6 Symptoms of a Faulty Intermediate Steering Shaft
Your car’s steering shaft is the vital connection between the steering wheel and the transmission. When it fails, it causes problems with steering and control. Read on to learn the warning signs, causes, and replacement costs of a faulty intermediate steering shaft.
Symptoms of a Faulty Intermediate Steering Shaft
1) Difficulty in Steering
If you experience difficulty in steering, especially when cornering, it’s likely that you have a faulty steering shaft.
Your steering wheel may stick when you turn the steering wheel, and it may take more force to turn the wheel. Not only is this inconvenient and annoying, but it can also be extremely dangerous as your car can easily veer off the road and cause an accident.
If you notice basic steering or turning difficulties, these are key symptoms that indicate you have a problem with your steering shaft. It’s important to have your car inspected by a professional for steering shaft issues, especially if you have multiple symptoms.
2) Strange noises while driving
Strange noises coming from your car are another sign of a bad steering shaft. Of course, you should pay close attention to the type and location of the noise, as noise can mean many different things. Every car owner knows the feel of their car and will immediately notice if something is wrong. A defective steering shaft will cause a crackling or rattling noise. It will be quiet at first, but if left unattended, it will get louder over time.
As the noise gets louder, it will be difficult to control and turn the steering wheel. The cause of this noise is damage to the steering shaft due to corrosion of the needle bearing group.
Therefore, if you notice that the noise is coming from this area when you turn the steering wheel, you should have a mechanic check the steering shaft. Sometimes it simply needs a little grease, but in more severe cases it may need to be replaced.
3) Loose steering wheel tilt
Steering wheel tilt is a common feature on almost all modern vehicles. This feature allows you to tilt the steering wheel to a desired angle, improving driving comfort and the driving experience. Once you reach the desired angle, the steering wheel should immediately lock so that it stays in place.
If this action suddenly becomes difficult or impossible, consider it another sign of a defective intermediate steering shaft and contact a mechanic immediately. Sure, there could be a problem with the tilt function itself, but the shaft is often the culprit.
4) Needle Bearing Corrosion
The steering shaft is equipped with four fully sealed needle bearings. This means that they usually don’t need to be lubricated regularly to prevent rust, corrosion, and slippage.
However, over time the grease can dry out and moisture can seep in, causing rust and corrosion. When this happens, it can cause strange noises and, if left unchecked, can lead to damage to the steering shaft. If you notice this problem early, you can fix it by manually lubricating the bearings. However, this is rarely possible since most warehouses are closed systems.
5) Irregular steering wheel position
On the road, the steering wheel should always be flexible and return to its original position when you let go and move forward. This is an essential feature for a safe steering system.
If this is not the case and the steering wheel seems bent or slightly bent, you should inspect the intermediate steering shaft. Otherwise, it will be difficult to navigate on a curvy road, which in itself can be very dangerous.
6) Steering wheel turns but wheels won’t move
One of the most alarming symptoms of a faulty intermediate steering shaft is when the front wheels don’t respond when you turn the steering wheel. This situation can be very dangerous, especially if it occurs while driving. This is often accompanied by a complete loss of steering control.