Most drivers never really think about what’s involved in steering a vehicle. When we get in the driver’s seat, we take it for granted that the vehicle will respond accordingly to our motions on the steering wheel. Your vehicle’s steering system is a complex set of components working in unison based on your hand movements to guide the wheels and keep the vehicle stabilized on the continuously changing contours of the road.
In this blog, we examine two common issues you may experience with your steering system.
Worn or Damaged Tie Rods
Looseness in the steering system is one of the more common issues experienced by vehicle owners and one that should not be overlooked. Many times a worn or damaged inner tie rod end will cause loose steering.
A tie rod connects the steering mechanism to the steering knuckles on each of your vehicle’s front wheels. There is an outer tie rod and an inner tie rod with an adjusting sleeve in the middle. Tie rods are designed to maintain the stability of your vehicle as the tires ride over different road surfaces.
Rough road surfaces or deep potholes can wreak havoc on our vehicles and the steering system, especially the tie rods. Repairs can be prevented, or at least minimized, with some routine maintenance. One way to avoid tie rod end wear is to have the certified technicians at Geller’s Automotive check and lubricate the inner and outer tie rod ends on a regular schedule.
Worn or Damaged CV Axle
Have you been noticing a loud clicking noise when you turn corners at slow speeds? This could mean there’s a problem with the CV axle. The CV axle, or constant velocity axle, is a shaft that transfers the rotating torque to each of the drive wheels in the vehicle. The term constant velocity refers to the rotation of the joints which are not affected by horizontal or vertical movement.
A CV axle that is in good shape is heavily greased and completely protected by rubber boot covers. After time the rubber boot covers will wear out, exposing the CV joint. When this happens, the grease leaks out and lessens the axle’s ability to lubricate the joint. This can be quite dangerous, especially if you hit a sudden bump. The joint can break and cause a serious accident.
If you notice any unusual changes in your steering or road handling, contact Geller’s Automotive today in Byram, New Jersey, to schedule a full inspection of your vehicle. Our service professionals will diagnose any issues and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or ongoing maintenance. Don’t let steering issues turn into a bigger problem or a safety hazard.
