The steering of a car is one of its most important components. Steering malfunctions can lead to serious consequences, therefore, the technical condition of the vehicle controls should be treated carefully. Periodically, it is necessary to check the condition of the steering column of the car and, if necessary, adjust it. How to do it yourself?
It is necessary
- -Calipers;
- -dynamometer;
- - a universal set of tools for the car.
Instructions
Step 1
Check the steering wheel play. Steering wheel play is the distance the steering wheel rotates without turning the steering wheel. You can measure it with a caliper. Hang the caliper over the steering wheel at the bottom or top of the play. Place a reference point on the steering wheel and align the origin of the reference arm of the caliper with this point. Turn the steering wheel to the other end point of the play. Extend the measuring arm of the caliper and align it with the reference point marked on the handlebar. Backlash greater than 35 mm is considered unacceptable and must be adjusted.
Step 2
Adjust the steering wheel play. Backlash adjustment is carried out by additional forcing force on the steering shaft cardan joints. It is necessary to find the adjusting screw of the hinges and, by adjusting the force with the screws, set the permissible backlash.
Step 3
Attach a dynamometer to the steering wheel and turn the steering wheel a full turn. Dynamometer readings for power steering should not exceed 4.5-5 kg. For mechanical steering, depending on the make and model of the car, this figure can range from 6 to 10 kg. See the technical documentation for your car.
Step 4
Check and, if necessary, adjust the applied steering force. For these purposes, you will need a dynamometer. If your car is equipped with a power steering, start the engine of your car, let it run for 5 minutes so that the power steering fluid warms up to operating temperature.
Step 5
If the reading is higher, adjust the ball joints of the steering rods. To do this, place the car on an overpass, you will need access from the bottom side. Find the steering rod joints and check their fastening, tighten the fastening if they are "loose".
Step 6
Recheck the steering force with a dynamometer. If the readings remain above the norm (4.5-5 kg for a car with a hydraulic booster, 6-10 kg for a "mechanic"), it is necessary to adjust the steering column damper in a car workshop.
