{"id":83360,"date":"2023-05-10T20:26:16","date_gmt":"2023-05-11T03:26:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=83360"},"modified":"2024-12-17T19:33:33","modified_gmt":"2024-12-18T03:33:33","slug":"five-signs-your-steering-column-needs-repair-or-replacement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/five-signs-your-steering-column-needs-repair-or-replacement\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Signs Your Steering Column Needs\u00a0 Repair or Replacement"},"content":{"rendered":"\nReading Time: <\/span> 6<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n

The steering column is a vital part of a car’s steering system. It transmits the steering input from the steering wheel<\/a> to the steering gear<\/a>, which turns the wheels and changes the vehicle’s direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like other parts of your vehicle, the steering column can deteriorate with use, but usually it won’t. The steering column usually lasts the life of the vehicle with no problems at all, particularly if the vehicle has been driven mostly on the highway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if the steering column is in bad shape, repair or replacement is necessary. Having little control over your vehicle is a massive safety hazard, so it’s imperative to have it serviced at the first sign of failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Failing Steering Column Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are several issues that arise when you’re dealing with a failing steering column. Most of these are steering difficulties, such as rough or loose steering, a misaligned steering wheel, and steering wheel noises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Difficulty in Steering<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A bad steering column is to blame if you’re having difficulty turning your steering wheel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lower shaft between the fixed column and the steering gear typically has two universal joints on a replaceable shaft. In the same way U-joints fail on a driveshaft, one or more of the needle bearing caps can dry out and cause a hard-then-easy feel when you’re rotating the steering wheel during a turn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"universal
You can see the universal joint in the steering column pictured. The end of the column nearest the camera connects to the steering gear that actually turns the wheels. Steering columns are made to collapse during a collision. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Loose Steering<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Loose steering, or steering free play, is when the steering wheel turns, yet the car is unresponsive. A bad steering column could be the issue, especially for older vehicles that have gone through general wear and tear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s also one of the most dangerous symptoms of a faulty steering column since you’ll find it difficult to make hard turns–limiting your vehicle’s movement. When experiencing free play, it’s recommended to leave your car at home and have a mechanic check it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Binding Steering Wheel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A steering wheel that feels heavy when you reach a certain angle is referred to as a steering wheel bind. This is often due to the universal joint located in your column wearing out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Misaligned Steering Wheel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A fully operational steering wheel should return to a centered position easily. If the steering wheel is misaligned during its neutral state, it’s a problem that needs addressing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically a misaligned steering wheel will be an alignment issue. But the reason the steering wheel tries to return to center on its own when everything is adjusted right and nothing is binding, is because of the caster angle. When you turn the wheels one way or another, it slightly raises the car body in the front. When the wheels are at center, the car body in the front is at its lowest, so gravity helps to center the steering wheel automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically a misaligned steering wheel will be an alignment issue. But the reason the steering wheel tries to return to center on its own when everything is adjusted right and nothing is binding, is because of the caster angle.<\/p>– <\/em>Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Different factors may cause misalignment, and while it’s not as dangerous as rough and loose steering, you should address a misaligned steering wheel as soon as possible. Note that a non-rack and pinion steering gear is adjustable and can easily be adjusted too tight, which makes for a stiff spot right in the center of the steering wheel travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grinding and Clicking Noises<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once you feel resistance and hear grinding or clicking noises when turning, then you might have issues within your steering column. It can stem from a number of things, but the noises generally come from a damaged needle bearing in your steering column.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This could mean the bearing is corroding or there’s built-up grime and dirt. Both cases, however, require a thorough inspection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tilt Steering Difficulties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The tilt steering system allows for adjustable steering wheels for the driver to tilt, raise, or lower the steering wheel to a comfortable position. Once it’s moved, the wheel should lock in place until you readjust it again. If it doesn’t lock and the wheel remains mobile, it might indicate a damaged component in the steering column.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are the Functions of the Steering Column?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The steering column is a device connected to the steering wheel intended to transmit input, allowing you to turn your vehicle and change directions. <\/strong>Besides steering, the column has secondary functions in certain scenarios:<\/p>\n\n\n\n