Steering rods are one of the elements of the steering gear in a car. However, these elements are very important. Any problems associated with them are dangerous. There is a risk that the steering wheel may fail while driving, and this is a direct path to an accident. It is necessary to think constantly about the condition of the steering rods. If the first signs of a malfunction appear, do not ignore them. Timely replacement will help to avoid unpleasant situations. Depending on the design of the car, there may be several steering rods. Let's look at the symptoms of these elements and the methods of replacement.
Appointment
Even taking into account that for different cars this component can have a different design, the essence of the steering drive will not change. The connection between the knuckle and the rail is carried out using hinged elements. When the bipod turns, the average thrust moves to the right or left. Wheels can be turned in the direction necessary for the driver by means of lateral drafts.
Steering rods are also available in the rack and pinion drive. Its main difference is that only two rods are used here. They are enough for the wheels to turn left or right. The rods interact with the steering knuckles, while the driver makes only a small effort.
Tip
The main element on the side rods is the hinge elements or tips. It is the steering rod tip that is responsible for a reliable and high-quality connection. The hinge has the appearance of a hemispherical finger.
Due to their fragility, these elements are the most unreliable in the entire control system. Replacement of tips should be carried out only in its entirety. They are not subject to recovery.
Symptoms
Among the main features by which it can be understood that the element must be replaced, several can be distinguished. If the thrust on the car is faulty, then the steering wheel will have a characteristic runout, as well as vibration. This is noticeable at a speed of over 30 kilometers per hour. Also, when driving, the driver will hear various knocks. Usually they are heard on the right side of the car. If the steering clearance is increased, which is especially felt when driving at high speeds, this is also one of the symptoms of a malfunction. If the steering appeared stiff and you have to make serious efforts to control it, you should check the traction. When the machine spontaneously deviates from a straight course, this also indicates a malfunction of this element.
If the car has at least one of the above symptoms of a malfunction, then it is worthwhile to conduct a control diagnosis and, if necessary, replace the failed elements in the system.
Diagnostics
To check the tie rods, it is not necessary to visit the service station. Initial diagnosis can be done with your own hands. When checking, special attention should be paid to the following important points.
The steering tips can move along the axis of the fingers, but no more than one and a half millimeters. Otherwise, the tip must be replaced. During the self-diagnosis of the control system, it is recommended to make sure that the coupling clutch on the rod is tightened with sufficient force. Check how badly the anthers protecting the traction swivel assembly are worn out. If there are cracks or tears, it is necessary to replace anther.
The most common and fairly typical malfunction in the steering gear is natural wear and damage to the joints of the tie rods. You will not need to visit services to find management-related problems. You just need to put your hands on the steering wheel and listen carefully to the car.
Experienced drivers will be able to immediately and accurately identify changes that lead to uncharacteristic and non-standard behavior.
If at the time when the machine is standing, rotate the steering wheel, the wheels should turn. If they stand still, then this is a sign of malfunction. Also carefully check the boot.
Replacement Tools
To replace, a set of steering rods should already be purchased - it is better to change these parts in pairs. They also should buy tips. If they are not useful at the moment, then they can be installed in the future. This is an opportunity to save, because the prices of spare parts are constantly growing.
A tool must also be prepared for the replacement process. You will need: a jack, pliers, a set of keys, a tie rod puller, a liquid wrench, a screwdriver.
Replacement process
Before replacing the tie rod, it is necessary to install the car in a pit or on a lift in order to be able to manipulate the mechanism. Next, apply the parking brake, block the steering wheel. Some remove the negative terminal from the battery, but this is not so necessary.
Next, the car lifts a jack, the wheels are removed. Unscrew the nuts on the steering tips. They usually acidify and without special lubricants they can not be unscrewed. It is recommended to pour the nuts abundantly with a liquid wrench or warm them well. Cotter pins can be installed on the latter - they must first be removed.
Next, a puller is installed to remove the tips. In order for the tool to be effective, it is necessary to strike the rotary fist with a hammer. The nut on the puller is tightened. If the tip does not change its position, then you can hit again.
Then the tip is unscrewed from the coupling. Dismantle the boot, then unscrew the rod from the steering rack. This may be associated with certain difficulties, but everything is feasible with a tool. The hinge is then lubricated with complete grease.
New tie rods are installed without any serious effort and the need for a hammer. Depending on the size of the old and new traction, before the replacement procedure, you need to make a mark on the steering rack so that you can easily reach the wheel alignment stand.
In order not to go to the stand, it is necessary to count the revolutions that were needed to perform the replacement of the steering tip. After the replacement work is completed, you should go on a trial exit.
Check and adjustment
In the process of testing the tie rods on the "VAZ" after replacement, there should be no backlash. The backlash can be no more than 15 degrees on a steering wheel. The course of the latter should be continuous both to the right and to the left. It is also necessary to check whether the steering wheel returns to a straight position after the car has turned.
Experts recommend performing the same test after 800 kilometers. But if problems are revealed, then adjustment is necessary right now.
Conclusion
In fact, in such a task as changing the steering rod, there is no difficulty. The only difficulties the car owner may encounter are soured compounds. This is especially true when unscrewing the tips. Sometimes it may take several days to soak a “nasty” nut, to heat it faster and more efficiently. Then she will unscrew very quickly and without nerves. Difficulties can arise in the process of finding the right part. Sometimes manufacturers remove them from production, but you can always find high-quality analogues. At the market or in the store now you can pick up something.
Of course, it is better to visit the wheel alignment stand immediately after the procedure. Do not fully rely on the tags and counting the speed of the steering tip. The master will make the necessary adjustments and the car will drive in a straight line.