Luft, or Luft - literally translated from German means "air". This is the name of the gap between the elements of a mechanical system associated with rotation. For example, in the steering system.
Signs of backlash
If, while driving your car, you begin to notice such unpleasant phenomena as knocking, excessive vibration, spontaneous deviation from the trajectory, this may be the cause of the resulting backlash in the steering. According to the rules of the road, the total backlash of a serviceable car should not exceed 10 degrees. But even lower values create certain inconveniences and discomfort. Even the smallest backlash tends to grow into a large one. Agree, it's not normal when on an almost flat road you have to constantly turn the steering wheel left and right. With a large backlash, this is already called "catching the road".
Backlash reasons and detection methods
There are four main reasons for the appearance of backlash in the steering. They arise as a result of wear of parts during long-term operation of the car. So, for example, over time, gaps form and increase in the joints of the steering rods of the front wheels. Their presence and size can be determined visually or tactilely, probing with your fingers the parts that are connected by these hinges. In this case, someone has to abruptly scroll the steering wheel to the left and then to the right. Both parts must move in sync. Test alone by moving the steering rod longitudinally with your hands. There is no backlash if it moves with the bipod. If there is even a slight gap, the joint must be replaced.
The second reason is increased wear or misalignment of the engagement of the roller and the "worm". With sharp turns of the steering wheel, a knock is heard in the steering mechanism. Also, the defect is found when the steering bipod is wiggled by hands. Actions: adjust or replace parts.
Knocking and squeaking when turning the wheels, as well as when swinging the pendulum arm up and down, indicate wear on the bushings or the axis of this same pendulum arm. Try to tighten the nut on the axle. Worn out parts need to be replaced.
Finally, the fourth reason is that the fastening of the swing arm bracket or the crankcase is loose. You just need to tighten the corresponding nuts and bolts.
It remains to add that with the correct operation of the car and the care of the steering elements: periodic lubrication, timely detection of defects and elimination of the emerging backlash, all mechanisms will last a long time and will not require unforeseen expenses for their replacement.
