Possible steering malfunctions (VAZ-2115)

Possible steering malfunctions, their causes and solutions:

Cause of malfunction	Method of elimination
Increased steering wheel free play
Loosening the tie rod ball joint mounting nuts	Check for the presence of the cotter pin, tighten the nuts and secure the cotter pin
Increased clearance in the ball joints of the rods	Replace the tie rod ends
Wear of rubber-metal hinges of rods	Replace rubber-metal hinges or rods
Increased clearance between the rack stop and the nut	Replace worn parts and adjust the steering gear
Noise (knocking) in the steering
Loosening the nuts of the ball joints of the rods	Check and tighten the nuts
Increased clearance between the rack stop and the nut	Replace worn parts, adjust steering gear
Loosening of the steering gear mount	Tighten the steering gear mounting nuts
Loosening the bolt securing the lower flange of the elastic coupling to the gear shaft	Tighten the lower coupling flange mounting bolt
Steering wheel is hard to turn
Damage to the upper strut support bearing	Replace the bearing or support assembly
Damage to the support bushing or rack stop	Replace damaged parts, add grease
Low tire pressure in front wheels	Set the pressure to normal
Damage to the ball joint parts of the rods	Replace damaged parts
Damage to parts of the telescopic suspension strut	Replace or repair the suspension strut
The upper steering column shaft bearings are damaged	Replace the bearings
The steering column does not lock into position
Turning the tension bolt of the adjustment lever	Unscrew the lever assembly with the adjusting sleeve from the bolt and install the bolt protrusion into the slot of the steering shaft bracket guide plate
The adjustment lever rests against the trim casing	Remove the trim cover, then the lock washer and lever, tighten the bushing, put the lever in the desired position, check the reliability of the locking and the operation of the clamping device, install the lock washer and trim cover