Steering is a mechanism that ensures the safety of the driver and passengers. But everything has a lifespan, it sometimes fails and breaks down. The first signs are the appearance of a leak, an increase in steering play, a creak and rattle when cornering.
The steering system in any car is the most important component. It is he who is responsible for the safety of the driver and passengers. The VAZ 2109 uses a steering rack, it is much more efficient than the column that was previously used on the classics. And it is somewhat simpler, since the system consists of two rods. On the classics, it consists of three rods and a pendulum arm. Unfortunately, nothing is eternal, even such a reliable mechanism as a steering rack can fail over time.
Broken steering rack
If you look at all the signs of a malfunction of the rail, then some are very similar to the signs inherent in the failure of other elements. For example, a ball joint, a constant velocity joint, a rack. But there are also those that are inherent only in the rail. This is a jamming of the steering wheel, a grinding noise when turning the steering wheel. Some symptoms need to be confirmed, so a suspension and steering diagnosis should be performed first to know the exact cause of the breakdown.
Replacing the rail is necessary when any defect is detected. As mentioned earlier, this may be a sticking of the steering wheel, increased backlash, or there may be oil leakage due to a violation of the integrity of the seals. To reduce the cost of repairs, you can not change the rail, but purchase a repair kit. It is presented on the market in several types, which differ from each other in terms of equipment. The more expensive, the more units are included in the repair kit.
Removing the steering rack
Before starting work, place stops under the rear wheel so that the car is firmly in place. The facilities are not very good, the presence of a pit would not hurt. Some manipulations are more convenient to carry out from the bottom of the car. Unscrew the rods from the steering knuckles, before that remove the wheels by placing the car on supports. This is the first step to take.
Next, you need to remove the cardan, going from the steering wheel to the rack. This manipulation is performed from the side of the passenger compartment. After that, you can already unscrew the rail mount and remove it, taking it a little to the side. Everything, on this the removal of the rail can be considered complete, proceed further to the repair or replacement.
If you plan to completely change the node, then you will need to remove the rods (do not confuse left and right) and install them on a new rail. And if you decide to use a repair kit, then you will need to thoroughly inspect all shafts, bushings, bearings. Defective parts must be replaced immediately. And for greater fidelity, you need to change all rubber and plastic elements, bearings.
