Want to know more about the steering box? So you are in the right place. In today’s article, I will explain how you can identify that your car is in trouble.
Paying attention to the smallest details when driving your car is very important, even more so when it has some simple problems to identify. The steering box is responsible for transferring the turn from the steering wheel to the wheels and steering them, so any difference felt when steering the car should be analyzed immediately.
It is understood that the steering box is a long-lasting item, almost the same time as the vehicle’s, but, for that, you need to take some care to hardly present any defect. The bad news is, that when defects do appear, they are often quite expensive and require a specialist to fine-tune them.
What is the steering box for?
The steering box is a device that is part of a combined system of parts and gears responsible for taking the movement from the steering wheel to the wheels. The steering box allows fluid under pressure to enter one of its two chambers, helping to rotate the wheels with minimal effort from the driver.
Still without insurance for your car?
Types of the steering box
There are four types of headsets:
- hydraulics;
- mechanics;
- Electro-hydraulics;
- Electric.
How to know if the steering box has a problem
Find out below the top four signs that you may be in trouble and know what to do.
Noises when turning the car
In sharper turns, if you are turning the steering wheel and you hear noises and finer noises, it is an indication that your steering box is in trouble and something needs to be done. The steering wheel cannot make any noise when performing these maneuvers, even more so in the most modern mechanisms, such as hydraulic and electric steering. The older and firmer manual steering may even produce noise over time due to the older mechanism, but it is also good to check to ensure that there is no defect.
If the steering box is in trouble and the wheels cannot be steered, serious accidents can happen, both with those present in the car and with other vehicles that may be nearby. Pay attention to the smallest signs that the car may give. This will make a lot of difference both in preventive maintenance and when identifying the problem for your trusted mechanic.
Other problems resulting from noise can be linked to severe wear on the component and on parts of the system, such as the bar, box, and steering terminals. Cars that are used very intensively, such as those in company fleets, are likely to show some irregularity sooner. But, in this case, the problem is not usually in the entire steering box, only in some parts that can be repaired more simply and at a much lower cost.
Hard steering wheel and in difficult maneuvers
Another very common sign to be noticed when the car has problems with the steering box is noticed when maneuvering, due to the hard steering wheel. If the steering wheel is too rigid and you find it difficult to make maneuvers, such as a beacon, it is a very clear sign that there is a problem. This is a stronger signal when the steering wheel is hydraulic or electric, as they are softer types of steering and allow maneuvers to be easier and with less effort. Difficulties to make maneuvers cannot go unnoticed, so pay attention.
It is important that the car is taken to a trusted mechanic to analyze the problem, as, as previously stated, it is a part that is directly involved with the safety of the car. Authorized dealerships are the best places to repair this type of problem.
A noise or difficulty in maneuvering the car can be confused with a problem in the CV joint, which serves exactly so that the car can move with the wheels turned. The joint is also responsible for making the connection between the car’s axle shaft and the wheel hub.
steering wheel vibrating
We gave some explanations about the problems with the steering wheel vibrations in this text here, but it is good to note that the problem with the steering box may also be influencing these shakes. However, in addition to the steering box, other assumptions may appear, such as a car without alignment or balance, poorly calibrated tires, and problem brakes, among others. The vibration signal on the steering wheel is very serious and cannot pass without consulting a specialist. Even the engine mount can indicate steering wheel vibrations or strange noises.
However, the engine mount presents more variations of problems. A clear example is when the car is stopped at a headlight or in traffic and, when starting, the car makes a very strong noise. The engine or transmission pad may be worn out and in need of urgent repair.
What is the most common defect in the steering box?
The most common problem is the unassisted steering box, also known as a backlash, generated by the effort put into the parts. This is not such a serious problem with the headset, a trip to the workshop to adjust the components can solve the problems in a very short time.
However, a specialist also needs to be called to resolve this case. Even though it’s simpler, not everyone is able to handle the steering gear. In some cases, even when only one part is defective, the system needs to be disassembled in its entirety, so at the time of reassembly, it is necessary that everything is done correctly so as not to cause problems. The labor for this type of service is usually not very cheap, as not just any professional would risk touching the steering gear of vehicles, especially imported ones with more delicate parts.
How much does a new steering box cost?
For those who are curious to know the price of a new steering box, the answer is quite variable, so it is difficult to be precise. Prices can start from around R$2,450, for an Uno 1.0 with power steering, to more than R$8,000 for a Golf model, 1.4 with electric steering. If the car is imported and has electric steering, the cost tends to rise even more. Therefore, it is difficult to price this complex piece. To avoid problems with the car and, especially, the steering box, perform periodic maintenance on your car.
Avoid headaches: quote your insurance
More than protecting your car with maintenance and revisions, taking out Geico auto insurance is essential to ensure that it is covered in the most diverse situations.
