve them
In fact, it is quite difficult to re-read all the problems and "sores" of the steering rack and the mechanism as a whole, and if you take into account the fact that the racks are structurally different from each other, then it is completely impossible. The best option there will be a study of problems according to the corresponding signs in the operating manual for the car, but if this is not possible, then you can use generally accepted concepts.
- Internal rail defective. Breakage of the gear mechanism or the gear itself.
- Deformation of the steering rack housing. This leads to complete immobilization of the vehicle.
- Leakage inside the steering rack. After depressurization, dust and sand particles penetrate inside, followed by a complete failure of the steering rack.
- Critical wear of the internal mechanisms of the steering rack. After that, the functions of the rail, including driving a car, become impossible.
- (crack, bending, etc.), as a result of mechanical stress (impact, damage, etc.). In this case, the repair is quite possible and will take a little time and money.
Repair of the steering rack is possible when the inside of the mechanism is not damaged. If, on examination, serious wear of the inner part of the rack and its parts, damage to the anthers, the presence of dirt inside the rack was found, then there is only one way out in this situation - to replace the steering rack. This is the only way to solve the problem with this part. Various workshops offer their services for the repair and restoration of steering racks, however, in the overwhelming majority of cases, all restoration work only for a short time resolves the issue of a faulty steering rack. Therefore, in 9 cases out of 10 in case of malfunctions of the steering rack, it is recommended to completely replace this unit.
The steering rack is a mechanism that transfers the rotation of the steering wheel to the rotation of the wheels. The simplest device of this mechanism is a gear on the steering shaft, from which the steering rack pulls. But with the development of the automotive industry, more complex mechanisms have been developed. Today there are three types of steering racks: mechanical, electrical and hydraulic. They have a different device and mode of operation.
Steering rack device
All types of system have a similar structure: the rack has teeth that move along the steering column gear. These teeth have a gear ratio that is specially selected for the correct transmission of force. Some types contain additional devices to facilitate car control.
Mechanical steering rack device
This type of rail has the simplest device. The rotation of the wheels is carried out only by the effort of the driver. It consists of gears that work in the same way as a gearbox.
The system has two gear mechanisms, one connected to the steering wheel drive, and the other to the wheel rods. They have a specific gear ratio that makes the driver's task easier. Even a small movement of the steering wheel is capable of deflecting the wheels from the horizontal axis. This is especially convenient when maneuvering in confined spaces: the driver can easily turn the steering wheel all the way and steer the wheels.
Power steering rack
On almost all new cars, in addition to the standard rail, power steering is installed - a power steering. It makes driving easy and enjoyable. It also helps to extinguish holes and bumps on the road - they do not hit the steering wheel, which makes driving safe.
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Power steering rack device: it consists of a pump in which the working fluid moves. When you turn the steering wheel, it presses on the piston with a rod, which is responsible for turning the wheels. In neutral steering position, all fluid returns to normal.
The power steering rack first appeared on trucks that were difficult to manage. But with the development of technical progress, they began to install it on passenger cars.
Electric power steering rack
This type of mechanism has an electric motor to enhance the conversion of steering movement to wheel deflection. It is controlled by an ECU and special sensors.
There are three ways to mount this system: the motor is positioned on the rail, the motor is built into the column, or the motor is positioned on the shaft. The option with a built-in motor in the steering column is considered the most dangerous: if it fails, the car becomes uncontrollable.
Today this mechanism is considered the most progressive, since it has the highest efficiency of all types. It is easy to maintain: there is no need to top up the working fluid, there are no oil seals that could leak. It is also economical, while fluid constantly flows in the power steering, the electric motor starts only when the steering wheel rotates.
Scheme of work
It is not very difficult to understand what a rail is in a car. From the steering wheel there is a steering column, which at the end has a gear with a gear ratio. In the timing gear, this pinion meets the pinion on the rack. Depending on the type of construction, pistons with a working fluid or an electric motor with a control unit are located further. After that, the torque is transmitted to the steering rods to the wheels.
This is a simplified diagram of the device, which is necessary to understand the principle of operation. In fact, the steering rack consists of regulating elements: springs, bushings, stops.
Malfunctions
Any unit in the car can break down. This happens especially often on long runs. Over time, parts wear out and become unusable. But there may be other reasons for car breakdowns.
Causes of malfunction
The global reason why this mechanism can break down is the poor quality of the roads. Car enthusiasts are unable to improve it, but they can drive a car more attentively: bypass holes and bumps, slow down on a bad road, and not operate a city car in off-road conditions.
In poor road conditions, not only the suspension can deteriorate, but also the oil seals and anthers of the steering mechanism can fail. And through holes in them, road dust can get into the mechanism. Most often, it is she who is the cause of the breakdown of the gear mechanism.
Symptoms: Diagnostics
Do-it-yourself steering rack diagnostics suggests that the driver must pay attention to the slightest changes in driving. Signs of a defective steering rack:
Weighting the steering wheel in certain positions;
Knock on the rail;
Steering vibration;
Power steering fluid leak;
Incomplete return of the steering wheel to its original position;
The steering wheel rotation does not match the rotation of the wheels.
The most common symptom is knocking at the front of the vehicle. Diagnostics of the steering rack in a car service is the most obvious way out. Most likely, the master recognizes its breakdown and offers to replace it.
But remember that some breakdowns can be repaired. For example, if a mechanical type is installed on your car, the master can disassemble the device, find the breakdown and fix it. You just need to find a reliable technician and compare the price of repair and the cost of replacing the steering rack. It is worth it to repair the steering rack or not - decide for yourself, it depends on the type of device and its price.
Major malfunctions
There are two main signs of serviceability - knocking and fluid leakage. They can talk about many breakdowns, which a car service master will help you find. Possible malfunctions of the steering rack:
Surface knocking can occur due to damage to the anthers. In this case, the traction ends quickly fail and begin to knock. In this case, they are simply replaced with new ones.
Internal knocks may indicate a malfunction of the pistons or guide bushings. For diagnostics, you will need to disassemble the mechanism and identify a breakdown. Only a specialist can determine the knock on the steering rack and its character.
Also, a knock can talk about the production of parts on high mileage of the car. This breakdown cannot be repaired; the mechanism must be replaced with a new one.
Leaks can only occur on a power-assisted device. She says that the oil seals are out of order and need to be replaced. If a leak occurs, the rail should be disassembled and all parts inspected. If you have a question about what to do if the steering rack leaks, you should buy a repair kit and take it to a service for repair.
If it is impossible to turn the steering wheel with the EUR, this may be due to the failure of the electric motor.
If the steering wheel with power steering turns hard, this may indicate a pump malfunction.
How to distinguish a malfunction of a steering rack from a breakdown of a power steering
Faults in the power steering can be recognized by the characteristic symptoms:
Power steering disappeared under any conditions;
Gain disappears only when the engine is idling;
Extraneous noise when the amplifier is operating;
The working fluid is foaming.
If you have these symptoms, consult a professional who understands how the power steering rack works for troubleshooting.
Remember, prevention is the best way to prevent malfunctions. To extend the life of this mechanism, simple rules should be followed:
Check the anthers regularly. If a crack or a hole has formed on them, it is better to replace them immediately.
In winter, you first need to warm up the engine and only then start moving and turn the steering wheel. It is best to turn the steering wheel slightly from side to side in place to warm up the oil.
Slow down in front of pits and bumps and try to go around them.
Remember to change the power steering fluid.
Do not jump sharply from the spot, especially if the steering wheel is twisted all the way.
A steering rack is a mechanical device that transfers power from the steering gear to the wheels. The steering rack device looks complicated outwardly, but few craftsmen understand the internal mechanisms and know how to repair them. Therefore, in the event of a malfunction, a good car service should be found in order to troubleshoot the steering systems or change the entire mechanism.
Repair of steering racks is a difficult process that a novice car enthusiast cannot cope with.
Features of steering racks on cars
For everyone modern cars install amplifiers to make it easier for the driver to drive. Plus, they provide safety in challenging environments. To ensure that the driver does not lose his sense of the road, manufacturers resort to modifications to the suspension.
Ford
Many car enthusiasts complain that steering racks often break on cars from this manufacturer. This applies to almost all models, but the owners of Ford Focus especially have a lot of problems. Some batches of this model had defective rails that were assembled on old equipment. They broke down already in the first thousand kilometers.
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Most of the models from this manufacturer have a hydraulic booster. On some modern versions, an EUR is installed.
Renault
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All Renault models are equipped with power steering. It does not cause problems with regular maintenance... We must not forget to change the power steering fluid, then it will last a long time. Remember to only use the fluid recommended by the manufacturer because it works best with these vehicles.
Toyota
Toyota installs a hydraulic booster on its models. It makes it easier to drive a car and is responsible for the comfort of the trip. On these cars, it works stably and rarely breaks down.
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This brand produces cars in the price category above the average, so modern models are equipped with a more expensive analogue - an electric booster. But his weakness is that he is afraid of damp weather. You should not drive such cars through deep puddles, so as not to damage the electronics of the car.
Opel
Power steering is installed on most models of this brand. There are usually no problems with him, but some motorists complain about the pumps in the Opel Vectra. It is difficult to repair, so it is recommended to replace it with a new one.
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EUR is installed in modern Opel Astra. Judging by the reviews of motorists, it can turn off when turning and does not work well in wet weather. This could be due to faulty sensors or poor wire connections. Usually, when these problems are eliminated, the electric amplifier works stably.
Lada Kalina: renovation
There are two generations of Kalina, both have an electric amplifier. It is a conventional mechanical rail, which is amplified by an electric motor. It is easy to install, therefore it is present in all trim levels of this model. But its minus is that it turns on at both low and high speeds.
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Unfortunately, the EUR breaks down both on cars with high mileage and on new cars. Most often, the reason lies in the control unit. At the same time, a light on the dashboard lights up, and the steering wheel stops turning. If this happens suddenly, stop and turn off the power to this unit. Then you can get to the service, where they will remove and change the unit for you.
VAZ
The abbreviation VAZ most often means classic models - from "penny" to "twelfth". They are equipped with a conventional mechanical rail without amplifiers. Problems with it can begin only due to mechanical damage to the anthers or physical wear of parts.
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Today VAZ produces models with hydraulic and electric boosters. This is required by the development of technology and customer requests. Their breakdowns are similar to breakdowns on other cars, most often they appear at high mileage.
Failure of the steering rack is a nightmare for any car owner. After all, the elimination of this defect requires a serious application of hands and funds, as well as the need to remain for some time without your "iron horse". Therefore, in order to minimize the consequences, you need to be able to recognize the signs of impending repairs and have at least a general idea of possible rail breakdowns. In addition, it is necessary to find out how expedient it is to repair the steering rack with your own hands, and also to reveal the aspect of preventive measures.
Steering rack malfunction symptoms
A steering rack is a power unit in the design of the steering mechanism, designed to transfer power from the steering wheel to the wheels (steered). It is through the steering rack that the process of driving is carried out by turning the guide wheels.
Reiki is divided into 3 categories:
- Mechanical;
- Hydraulic;
- Electrical.
Sectional steering rack
Faults can be different. However, to detect them, you do not need to have special knowledge - it is enough just to periodically inspect this node. In addition, you should know the reasons why such defects may occur.
1. Steering wheel play
Steering wheel play and sounds - if this occurs when the power unit while actively turning the steering wheel. In such a situation, the problem may lie in the weakened stop of the spool, as well as in insufficient indicators of the elasticity of the torsion.
Backlash - the reasons for this defect are varied. It can manifest itself as a result of excessive wear of the silent blocks that fix the rail, a change in the angle of contact of the screw and teeth due to the curvature of the crankcase or shaft, damage (mechanical) or stroke (vertical) of the screw bearing. To determine the reasons, it is required to diagnose the condition of the steering rack bush (crack), the rod joints, and also the central tooth.
2. Severity and knocking when turning the steering wheel
Steering-rack-diagram
Severity when turning the steering wheel usually manifests itself in the case of acidification of the cardan.
A knock is the most common symptom. Moreover, the sources of such knocking in the rail are different. Typically, sound occurs when:
- vertical travel of the shaft in the bearing;
- development of the resource of hinges and crankcase;
- the limiting resource of the bearings of the screw, sleeve or central tooth;
- curvature of the crankcase or shaft, which leads to an incorrect angle of contact between the screw and teeth;
- development of the resource of silent blocks;
- weakening the fixing of the rail;
- backlash violations.
3. Heavy running and leaking
Heavy steering wheel travel in extreme positions - this, along with insufficient return and squeak, is observed in the case of an overtightened sleeve, as well as curvature of the crankcase or shaft.
Leak - it occurs in the event of corrosion on the shaft or wear of the stuffing box. In addition, leakage occurs when the pipes (outlet or discharge) of the cylinder are depressurized.
The main defects of the steering rack
- Development of the resource of the sleeve and its crankcase;
- Oil seal leaking on the shaft;
- Excessive wear of the crankcase on the distributor;
- Development of the resource of the central tooth.
1. Development of the service life of the bushing and its crankcase
Video: What to do if the steering rack knocks?
The sleeve itself is necessary to securely clamp the teeth and shaft, as well as to secure the shaft itself. The bushing is seated on a special spring, which provides the necessary clamping force, as well as control over the position of the teeth. Such a defect is considered quite common, especially in those rails where the sleeve is made of plastic.
As a result, the wear of the bushing and cylinder walls is evident, which leads to vertical movement of the rack and, as a result, the occurrence of knocking and backlash. To determine such a malfunction, it is enough to drive onto an uneven road and swing the steering wheel to the sides in motion, and then repeat this on a standing car. In addition, bushing wear will manifest itself in the transmission of shocks to the handlebars when driving on rough roads.
In this case, it is necessary to repair the rail - a simple tightening of the sleeve will do nothing.
2. Leaking stuffing box on the shaft
The specified oil seal is located on the rack shaft. A feature of such a defect is the late detection of a leak, because there is no pressure on the oil seal. Signs of oil seal leakage are - hum when the steering wheel rotates, as well as a decrease in the level of fluid poured into the hydraulic booster reservoir. In this case, an urgent need to inspect the rail, since not only the oil seal can leak. Leaks can also occur due to defective clamps, pump, nozzles, hoses, etc. The likelihood of an oil seal leak is largely determined by the material from which it is made - during severe frosts, some of them crack.
3. Excessive wear of the crankcase on the distributor
This defect begins to manifest itself gradually - in a slight bite of the steering wheel on a cold car. In addition, the steering wheel becomes more and more tight, and its return to the zero zone will be incomplete.
The reason is in the design of the rings that rotate with the crankcase shaft. Over time, they form small grooves on the surface of the crankcase distributor and begin to leak oil. This leads to a loss of pressure and weight in the steering wheel.
The appearance of grooves is due to the addition of metal particles to the fluoroplastic from which the rings are made, which rub against the shaft. It is noteworthy that for the majority Japanese models such problems are not typical, since rubber gaskets are installed under the rings.
Video: Repair of the VAZ steering rack. Do it yourself!
4. Development of the resource of the central tooth of the shaft
One of the main problems is the wear of the gear mechanism, the main task of which is the process of converting a rotary motion into a translational motion. Moreover, almost all cars are characterized by wear of the middle link, since movement in the city (in the bulk) is characterized by driving in a straight line with small steering.
To determine the problem, you must independently inspect the mechanism by shaking the steering wheel to the sides from the middle position. If there are knocks, you should go to the service station and carry out a comprehensive diagnosis. If the center teeth are worn out, the entire shaft will have to be replaced, and it is recommended that only original components be used.
Is it possible to repair the steering rack with your own hands?
In the event of a breakdown of the steering rack, it is recommended not to risk it, and immediately go to a specialized service station. On your own, you can only carry out diagnostics, while repairing the rail by an ordinary driver, in the absence of proper knowledge, experience and tools, is unrealistic.
Preventive measures
With their help, you can significantly extend the life of the reiki:
- accurate passage of irregularities and speed bumps;
- monitoring the condition of the components of the steering rack, especially its anthers and oil seals;
- warming up the oil in the rail in winter before moving in smooth and short turns;
- do not hold the steering wheel for more than 5 seconds. in the end position, as this significantly increases the load on the gearbox and seals.
Such measures will significantly extend the life of the steering rack, as well as avoid costly repairs or replacement.
