Knocking in the steering column: causes of malfunction and solutions

Steering is an important part of any car. The SDA prohibits the use of motor vehicles with various breakdowns of the steering system. It is very important to carry out diagnostics or repairs even with minor signs of malfunctions. A knock at the steering column is already quite a serious sign that signals a defect in the steering. Let's consider typical causes of malfunctions and ways of their elimination.

How the steering column is arranged in the car

Among the main parts can be identified mounting sleeve, casing, upper housing. Also in the construction there is a body for installing the steering column switches, the body of the ignition lock, the steering shaft, the contact group and the fasteners. In some models of cars, the design also has a spider, brackets for mounting the steering shaft, and a bearing.

At the heart of any steering column is the shaft in the casing. Its function is to transfer the rotation of the rudder to the mechanism responsible for turning the wheels. Steering shafts are made of high quality steels, which means that they have a sufficiently long service life.

Causes of knocking and troubleshooting

Before we look for possible breakdowns that lead to uncomfortable driving, it is necessary to clearly understand that a knock at the steering column occurs when, for whatever reason, there are backlashes in the mechanism or the density of the connections has deteriorated.

Among the main causes of the failures of the steering mechanism can be identified a few typical. They are the same for most models and brands of modern cars. So, the first reason is an excessively worn or already completely broken bearing in the steering column bracket. Also, the reasons for the knock in the steering column are broken or broken needle bearings in the steering shaft spider. And finally, in the process of car operation, the density of fasteners and connections in the bracket and the cross shafts on the shaft is weakened.

Methods of diagnosis

To understand where the knock on the steering column came from, you can conduct a visual check of each connection - you need to determine the presence of backlashes in the mechanisms. Also during the inspection, you can determine and faulty bearings.

When checking the status and troubleshooting the steering gear, each connection is tested in case it is weakened. It will also be superfluous after this to test the machine in motion. If in the process of driving a knock on the steering column does not bother, then you can relax. If the driver hears vibrations and knocking, then it is necessary to repair the malfunction.

Eliminate knocking in the steering column on the "Toyota"

Any technical element of a modern car is limited to a certain lifetime. How long this period will last depends on the loads that are on a particular detail. Special loads in the car undergo a suspension, but the steering column experiences no less pressure.

The process of driving on the 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 at the steering column. "Toyota" is also subject to this problem. It is very important to immediately find the cause and fix the malfunction - otherwise the column may just jam and this will trigger an accident.

What most often fails in the steering columns of cars "Toyota" and VAZ?

Often the first thing that wears out and breaks down is the bushing. This part is erased with time. As a result, backlash and knocking appear in the mechanism. It is not difficult to replace the bushing.

The second element, which also often fails, is the lower spider. She is exposed to quite serious loads.

All this is also relevant for VAZ cars, in addition to classic models. The knock on the steering column of the VAZ is removed by replacing similar parts.

How to replace the steering column hub on the "Toyota"

To eliminate the knock on the steering column on the Toyota, you can replace the bushing. The process of replacement will not cause any special difficulties. The first thing they do is remove the stool - it's easy. For this, the bolts are loosened and then the shield is simply removed from the retaining latches. Then a part of the duct is dismantled.

Now that the access to the steering column has been opened, it is necessary to turn everything that might prevent its removal. When you only need to remove the column, you should mark the marker with the place and position in which it will be necessary to install it after repair. Remove the column carefully, because it has a certain weight. To lay the mechanism is recommended for something soft - put it with the steering wheel down.

Now you need to start dismantling the bushing, but you will not be able to do it manually. It is necessary to screw in it two or three screws, 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, rest against it with legs and pulls the pliers for self-tapping screws. After the application of force, the bushing will come out.

After dismantling, the shaft must be thoroughly cleaned and treated with a good lubricant. The new bushing is neatly installed in its place. And after that, often a knock goes. 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 prevent you from reaching the crosspiece. To remove it you need to unscrew the three bolts. Before unscrewing the column, it is blocked. This will make it possible to keep the loop of the audio signal intact. Just like in the case of a bushing, you need to make markers here.

So, here it is - the cross. Now you need to disassemble it - you can use the clamps and carefully cut it. You can install a new one, but first you need to prepare the seats - they are thoroughly cleaned and lubricated.

At the cross the installation sites are also better to prepare - before its installation remove the covers and handle all places with grease. After pressing again check and lubricate the crosspiece - this will save it from moisture.

UAZ "Patriot"

On cars "Patriot" knock on the steering column was officially recognized as an incurable problem. But the solution still exists. After the research conducted by the owners of "Patriots" it became clear that the main reason for this trouble is the steering cardan in the engine compartment. It represents two parts, which are connected together by splines. In the lower part there is a through pipe.

Problems with this part are due to its location - it is installed under the coolant reservoir and near the exhaust manifold.

Eliminate the problem of knocking is very simple. The cardan needs to be dismantled and washed. Then, carefully separate the two halves of the part and clean them. Slots cardan made of plastic - they are deburred and smeared with silicone grease. You can stop here, but this does not solve the problem completely.

It takes a piece 20 cm long from a rubber hose with a diameter of 18-20 mm. You should also prepare rags. This piece is clogged in the form of a gag in the bottom of the cardan - so you can block the leakage of lubricants. Inside the hose fragment is treated with silicone and put on a problematic knot. Then the part is mounted in its place.

As a result of these simple actions, knocking on the steering column at UAZ Patriot will pass.