Is Something Wrong with Your Steering Column?

The steering column is an important part of your vehicle that allows you to control the steering of your vehicle. When something is wrong with your steering column, it can be hard to turn your wheels. This could result in an accident that may cause major injury to you and severe damage to your vehicle.

But how do you know if you have a steering column issue? If you suspect you have a bad steering column, it’s best to see a professional mechanic in Athens County OH. They can easily diagnose and repair your steering column in a timely manner, so you don’t have to go long without your vehicle.

What kind of sounds is it making?

Your steering wheel making strange noise is one of the most common symptoms of a bad steering column. When trying to turn you might notice a slight squeak or clicking sound. These noises can be caused by certain components grinding against each other.

The intensity of these noises can vary depending on the exact cause of the problem. It’s also possible that the noises may stop after a while. Check with your local mechanic if the noises persist. A quality mechanic can also determine whether the noises in your steering wheel have a different cause. Other common causes of strange steering wheel sounds include bad shocks, a worn-out power steering rack and lack of power steering fluid.

Struggling to turn

Another common symptom of steering column problems is difficulty turning. This can be a scary experience, especially when you’re on the highway. Turning your steering wheel should be very easy, so if you notice any tension, take your car to a mechanic. This could be one of the most dangerous issues caused by a bad steering column, as it could prevent you from making a wide-enough turn, potentially causing a collision with another vehicle.

Tilting to the left or right

Your steering wheel should return to the center when you’re done turning. If it tilts one way or the other, then you might have a broken steering column. While this might not seem like a big deal at first, proper positioning of your steering wheel is important to the overall safety of you and your passengers.

What causes steering column failure?

The cause of your broken steering column can depend on the symptoms you’re experiencing. Struggling to turn, for example, could be caused by broken components within your steering column, including certain gears and gaskets.

Layers of dirt and dust on your steering column could also cause issues. Dirt can block components of your steering column, causing it to fail. Broken seals and bearing failures can also cause a steering column to stop working.

There are several possible solutions when it comes to a damaged steering column, but oftentimes, it will require a replacement. Steering column replacement parts can be bought online, but it’s better to have a professional take care of this job for you. Accidentally damaging something inside your vehicle could result in more expensive repairs.

For bad steering column issues and all your other vehicle repair needs, contact Dana’s Tire Center in Athens County, OH today!

Categorised in: Auto Repair

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