Steering is an important part of any car. In traffic rules it is forbidden to operate mechanical vehicles with various breakdowns of the steering system. It is very important to carry out diagnostics or repairs even with minor signs of malfunction. A knock in the steering column is already a pretty serious sign that signals about defects in the steering. Consider the typical causes of malfunctions and how to resolve them.
How is the steering column in the car
Among the main parts, one can distinguish the mounting sleeve, casing, upper case. Also in the design there is a housing for mounting the shift paddles, an ignition switch housing , a steering shaft, a contact group and fasteners. In some car models, the design also has a crosspiece, brackets for mounting the steering shaft, as well as a bearing.
At the heart of any steering column is a shaft located in the casing. Its function is to transfer the rotation of the steering wheel to the mechanism responsible for turning the wheels. The steering shafts are made of high-quality steels, which means that they have a fairly long service life.
Knock Causes and Troubleshooting
Before you start looking for possible breakdowns that lead to uncomfortable driving, you need to clearly understand that a knock in the steering column occurs when, for some reason, backlash is formed in the mechanism or the connection density is broken.
Among the main causes of damage to the steering mechanism , several typical ones can be distinguished. They are the same for most models and brands of modern cars. So, the first reason is the excessively worn out or already completely out of order bearing in the bracket of the steering column. Also, the causes of knocking in the steering column are defective or broken needle bearings in the steering shaft spider. And finally, during the operation of the car, the density of fastenings and connections in the bracket and forks of the cross on the shaft decreases.
Diagnostic Methods
To understand where the knock in the steering column came from, you can visually check each connection - you need to determine the presence of backlash in the mechanisms. Also during the inspection, you can identify and defective bearings.
When checking the condition and troubleshooting the steering gear, each connection is tested if it is loose. It will also be useful after this to test the car in motion. If during the ride a knock on the steering column is not annoying, then you can relax. If the driver hears vibrations and knocks, then it is necessary to eliminate the malfunction.
Eliminate knocks in the steering column on a Toyota
Any technical element of a modern car is limited by a certain service life. How long this period will last depends on the loads that are on the particular part. The suspension is experiencing special loads in the car, but the steering column experiences no less pressure.
The process of driving a car is accompanied by a constant rotation of the steering wheel, which means that the steering is extremely vulnerable. When the mechanisms are worn out, the driver hears a characteristic knock in the steering column. Toyota is also prone to this problem. It is very important to immediately find the cause and eliminate the malfunction - otherwise the column may simply jam and this will provoke an accident.
What most often fails in the steering columns of Toyota and VAZ cars?
Often the first thing that wears out and fails is the sleeve. This part erases over time. As a result of this, backlash and knocking appear in the mechanism. Replacing the sleeve is easy.
The second element, which also often fails, is the lower cross. She is subjected to quite serious loads.
All this is also true for VAZ cars, except for classic models. Knock on the VAZ steering column is eliminated by replacing similar parts.
How to replace the steering column bush on a Toyota
To eliminate knocking in the steering column on the Toyota, you can replace the sleeve. The replacement process itself will not cause any particular difficulties. The first thing they do is remove the steering column guard - it's easy. To do this, unscrew the bolts and then the shield is simply removed from the retaining latches. Then dismantle part of the duct.
Now that you have access to the steering column, you need to unscrew everything that could interfere with its removal. When it remains only to remove the column, mark with a marker the place and position in which it will be necessary to install it after repair. You need to remove the column carefully, as it has a certain weight. It is recommended to lay the mechanism on something soft - you need to put it with the steering wheel down.
Now you need to start dismantling the sleeve, but you will not be able to do this manually. It is necessary to screw two or three self-tapping screws into it, which will serve as a support in the process of removal. When the screws are screwed in, but not completely, the steering wheel is covered with something soft, they rest against it with their feet and are pulled by pliers for the screws. After applying force, the sleeve will exit.
After dismantling, the shaft must be thoroughly cleaned and treated with good lubrication. The new bushing fits neatly in place. And after that, often the knock goes away. But if the driver still hears it, then it is necessary to replace the crosspiece.
How to replace the lower cross
For repair, unscrew the protective cover, which will interfere with getting to the cross. To remove it, unscrew the three bolts. Before unscrewing the column, it is blocked. This will make it possible to keep the sound signal loop intact. Just as in the case with the sleeve, here you need to make notes with a marker.
So, here it is - a cross. Now you need to disassemble it - you can use the vise and gently cut it. You can install a new one, but first you need to prepare the seats - they are thoroughly cleaned and grease is applied.
On the crosspiece, it is also better to prepare the installation site - before installing it, remove the covers and treat all the places with grease. After mounting, the crosspiece is checked and lubricated once again - this will save it from moisture.
UAZ "Patriot"
On Patriot cars, knocking on the steering column was almost officially recognized as an incurable problem. But the solution still exists. After research conducted by the owners of the Patriots, it became clear that the main cause of this trouble was the steering universal joint in the engine compartment. It consists of two parts that are interconnected by splines. A through pipe is installed at the bottom.
The problems with this part are caused by its location - it is installed under the coolant reservoir and almost next to the exhaust manifold.
Eliminating the knock problem is very simple. The cardan must be dismantled and washed. Then carefully separate the two halves of the part and clean them. Cardan slots are made of plastic - they are deburred and lubricated with silicone grease. You can stop there, but this will not solve the problem completely.
You will need a piece 20 cm long from a rubber hose with a diameter of 18-20 mm. A rag should also be prepared. This piece is clogged in the bottom of the cardan - so you can block the flow of lubricants. Inside, a fragment of the hose is treated with silicone and put on the problem node. Then the part is mounted in its place.
As a result of these simple actions, knocks in the steering column on the UAZ Patriot will pass.