The signs of a bad steering gear

The signs of a bad steering gear

The steering gear plays a vital role in the steering system. When its parts or the entire gear wears out, it can be difficult to change the direction your vehicle is going. 

Various steering gear components work together to convert the steering wheel’s motion into linear movement. They will eventually wear out, creating a gap between parts like gear teeth that require a precise gap. These loose parts can produce grinding or clunking noises.

Also, when there’s too much free play between steering gear parts, the vehicle’s steering may feel loose and vague.

Steering gear parts can end up binding together when their worn-out surfaces catch. It will take more force than usual to separate these bound parts, leading to the steering wheel becoming harder to turn.

Is your vehicle drifting or pulling despite the wheels being perfectly aligned and the tires showing no signs of uneven wear? You may have a worn-out steering gear. Drifting can take place if the gear’s parts have too much play, while binding in the gear can cause your ride to pull toward one side even when you’re keeping the steering wheel still.

Many electric power steering (EPS) integrate the electric steering gear with its EPS computer for maximum efficiency. If either part fails, the power steering will develop problems or even stop working outright. Power steering failure can also happen with a hydraulic steering gear if one of its crucial internal parts breaks down.