Well according to the experts of the largest exporters and suppliers of Suzuki Spare Parts there are few noticeable signs of a failing steering rack.
How can you tell your steering rack is going bad? With the large chunk of components connecting the steering wheel to the front tires of the car, it is pretty hard to comprehend which component is the root cause of the impending failure.
How does a Steering Rack work?
The steering wheel system equipped with modern vehicles is basically a rack and pinion steering system. The rack and pinion of a steering system are composed of several components which include universal joints, main and intermediate propeller shafts and positioned in the center is the steering rack or gearbox. The rack and pinion steering transform the force generated by the steering wheel when it turns into a force which genuinely turns the wheels of the car, which allows the wheels of the car to change directions.
Symptoms of a Bad Steering Rack
Car Wandering: The first and the foremost symptom of a bad steering rack is the incessant wandering of the car on the road. In case your car is wandering relentlessly on the road, both at low and high speeds, it is a sure shot symptom of the faulty steering rack. That is when you need to constantly grip the steering with both your hands to keep it in place and constantly correct the direction of the vehicle. Sometimes the wandering of your vehicle can also be due to the misalignment of the wheels, but with the bad steering rack, there will be severe wear on the inside and outside of the tire.
Leaking Power Steering Fluid: Too tight steering wheel can sometimes cause leaking or low power steering fluid. This is because the steering box is hydraulically powered and the fluid levels inside it won’t decrease under any circumstances unless there is a leak somewhere. A leaking power steering fluid means that there is a loose fitting component, broken gasket or seals, or other mechanical issues somewhere in the steering box, which needs to be rectified as soon as possible.
Grinding Noise When Steering: Clunking, thudding or grinding noise coming from the vehicle, when cornering or turning, is another common symptom of a bad steering rack. This is because of the lack of lubrication and the metal contact of the steering rack. Due to the faulty steering rack, other components may also start to lose which causes the clunking and thudding noise when you turn the wheel.