Delphi Technologies offers some helpful tips and advice for diagnosing common steering system issues.
A vehicle’s steering and suspension systems are intricate networks of components designed to ensure a smooth, stable and safe ride. However, both are also subject to significant impacts from the road and weather conditions and as such, key parts are often prone to wear and damage. If a customer reports that their car doesn’t seem to ride like it used to, then they may have a steering or suspension issue.
With an aftermarket product portfolio that encompasses thousands of OE specification steering and suspension components for most new cars offered in Europe, Delphi Technologies can supply quality parts and technical support to help garages efficiently complete a durable repair. However, as Julian Goulding, North European Marketing Manager for Delphi Technologies Aftermarket explains, there’s a great deal that can be done before reaching for replacement components.
“Replacing parts may seem the obvious solution to solving an issue, but there can be occasions where the cause of a problem is very straightforward and can be resolved in minutes or even seconds,” said Goulding. “It could be something as simple as low tyre pressure or even a loose nut, and while rectifying neither will make a garage any revenue, carrying out such an easy fix significantly strengthens the customer relationship and reinforces how trustworthy a workshop is.”
Here, Delphi Technologies provides a list of the common symptoms and possible causes to help narrow steering and suspension diagnosis and repair options, saving time and money for garages and customers alike.
Vehicle pulls to one side
Symptom: Pulling to one side while driving. The vehicle tends to pull to one side or the other. The wheel needs to be held firmly to keep the vehicle straight.
Possible problems and solutions
- Low or uneven tyre pressure > check tyre inflation
- Uneven tyre wear > check front tyres for even wear and replace both front tyres. Check wheel alignment also
- Poor wheel alignment > check and adjust wheel alignment
- Steering components worn > inspect tierods and steering rack
- One brake is dragging/not releasing > inspect key braking components i.e., pads, calipers and repair/replace where required
- Loose steering linkage > tighten all components and replace if required
Flip-flop wheel shimmy
Symptom: Flip-flop wheel shimmy. Steering wheel seems to wander and wiggle rapidly back and forth.
Possible problems and solutions
- Low or uneven tyre pressure > check tyre inflation
- One or more wheels out of balance > balance wheels
- Uneven or excessive tyre wear > inspect tyres, replace in pairs and check wheel alignment
- Worn steering components > inspect tierods and steering rack for excessive play and repair if needed
Loose or sloppy steering
Symptom: Loose or sloppy steering. Steering has excessive play and wanders from side to side.
Possible problems and solutions
- Worn strut bearings > inspect strut bearings for play and replace in pairs
- Worn or broken tie-rods or steering rack > inspect steering components and replace as necessary
- Worn ball joints > inspect ball joints and replace if needed
- Broken steering rack mounts > inspect steering rack mounts and repair or replace (some cars can be fixed; others require replacement of the entire steering rack)
- Loose steering components > tighten all components to recommended torque
Hard or heavy steering
Symptom: Hard steering. The steering wheel becomes harder to turn, especially at slower speeds.
Possible problems and solutions
- Low tyre pressure > check tyre inflation
- Poor wheel alignment > check and adjust wheel alignment
- Power steering fluid low > check power steering fluid and add if needed. Inspect power steering lines for any leaks and repair if required
- Contaminated power steering fluid > flush and refill the system with fresh fluid
- Worn or damaged power steering belt > inspect power steering belt and replace where necessary
- Faulty power steering box, rack or pump > inspect and adjust/replace relevant components
- Worn or damaged steering gear > lubricate and repair if needed
Vehicle wanders while steering
Symptom: Vehicle wanders. The direction of the car needs to be constantly adjusted.
Possible problems and solutions
- Poor wheel alignment > check and adjust wheel alignment
- Severely worn or out of spec front wheel bearings > replace or adjust bearing
- Worn ball joints > inspect ball joints for play and replace if needed
- Loose steering components > tighten all components to recommended torque
- Vehicle is overloaded or weight distributed unevenly > adjust load accordingly
- Damaged steering component > replace as appropriate
Vehicle clunking on bumps
Symptom: Clunking over bumps or turning. Feeling clunks and knocks through the steering wheel when you go over bumps or even cracks in the road.
Possible problems and solutions
- Worn ball joints > inspect ball joints for play and replace if needed
- Worn or damaged steering gear > check steering gear, lubricate and replace where necessary
- Loose steering components > tighten all components to recommended torque
- Something rubbing against or knocking steering column > review and adjust accordingly
- Tyres rubbing against or knocking something > review and adjust accordingly
- Broken suspension spring > replace spring
Noise from power steering
Symptom: Noises from the power steering unit. Whining or moaning sound when steering wheel is turned all the way in one direction.
Possible problems and solutions
- Power steering fluid low > check power steering fluid and add if needed. Inspect power steering lines for any leaks and repair if required
- Air trapped in power steering fluid > flush and bleed the power steering system of air
- Damaged or loose power steering drive belt > adjust or replace as necessary
- Damaged or loose mount for power steering pump > adjust or replace as necessary
Steering wheel vibrating
Symptom: Vibrating steering wheel. Excessive vibration through the steering wheel.
Possible problems and solutions
- Worn ball joints > inspect ball joints for play and replace if needed
- One or more wheels out of balance > balance wheels
- Severely worn or damaged tyres > inspect tyres and replace in pairs
- Damaged wheels > inspect wheels and replace as needed
- Loose steering components and/or wheel nuts > tighten all components to recommended torque
To conclude, Goulding added: “By eliminating the simpler causes of problems, it’s much easier to efficiently carry out a ‘fix first time’ repair. Having the right knowledge, no matter how simple it may seem, is a massive bonus and while our training is suitable for those that have been in the industry for a lifetime and may already enjoy Master Technician status, it also caters for those who are just starting out or want to brush up on their skills. Being able to follow a logical fault-finding process is just as vital as being able to carry out the most complex mechanical repair if a garage is to enhance its efficiency and customer base.”
