What causes excessive play in the steering wheel?
When the steering wheel is loose, “has play in it”, it is difficult for drivers to correctly know the position of the front wheels. Steering systems generally give ample warning of problems and excessive play is generally caused by worn steering racks and tie rod ends.
What to do if your steering wheel is free play?
The below table lists common symptoms and remedies for free play in the steering system. Uneven tyre wear. Replace faulty steering parts. Perform wheel alignment. Loose steering gear (rack or box) mounting. Tighten steering gear mounting bolts/replace mounting bushes. Loose wheel bearings. Adjust or replace bearings.
What to do when your steering wheel is loose?
It is always advisable to never take out your vehicle to go on a long drive when the steering wheel is loose or has excessive play. First of all, meet a mechanic and tell them about the problem. If the steering wheel has excessive play, speak to the mechanic and get the car inspected. The vehicle should be on a flat surface.
How does worn out ball joints affect steering?
To respond to driver inputs and turn the wheels, ball joints allow the suspension to move up and down while allowing the steering knuckle to pivot. Worn out ball joints affect the camber of the wheels and result in the poor response to driver input as well as a tendency for the car to pull to one side.
What causes too much play in the steering wheel?
Play in stering linkage. The most common of all problems in a steering system is excessive steering wheel play. Steering wheel play is normally caused by worn ball sockets, worn idler arm, or too much clearance in the steering gearbox.
Why does your steering wheel have a lot of play?
A steering wheel will become loose if the tie rod becomes worn . When this component becomes worn, it becomes loose and develops excessive play. You will be able to feel this play in the steering and handling of your car. Worn tie rod ends can also cause front suspension problems and lead to excessive tire wear.
What causes steering wheel to loosen up?
Causes of a Loose Steering Wheel Damaged Pitman Arm. Worn pitman arms can also be the culprit behind loose steering wheels. Worn Tie Rods. The tires and the steering unit are connected via tie rods. Bad or Failing Ball Joint. Troubleshooting a Loose Steering Wheel.
What causes a clicking noise while moving the steering wheel?
Many Hyundai and Kia vehicle owners are noticing a clicking noise when turning their steering wheel. This could be caused by the deterioration of this small flexible coupler located in the steering column. The good news is you don’t need to have the entire steering column or intermediate shaft replaced as most people think.