Steering rack: backlash and other malfunctions. How to fix or fix?

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Steering is an integral part of any car. Thanks to this node, the vehicle can change the direction of the trajectory. The system consists of many elements. The main component is the steering rack. Her backlash is unacceptable. About malfunctions and signs of breakdown of this mechanism - later in our article.

Characteristic

The steering has several functions:

• Increases the effort that is applied to the steering wheel.
• Transmits torque to the wheels through the drive.
• Produces an independent return of the steering wheel to the neutral position.

The main component of this mechanism is the gearbox. It has its own gear ratio (for each car this parameter is different). At the moment, a rack and pinion steering mechanism is used. Previously, manufacturers used a worm and screw assembly.

Why is rake so popular? This mechanism is characterized by a simple device and highefficiency. Due to the design features, it can be installed on cars with front and rear wheel drive, as well as on cars with independent suspension.

Signs of malfunction

How to determine that the steering rack is out of order? Backlash is not the only sign. So, when turning the steering wheel, the driver exerts more effort than required. Of course, there are some nuances here (after all, there are drives with and without an amplifier). So, on a hydraulic steering you will notice a characteristic hum of the pump. Sometimes this is accompanied by leakage of working fluid from the tank. As far as mechanical drives are concerned, the turning sound will remain the same. However, the steering will become noticeably tighter. This is the first sign that the steering rack has failed. Backlash during rotation of the wheels can occur on both types of drive - mechanical and hydraulic. Another reason is the flow of the rail gland. In this case, characteristic streaks will be visible on the knot, as in the photo below.

This indicates that the drive mechanism has become unusable. The problem is solved by installing a new oil seal / boot or by replacing the element assembly.

Why is there a backlash?

In most cases, this problem is related to the condition of the road surface. After all, every bump is taken over not only by the suspension, but also by the steering mechanism. So, with frequent driving through the pits, play of the steering rack shaft is observed. Much depends on driving style. To save the rail as much as possible, you need to brake well in front of the pits. But even this does not guarantee that a backlash will not appear soon. Riding through speed bumps, concrete joints and other bumps just ruin the rail. The load on the gearbox increases tenfold. After 10-15 years, steering problems appear on the car. By the way, upon reaching this period, foreign automakers recommend changing the rail. But the problem is that it is very difficult to find a new part for such an old car. And repair kits do not always save. How to eliminate play in the steering rack? One of the surest ways is the so-called tightening of the steering mechanism. Of course, the resource of the gearbox will not increase from this. However, for a while, you can forget about the constant twitching of the steering wheel and ride comfortably.

What is the norm

Manufacturers have laid down a standard in which the backlash of the steering rack thrust is considered normal. So, this figure is not more than ten degrees. This can be measured at the service station, using a backlash meter. This tool is shown in the photo below.

The device is installed on the steering wheel and wheels.

When they rotate, the free gap is determined. If it is higher than normal (that is, more than ten degrees), the steering rack play needs to be adjusted. This operation, unlike measurements, can be done by hand. We'll look at how to do this below.

How is the steering rack tightened?

A play that is higher than normal can be reduced by adjusting the gear mechanism. To do this, tighten the corresponding screw. It is located in the end cap of the rack. For convenienceuse a pit or overpass. In extreme cases, you can use a jack (in any case, we need access to the rail from the bottom of the car). So, we set the front wheels exactly and proceed to the tightening.

Pre-make a mark and remove the locknut. The 18 key tightens the steering rack. The backlash should gradually decrease. It is important not to make sudden movements. First, we twist the bolt 15-20 degrees. Check steering response. If the result is not satisfactory, repeat the procedure again. Ideally, after tightening, you need to make a test drive. The sound of the rack should disappear, and when turning the steering wheel should easily return to its place.

Pitfalls

What problems can a motorist face when performing steering tightening operations? The first is the angle of rotation. The tighter the rack, the lower the degree of rotation of the front wheels. Accordingly, the maneuverability of the car is reduced. The second point is the efforts applied to rotate the steering wheel. The tighter the nut is tightened, the tighter the steering wheel. This is especially noticeable on cars with a mechanical type of drive (these are domestic "dozens", "trenashki" and foreign cars of the early 90s). As for machines with hydraulic booster, here the load increases on the pump. Fluid pressure will increase inside the system. It is possible that the hose or cuffs will leak. If you feel that the steering wheel has become very tight and weakly returns to the neutral position, you need to loosen the nut. Riding on a heavily tightened rail is not recommended. This will lead to the wear and tear of a number of otheritems.

Is it effective?

Statistics says that tightening the steering rack gearbox really helps to remove play. However, in 20 percent of cases, the problem is not solved. First of all, this is due to the high wear of the drive gear pair itself.

This is a rack and pinion. Also, the reasons for the backlash may be the wear of the tie rod joints or a loose mount of the steering arm. Therefore, the adjustment of the rail does not always give an effective result. So, in the presence of such symptoms, experts recommend checking the condition of the front suspension units. There must be no play on the tie rods, ball joint and suspension arms. At the same time it is recommended to check the shock absorber. His stock should walk properly. On a MacPherson type suspension, its replacement is complicated by the fact that the element is assembled with a spring. A special press is used to dismantle it.

Conclusion

So, we figured out how to remove play in the steering rack, why it occurs and what are the adjustment pitfalls. This mechanism directly affects traffic safety. Therefore, if a malfunction is detected, do not postpone repair or adjustment of the steering rack.