Describe The Inspection Procedures For Mechanical Steering Systems

Wheeled Vehicle Sytems Steering Systems
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INTRODUCTION

The steering gear is one of the most used controls on the vehicle. If the

steering operates improperly, the operator loses no time in reporting the

problem because a faulty steering gear is a gamble with life.

As a wheeled vehicle mechanic, you are responsible for some of the

maintenance on steering systems. This maintenance includes troubleshooting

and minor repairs on the steering gears.

Another maintenance function you are responsible for is inspecting the

overall condition of steering gears. This is probably the most important

maintenance function of all.

COMMON STEERING PROBLEMS

Steering systems, like all mechanical parts, develop various problems. Some

of these problems are "unwanted factors" that affect the steering. Examples

of these factors are wandering, shimmy, and hard steering. As a wheeled

vehicle mechanic, you must know how to locate the causes of these problems.

Not all steering problems are caused by the steering gear.

Hard steering

Hard steering causes the operator to have trouble turning the wheel and

causes the operator to have to fight the wheel to keep traveling straight

down the road. It can be caused by lack of lubrication, bent parts, and

improper adjustments.

Loose steering

This is caused by steering parts that are worn, broken, or out of

adjustment. The driver must turn the wheel excessively to steer the

vehicle.

Wandering

The vehicle wanders over the road. A vehicle should travel straight down a

level road with little or no guidance by the operator. If the vehicle

wanders, the operator must continuously turn (fight) the steering wheel to

keep the vehicle traveling straight.