Although the development of new types of car control systems has been carried out in the laboratories of manufacturing plants for a long time, no alternative to the steering wheel has been found. Therefore, we can safely assume that we will drive cars for a long time, twisting it for maneuvers. The control mechanism is simple, but reliable and convenient. It includes very few details, including the steering column, which motorists relate to without special attention, believing that there is no need to be distracted by a simple, uncomplicated piece of metal.
However, having heard an unpleasant creak when turning the steering wheel, making a maneuver, you should think that nothing lasts forever, and any, even very durable, metal part wears out. But the worst thing happens when the steering column refuses to change the direction of movement of the car, despite the fact that the driver intensively turns the steering wheel. This type of breakdown has already claimed the lives of many people. This must always be remembered and the state of the control mechanism constantly monitored.
Despite the fact that the device, in principle, is simple and for all cars it is absolutely similar, there are still differences in it. For example, the Gazelle steering column differs in the shape and length of the shaft from the mechanism designed to control any modification of the VAZ car . Although in that and in the other case, they should only transmit the rotational movement from the steering wheel to the worm gear and further to the wheels.
The stability of the steering column is due to the presence of a special bracket and tight grip. Therefore, the shaft has thread and spline connections on both sides , but on the one hand it is internal and is designed to fit the worm, and on the other hand, it is external and serves to mount the steering wheel.
Distinctive features of the shaft are in every car model. For example, the UAZ steering column is rigid and unshakable, and in the VAZ-2107 it has two miniature universal joint devices on hinges, therefore, with increased load associated with a blow to the left side of the front bumper, it simply folds and protects the driver from injuries and bruises. And the presence of two needle bearings makes the control of the "seven" very easy.
Regardless of vehicle modification, any steering column may have the same symptoms of malfunctions.
Firstly, these are creaking sounds that are heard during wear or deformation, as well as a breakdown in the steering column switch block .
Secondly, the formation of backlash. If it has an axial orientation, then this is a sign of a weakened spline connection. If the longitudinal, then you should tighten the mounting bracket supporting the steering shaft.
Each motorist needs to remember that if the control mechanism is installed correctly, then it will serve reliably. But in the process of operation, loosening of the bindings necessarily occurs. And as soon as the bolts and nuts have lost their rigidity, the erasure and increased wear of the spline joints begins, the mechanism gradually comes into a malfunctioning state. As a result, the shaft begins to turn, and the driver may lose control of the car.