The large free play of the steering wheel makes it difficult to drive. With such a malfunction, the car reacts with a noticeable delay to the driver's actions, which can lead to an emergency on the road.
Instructions
Step 1
Inspect all steering parts carefully for defects and replace immediately if worn. If no obvious faults were found, then adjust the steering wheel free play.
Step 2
Before adjusting, measure the amount of backlash by placing the car on a flat, dry surface. The amount of backlash should not exceed 10 degrees, otherwise, according to the rules of the road, you are generally prohibited from operating such a car. They will tell you the same during a technical inspection.
Step 3
Prepare a rigid ruler about a meter long, one end of which is attached to the dashboard so that the middle of the measuring device is at the level of the headlight switch, which is pre-set to the "low beam" position. Make sure that the other end of the ruler touches the rim of the steering wheel with its entire plane.
Step 4
Stock up on chalk or pieces of wire to make serifs on the steering wheel. Then turn the handlebars to one side until the wheels begin to turn and mark the handlebars at the point where the ruler touches the rim. Then turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction also before the wheels start moving and put the mark again. Measure the distance between the notches, which for a steering wheel with an outer diameter of 400 mm should not exceed 17 mm.
Step 5
If the permissible value is exceeded, re-measure. If the result is confirmed, then try to turn the steering rack adjusting screw, do it carefully so as not to overtighten it. However, if the rail is broken, then it will have to be completely replaced. If the cause of the backlash is the propeller shaft, then only replacing it will help. The most common reason here is poor lubrication or no lubrication at all.
