Repair and Maintenance System Car Ruler

Ruler system is one of the most important parts of the car, playing a key role in controlling the direction of travel and ensuring safety for the driver and passengers. Comprised of many complex components such as the steering wheel, steering shaft, steering gear, drawbar, and joints, this system converts the rotation of the steering wheel into forward motion of the wheels, allowing the driver to Control the vehicle's direction accurately and sensitively.

From traditional mechanical systems to modern electric and hydraulic power steering systems, steering wheel technology has continuously evolved, integrating features such as automatic parking assist, lane departure warning, and even autonomous driving technology. This advancement not only enhances the driving experience but also makes an important contribution to improving the safety and efficiency of road vehicles in the 21st century.

This article will provide a comprehensive overview of how to identify, maintain and repair car steering wheel systems.

Structure & Function of Ruler

The steering rack, also known as the rack, is a major mechanical part of the car's steering system. It is responsible for converting the rotation of the steering wheel into translational motion, thereby controlling the wheel to change the direction of the vehicle.

The main structure of the steering wheel includes:

• Teeth: A long metal bar with serrations along one side.
• Gear: Meshed with the rack, connected to the steering shaft.
• Joints: Connect the steering wheel to the suspension system and wheels.
• Cover: Protects the wheel from dirt and moisture.

Signs of Damaged Steering Wheel

Early recognition of signs of damage to the steering wheel is very important to ensure driving safety. Here are the signs to watch out for:

1. The steering wheel is shaking

When you feel the steering wheel has more play than usual (usually more than 1 inch), this may be a sign of worn steering wheel.

According to a study by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), steering wheel travel of more than 1.5 inches can increase braking distance by up to 11% at speeds of 60 km/h.

2. Steering wheel feels heavy

If you find it more difficult to turn the steering wheel, especially at low speeds, it may be due to a problem with the power steering system or the steering wheel is stuck.

Statistics show that about 15% of steering system failures are related to power steering problems.

3. Abnormal noise

Rattling, squeaking or squeaking sounds when steering are signs of loose or lacking lubrication of steering system components.

According to a survey by JD Power, about 22% of car users reported unusual noise from the steering system in the first 3 years of use.

4. The steering wheel does not return to the center position

If the steering wheel does not automatically return to a straight position after you release it, it may be because the joints are stuck or the steering wheel is damaged.

5. Delay when steering

When there is a delay between when you turn the steering wheel and the wheel reacts, this is a sign of a worn or loose steering wheel.

6. Tires wear unevenly

Uneven tire wear, especially on the inside or outside of the front tire, can be caused by incorrect wheel angle, often related to steering wheel problems.

According to the United States Tire and Wheel Association (USTMA), uneven tire wear can reduce tire life by up to 30% and increase fuel consumption by up to 5%.

7. Power steering fluid leak

If you see oil stains under your vehicle or have to regularly add power steering fluid, it may be due to damaged seals or hoses in the steering system.

Statistics show that about 8% of steering system repairs are related to oil leaks.

When Should I Replace the Ruler?

The decision to replace the steering wheel should be based on the technician's professional assessment. However, there are some common cases:

1. Steering wheel drift exceeds the permissible level

• Each car manufacturer has its own standards for allowable drift, usually from 1-2 inches.
• If the play exceeds 2 inches, it is likely that the steering wheel needs to be replaced.

2. Steering wheel is broken

• Before concluding that the steering wheel needs to be replaced, it is necessary to carefully check the inside and outside steering rotors.
• According to statistics, about 30% of cases of suspected broken steering wheel alignment are actually due to worn steering rotors.

3. Lifespan and usage distance

• Steering wheels usually have a lifespan of 60,000 to 100,000 km depending on usage conditions and road quality.
• Vehicles that have been used for more than 5 years or 80,000 km should have the steering system thoroughly checked.

4. After an accident or collision

• Even if there are no obvious signs, the steering wheel can be affected after a strong collision.
• About 15% of steering wheel replacement cases are the result of traffic accidents.

Procedure for Checking and Repairing Ruler

Visual inspection:

• Observe for signs of oil leaks, cracks or deformation on the steering wheel cover.

Check the friction:

• Use specialized measuring equipment to accurately determine steering wheel play.

Check steering rotor:

• Use a jack to lift the vehicle and check the joints for looseness.

Check power steering oil pressure:

• Measure oil pressure in the power steering system to ensure normal operation.

Scan error code:

• For electric power steering systems, use a diagnostic tool to scan for error codes.

Replace or repair:

• Depending on the level of damage, the technician will decide to repair or replace the entire steering wheel.

Periodic Maintenance of the Steering System

To prolong the life of your steering system, you should:

• Checking daily:

Perform a steering system check every 20,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.

• Power steering oil maintenance:

Change power steering fluid as recommended by the manufacturer, usually every 50,000 km.

• Dynamic balancing and wheel angle alignment:

Do this every 20,000 km to ensure even tire wear and reduce pressure on the steering system.

• Check tire pressure:

Maintain proper tire pressure, check at least once a month.

The steering wheel system plays an important role in ensuring the safety and performance of cars. Early recognition of signs of damage and regular maintenance not only helps prolong the life of the system but also ensures safety for the driver and passengers. When encountering any problems related to the steering system, go to reputable maintenance centers for professional inspection and advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How is an electric power steering wheel different from a traditional hydraulic steering wheel?

Electric power steering uses an electric motor to assist in steering, while hydraulic steering uses oil pressure. The electric system is about 3-5% more fuel efficient, lighter and requires less maintenance. However, the repair cost of electrical systems is often 20-30% higher than that of hydraulic systems. See the article now: Instructions on how to properly align the steering wheel shared in the most detail on the website.

2. How to distinguish the noise from the steering wheel from other parts of the suspension system?

The noise from the steering wheel is usually a "clicking" or "popping" sound when steering, especially at low speeds. The noise from the shock absorber is usually a "popping" sound when going over potholes. About 70% of cases of unusual noise from the front of the vehicle are related to the steering system.

3. Can you lubricate the ruler yourself at home?

Do not lubricate the ruler yourself at home. This process requires specialized knowledge and specialized tools. Improper lubrication can cause further damage. Statistics show that 85% of home steering system repairs lead to more serious problems.

4. What is the average time to completely replace a wheel?

The average time to completely replace a steering wheel ranges from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the vehicle model and system complexity. For luxury cars or sports cars, the time can last up to 6 hours due to the more complex structure.

5. Are aftermarket steering wheel reliable compared to genuine products?

High quality aftermarket steering wheel calipers can achieve 85-90% of the performance of genuine products at a price 30-40% lower. However, you need to choose reputable and certified brands to ensure safety. About 60% of premature steering wheel failures are related to the use of poor quality spare parts.

6. How to distinguish a problem from the steering wheel from a problem from the power steering system?

Problems from the steering wheel often cause noise and vibration when steering, while problems from the power steering system often manifest as heavy steering at all speeds. About 75% of cases of heavy steering at low speeds are related to the power steering system, not the steering wheel.

7. Is it necessary to replace the steering wheel after the car is flooded?

After a vehicle is flooded, there is about a 60% chance that the steering wheel will need to be replaced due to damage from water and dirt. However, if handled promptly within 24 hours, this rate can be reduced to 30%. A thorough inspection by a professional is required after the vehicle is flooded.

8. Is there a difference in steering wheel structure between front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive vehicles?

Yes, the steering wheel on front-wheel drive vehicles is often more complicated because it must be integrated with the transmission system. This results in repair costs about 20-25% higher than for rear-wheel drive cars. However, front-wheel drive vehicles often have better stability at low and medium speeds.

9. How to recognize signs of wear on joints in the steering system?

Signs of wear on the joints include a “pop” sound when going over potholes or when braking suddenly. About 40% of steering wheel vibrations at high speeds are related to worn joints. Regular check-ups every 6 months can help detect this problem early.

10. Is it necessary to adjust the wheel angle after replacing the steering wheel?

Yes, after replacing the steering wheel, the wheel angle needs to be adjusted again. Statistics show that in about 85% of cases, changing the steering wheel without adjusting the wheel angle leads to uneven tire wear and reduced driving performance within the first 6 months.

11. How to protect the ruler from the effects of harsh environments?

To protect the wheel in harsh conditions, you should:

• Wash the undercarriage regularly to remove salt and dirt, reducing the risk of corrosion by 30%.
• Use high quality power steering oil, anti-freeze at -40°C and anti-boil at 180°C.
• Check and replace rubber seals periodically, helping to extend wheel life by up to 20% in tropical environments.