Warning! The condition of the steering significantly affects not only the ease of driving, but also the safety of the vehicle.
The reasons for knocking and vibration of the steering wheel may be the poor condition of the ball joints of the steering rods and steering mechanism, the condition of the car wheels. To check the steering, place the car on a horizontal platform, open the hood and perform the following operations.
1. Turn the wheels to the right until they stop. In this position, the left wheel steering rod ball joint becomes accessible and can be seen from under the left wing of the car. Check the integrity of the rubber protective boot of the steering rod joint.
2. Ask an assistant to rock the steering wheel from side to side and observe the connection of the ball joint and the telescopic strut arm. There should be no visible gap (play) in the ball joint. Similarly, check the condition of the right wheel joint. It should replace tie rod end with a damaged hinge cover or increased clearance in the hinge.
Warning! When replacing the tie rod ends, the following conditions may be violated: wheel alignment angles.
3. The rack and pinion steering mechanism is mounted on the front shield separating the engine compartment from the passenger compartment. Ask an assistant to sharply shake the steering wheel left and right and watch the steering mechanism. If the steering mechanism housing moves from side to side, it is necessary to tighten its fastening to the body.
Warning! Do not apply excessive force when tightening the steering gear housing mounting nuts - this may lead to breakage of the studs, which will be difficult to replace. The tightening torque of the steering gear housing mounting nuts is 15-19 N·m.
Check for gaps where the steering rods connect to the steering rack. If the gaps cannot be eliminated by tightening the steering rod mounting bolts, the rubber-metal joints of the inner steering rod ends must be replaced.
Carefully inspect the front tires. Strong impacts from the road surface, especially when hitting potholes, can cause the cord threads in the tire carcass to separate, a bulge ("hernia") to appear, or the tire to tilt.
The information is published on the website vazbook.ru
Helpful Hints: A possible cause of vibration and shocks on the steering wheel when driving at speeds above 70-80 km/h may be an imbalance of the front wheels. Contact a car service or tire service center to check the balance of the front wheels.
If shocks and vibrations on the steering wheel appear when you press the brake pedal, it is necessary replacement of brake pads, repair or replacement of front brake discs.