Contents: Increased steering wheel free play ↓ Noise (knocking) in the steering ↓ Steering wheel is hard to turn ↓
The procedure for identifying and eliminating some faults is discussed in the section "Steering maintenance".
Increased steering wheel free play
Causes of the malfunction and ways to eliminate it:
- loosening of the tie rod ball joint nut. Check and tighten the nuts;
- increased clearance in the ball joints of the rods. Replace the rod ends;
- wear of rubber-metal hinges of rods. Replace rubber-metal hinges or rods;
- loosening of the rack stop nut. Adjust the steering gear at a service station with replacement of damaged parts;
- wear of the bushings of the elastic coupling of the steering shaft. Replace the elastic coupling.
Noise (knocking) in the steering
Causes of the malfunction and ways to eliminate it:
- loosening of the tie rod ball joint nuts. Check and tighten the nuts;
- loosening of the rack stop nut. Adjust the steering gear at a service station with replacement of damaged parts;
- steering gear mount loose. Tighten the mounting nuts;
- loosening the bolt securing the lower flange of the elastic coupling on the gear shaft. Tighten the bolt securing the flange.
Steering wheel is hard to turn
Causes of the malfunction and ways to eliminate it:
- damage to the upper strut support bearing. Replace the bearing or support assembly;
- damage to the support bushing 16 (see figure 76) or stop 39 rack. Replace damaged parts, put grease. It is recommended to perform these operations at a service station;
- low pressure in front tires. Set normal tire pressure;
- damage to ball joint parts. Replace damaged parts;
- damage to telescopic strut parts. Replace or repair the suspension strut.