The primary function of vehicle’s steering arrangement is to turn the vehicle in desired direction. It is performed on the will of driver. He rotates steering, its roatry movement converts into angular turn of front wheels of vehicle. If there are steering issues, driver and passengers all are at risk.

A good steering system is one which absorbs road shocks, prevents being transferred to driver’s hands. It turns the vehicle exactly as per input of driver. It maintains the direction of vehicle.

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Steering setup has different parts according to type of steering system. A conventional setup includes steering column, gear, rack, ball joints, tie rods and some other components.

Steering Issues

Steering system comes in the most important and sensitive setups of a vehicle. There are different arrangements as rack and pinion, electric power, hydraulic power and some other steering systems. What the setup may be, there are some steering issues which should be resolved immediately if noticed.

1. Steering Vibrations

Vibrations in steering wheel are indication of bad wheel alignment. If you feel shaky drive only in taking turns, it is due to bad bearings. Bearings increase their friction when have improper lubrication. Uneven tire wear and loose lug nuts may create vibrations.

2. Stiff Steering

Hydraulic power steering uses a hydraulic pump which helps to move the wheels. If this pump is faulty, steering become stiff. It also indicates low level of hydraulic fluid.
Electric power steering may become stiff due to faulty steering angle sensor. Basically, it calculate and arrange how much compensation driver needs while taking turn.

3. Steering Issues: Fluid Leakage

An amber coloured fluid can leak from hydraulic steering pump, steering rack and tubes. It also has a specific smell same as burnt marshmallows. Due to leakage, level don’t remain upto the mark. You can face difficulty of stiffness while steering.

4. Defective Steering Pump

A faulty steering pump is unable to provide required pressure. It fails the purpose of power steering.

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5. Damaged Steering Rack

Vehicle may vibrate exessively in case of loose or wrongly aligned steering rack. Stiff and heavy steering wheel is its major indicator. Its effect is more severe and highly noticeable at low speeds.

6. Worn-Out Power Steering Belt

It conveys engine power to power steering pump. It connects engine main pulley to steering pump. In some situations this belt transfer power to AC compressor, generator / alternator, water pump and many other components.

7. Steering Issues: Loose Steering

In a rack and pinion steering arrangement, tooth contact of steering gear and pinion weakens with the passage of time. This problem usually happens in old vehicles. Sometimes misadjustment of rack and pinion create this issue. You have to give constant correction to steering wheel to keep vehicle in the straight line.

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8. Vehicle Pulls to One Side

Pulling of vehicle to one side or the other may be acceptable upto some extent while driving on an uneven or slopy road. If all the time you drive and this problem exist, following issues may exist:

Irregular Rotation of Tires: A bad wheel alignment creates this problem. One or more tires point in wrong direction causes pulling of vehicle to that side.
Low Tire Pressure: It pulls or wanders vehicle to one side. If not fixed, uneven tire wear may occur.
Damaged Tie Rods: If you notice wandering / pulling your car on both sides, it may be due to damaged tie rods.
Defective or Jammed Brake Calipers: Defective brake calipers may stuck and pulls the vehicle on one side. Service or replace them if found faulty.

9. Screeching Noise While Turning

It is due to low levels of hydraulic fluids. A faulty steering pump may also be the cause. If you have loose steering belt, it also create these noises.

10. Steering Kickback

Steering wheel rapidly moves or the driver feels jerks when the front wheels approach imperfect roads or face a crucial obstruction. Air in the hydraulic system may create this problem. As the front wheels hit some obstruction air compresses the hydraulic steering fluid which works on front wheels.