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As a driver's primary means of controlling their vehicle, the importance of a properly functioning steering wheel cannot be understated.
If you're experiencing issues with your steering, like being harder to turn, pulling to one side, or making odd noises, you'll want to address it before it results in further damage or causes an accident. Problems often stem from within the steering or suspension systems, usually somewhere between the steering wheel and the wheels.
Depending on the cause, you may need to change the power steering fluid, replace the steering belt, or get an alignment, for example. To ensure you're performing the right fix, you should first diagnose the cause before attempting any repairs.
The good news? JEGS is here to help with a detailed steering problem guide.
We'll first detail how a typical car steering system works, and then review some of the most common steering issues drivers face and what they might mean. Then, we'll look at some red flags that suggest it's time to replace your steering wheel and, finally, instructions on how to do so.
Most modern cars use what's called a "rack and pinion" steering system, which often includes power steering for easier maneuverability. This system consists of a number of key components that all work together to deliver smooth and responsive steering.
At the heart of the system, you'll find the steering wheel. This acts as your input device, dictating the direction you want your vehicle to go. This input is transferred down the steering column, a shaft connecting the steering wheel to the rack and pinion or steering gear box.
The rack and pinion is central to the process. When you turn the steering wheel, the steering column rotates the pinion gear. This pinion gear meshes with the teeth on the steering rack, converting the rotational motion into linear motion.
For older vehicles with standard steering, the steering column inner shaft rotates the internal components in a steering gear box, which is converted to liner motion via a pitman arm that moves a center link and tie rods out to the wheel spindles.
This is where power steering comes into play. Power steering uses hydraulic or electric power to assist in steering the wheels, reducing the amount of effort needed from the driver to turn the wheels, especially when the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly.
The linear motion, assisted by power steering, is transferred through the tie rods to the steering arms, which are attached to the wheels. The entire process, from turning the steering wheel to the wheels responding, happens almost instantaneously, providing you with precise control over your vehicle's direction.
Without these interconnected components working together seamlessly, driving would feel less responsive and considerably more challenging.
Now that you have a better understanding of how a modern steering system works, let’s look at some of the most common steering issues experienced by drivers:
An issue with the power steering fluid, like low level or degradation, can also cause strange steering sounds. Your first response should be to check the level and condition of your power steering fluid and replace it if needed. If that doesn’t resolve the problem, you may need a new power steering pump or to adjust or replace your steering belt.
A wheel alignment, or adjusting the steering gears to ensure they’re properly torqued, can typically resolve this steering problem.
A thorough inspection of your power steering system, including the level and quality of the fluid, is recommended to determine the cause.
Excess play can make a car's handling feel unpredictable, especially at high speeds, and should be inspected right away. A wheel alignment, or replacement of any worn steering and suspension parts may be needed to resolve the problem.
You may also have faulty steering components, such as worn tie rods, ball joints, or control arm bushings, in addition to brakes dragging, uneven tire wear, or pressure issues. An alignment check and steering system inspection can help diagnose and correct this issue.
Regardless, if your steering wheel is pulling left or right, it requires immediate attention as it can compromise your control of the vehicle. Correcting the alignment, adjusting tire pressure, or fixing/replacing the brake caliper could resolve this issue.
A wheel balance or rotation might solve the issue if it's due to tire imbalance. If not, it's best to have your steering system checked.
Having these systems checked will help to identify the problem so you can work towards a solution.
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If you didn't notice, none of the above steering problems actually stem from a faulty steering wheel. This is because steering wheel replacement is not a common repair.
More often than not, issues arise from the interconnected components such as the steering gear, suspension system, or power steering pump. However, that doesn't mean steering wheel issues don't exist.
In rare cases, you might encounter a few red flags indicating it's time to replace your steering wheel for safety reasons:
If you encounter any of these red flags, you should consider consulting a professional mechanic to determine if a steering wheel replacement is necessary.
Replacing a steering wheel may sound like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, it's ultimately not that difficult.
Just note that if your vehicle has front passenger airbags, a safety feature made standard beginning in 1998, it's best to have a professional perform the replacement to prevent accidental activation of the airbag.
Below we'll share a basic replacement guide that you can use for vehicles not equipped with front passenger airbags:
When considering the above steps, note that every vehicle is different, so be sure to consult your owner's manual or a professional mechanic if you're unsure at any point.
You should now be fully equipped to diagnose any steering issues you’re experiencing and track down the solution. Regardless of whether the fix involves adding more power steering fluid or entirely replacing the steering wheel, JEGS has your back with our wide assortment of quality steering components.
Still have questions? Contact our team today.