Hello, dear car enthusiasts! Sometimes, a feeling of “white” envy suddenly creeps in when in the manuals of foreign automakers we read the words that the service life of a worm or rack in a car’s steering rack is designed for 14-15 years.
It is calculated and... this is how it really is: the steering rack does not fail. Naturally, subject to certain conditions, such as: recommended maintenance periods for the steering rack, use of recommended and high-quality oils, and operation of the car on appropriate roads.
And, if the first two points are quite feasible on the part of the car owner, then the third, alas, for us still remains a fairy-tale dream. Therefore, today we will consider the question of how to tighten the steering rack with your own hands.
Adjusting the steering rack is a simple procedure and can be done by any driver. And it takes no more than an hour with all the preparatory activities. But first, let’s remember why and when the steering rack needs to be tightened.
Why do you need to adjust the steering rack?
From the steering rack type: pinion-rack: the driver’s force is transmitted to the wheels by means of a gear (spur or helical), which is mounted on a bearing and interacts with the gear rack.
Backlash-free engagement of the gear and rack is achieved thanks to pressure springs.
The most common malfunctions: play or knocking in the steering rack. The causes of play or knocking can be:
- The fastening of the steering rack housing, steering bipod or crankcase lever mounting bracket has become loose.
- Natural wear of the transmission pair: gear-rack.
- Failure to adjust the gearing of the transmitting pair.
- Wear of ball joints of steering rods and so on.
If the gearing in the transmission pair is incorrectly adjusted, tight rotation of the steering wheel may occur. It is in this case that adjustment of the steering rack is required, and, naturally, adding or replacing oil (lubricant) in the steering rack housing.
How to adjust the steering rack with your own hands?
I would like to immediately warn you that tightening the steering rack may not solve the problem with play. The fact is that the degree of wear of the parts of the transmission pair: gear and rack is unknown to us and you. Only an autopsy can show this. We're talking about the first lift.
If tightening the steering rack does not bring the desired result and the play or knocking does not disappear, then you need to make an appointment with a specialist. But for now, let’s call a garage buddy (you’ll need a buddy to make adjustments) and start tightening it up.
Do-it-yourself steering rack tightening
- Adjustment is made by tightening the adjusting screw. It is located in the steering mechanism (in the end cover).
- The ideal option is if you have a hole in the garage or an overpass on the territory. If not, then you can tighten the rack using jacks. Naturally, having strengthened the car after lifting on persistent “goats”.
- Before lifting the body with jacks, the front wheels are aligned evenly (straight).
- The steering play is measured by a play meter (there are electronic ones, and there are also primitive old play meters). GOST of the Russian Federation states that steering play cannot exceed 10 degrees.
- We tighten the adjusting screw slowly, systematically checking the steering wheel travel and the presence of play or knocking in the column.
- If you think the problem has been solved, then conduct a road test. If during the movement, after tightening, you feel the “heaviness” of the steering wheel, then the adjusting screw will have to be slightly loosened.
The principle of operation of the mechanism
Before starting any repair work on the car, it is necessary to find out the operating principle of a particular mechanism. The steering rack is needed to transfer the physical forces applied by the driver when turning the steering wheel to a helical gear located on a bearing. Pressure springs guarantee high-quality contact between the gear and rack.
Adjusting the steering rack is an inherently simple task, and any driver can handle it. On average, this procedure takes from 1 to 2 hours, taking into account the preparatory activities. In what cases is such a lift required?
In what cases is it necessary to adjust the steering rack?
Distributor housing wear
In the vast majority of cases, tightening the steering rack is required if there is knocking and play in this mechanism. However, you need to be aware that such repairs do not always help. These malfunctions may indicate banal wear of the gear or rack or its individual parts.
Tapping and pronounced play in the steering rack often occur for the following reasons:
- the transmitting pair (its engagement zone) requires adjustment and adjustment;
- there is a loosening of the fixation of the lever bracket, steering system housing, bipod;
- natural wear and tear of parts, ball joints.
A properly adjusted steering mechanism will eliminate any knocking and improve the comfort of driving an aged car. Therefore, if you notice that the car’s steering wheel turns tightly, you should not limit yourself to tightening the corresponding device; it is strongly recommended to add lubricant to the crankcase.
Diagnostics
To determine the cause of a knock in the steering column on a Camry, specialists conduct a visual inspection of each part and connection. The purpose of such an inspection is to identify the presence of play in parts of the steering wheel or bearing faults. Testing each steering mechanism for loose fasteners allows you to reliably determine the source of the problem. After inspecting and troubleshooting the steering wheel, it is necessary to test the vehicle while driving. When driving the car, you should not hear a characteristic knock; if the steering wheel still knocks, it means that the problem is more serious and needs to be fixed immediately.
Of course, many car enthusiasts who have sufficient experience in car repairs can carry out similar steering wheel diagnostics on their own. In most cases, you can fix the identified problem on your own, if you have the necessary tools and spare parts.
The nuances of adjusting the steering rack
First of all, we focus on the fact that in order to adjust the steering rack with your own hands, you must strictly follow a certain sequence of actions. But such efforts are not always crowned with success, since the reason may lie in the physical wear and tear of the transmitting pair. Conclusions can be drawn solely from the fact of opening the gear rack and the gear located near it. Is it possible to tighten this mechanism? Let's look at how to correctly perform the first adjustment step by step.
Note! If your intervention in the steering rack mechanism does not bring the desired effect, and the problems remain, contact a service station for help without delay.
Tightening sequence
- Adjustment is carried out by adjusting the adjustment screw. It is located in the end cover of the steering mechanism.
- All work can be carried out only after fixing the car on a lift (you can use jacks, ideally, drive the car into a garage with a pit). The front wheels of the vehicle must be straight and as level as possible.
- Adjustment of the steering rack is indicated in cases where the steering wheel play is 10 degrees or more (the corresponding value can be determined using an electronic play meter).
- The tightening work is carried out as slowly as possible. Each stage is rechecked for knocking and steering.
- If, according to the objective feelings of the person carrying out the tightening, the problem has been eliminated, it makes sense to test the car while driving. In some cases, after tightening, the steering wheel may become stiff. If this is observed, it is necessary to loosen the adjustment screw.
Comments 88
And the needles from the syringe did not fit well, I used sewing machines of the appropriate diameter.
Dmitry, thank you! I was going to change my node but you think I managed to completely eliminate all the shocks, I was amazed at how easy it was, at least someone suggested that they only change the node, that the officials are off duty . Thanks again! Saved 15 rubles
THANK YOU to the author, HUGE PEOPLE. It's a shame you can't post 1000 likes.
The author respects you. I struggled with this problem for a couple of months, checked the head five times at different service stations. The steering wheel is about to open! Ulken Rakhmet!
How many needles do you need)? Is 3 enough?
Today I noticed a knocking sound in the steering wheel, especially when turning left and the wheel got into a hole. I'll go to the stand tomorrow, but I think the problem is the same
Day dong, is this possible on the Toyota King? We have power steering
))) The amplifier (electric or hydro) is not connected to the knock in the spline connection.) If there is playback in this spline connection, there are correction options in the video description.
Do I need to fill the sealant inside with a syringe? Or just lay out and fill the syringes? I have a needle there with a jug, the game is big
@Dmitry M, he's asking for something else. How to apply sealant? Pierce it through a syringe with a needle right there, or squeeze a syringe without a needle from the outside or lubricate it with your finger, insert the needles, and the syringes themselves are not needed and are bought only to obtain the needle. This question) How and how deep is the sealant applied)
Hi all! Watch the video until the end. Needles in the video: a syringe with two needles of 07 mm outer diameter. Insert needles (not syringes))) on one side, where the slots are visible.
Tell me, should I apply sealant on both sides or only on the side where the needles will be?
@Kostiantyn Zelyunko Success. Let me know later, is the knocking gone?
Dmitry M, thank you very much, I’ll try it today)
My method is not patented))) and there are no clear instructions, I did it purely intuitively. I think you can only use caulk on that side of the needle slots to keep them from coming out. ) 11,000 have already passed, everything is fine.
How to replace the steering rack
The Toyota Camry power steering consists of a steering rack, an expansion tank and a pump that runs from the internal combustion engine. Low viscosity oil is used as a hydraulic fluid, which is also suitable for the gearbox - ATF-3 or ATF-2.
When the driver rotates the steering wheel, force is transmitted to the rack via the steering shaft. On the sides of it there are special crosses. With their help, the position of the steering wheel is adjusted.
If the car's wheels are not balanced, large vibration loads are transmitted to the steering wheel. This causes increased premature wear of the crosspieces and cardan shaft, which in the future may require complete or partial replacement of the entire steering mechanism.
When the engine starts, a pressure of 8-9 megapascals is created in the power steering hydraulic system. When the driver turns the steering wheel, oil is pushed into the steering rack cylinders and greatly increases the human effort that is transmitted to the steering rods.
A rack-mounted valve allows oil to flow into the wheel cylinders when the steering wheel is turned, but when the vehicle's wheels are centered, the valve is closed, allowing oil to flow freely through the system.
Knock in the steering wheel of Camry v50!
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Message from Tahoe
This does not depend on bad or good roads. The problem is defective spare parts at the factory.
Toyota Camry has proven itself well among Russian car enthusiasts. The highest build quality makes Camry one of the most reliable cars on the Russian market. And the level of comfort and affordable price make this car even more popular. In its segment, Toyota Camry is the undoubted leader, despite this, with prolonged use, malfunctions can occur in any mechanism, and Camry is no exception.
Troubleshooting methods
Russian roads can hardly be called smooth and of high quality. All this is reflected in the service life of the crosspieces, because they bear the main load during control. As a result, when you have to turn the steering wheel on an uneven road, a knocking sound appears, which will only intensify over time and, ultimately, lead to a large amount of play in the steering wheel. This significantly increases the likelihood of an accident occurring.
In addition, the steering wheel may bite and hydraulic oil may leak. If this happens, repairs should not be put off for a long time. Driving with a faulty steering wheel is just as dangerous as driving with faulty brakes.
Methods to get rid of knocking in the steering wheel
All vehicle mechanisms have operating time limits, including the steering wheel. This time depends not only on the quality of the part, but also on the operating conditions of the unit. The heaviest loads usually fall on the suspension, but the steering system experiences no less load, so on a Toyota Camry, knocking in the steering column is not uncommon.
Operating a car is impossible without regular use of the steering wheel, so this part of the car is the most vulnerable. If there is significant wear on the steering wheel parts, the car owner may hear a specific knocking sound in the steering wheel, but we will find out how to get rid of it later.
Let's look at the main malfunctions of the Camry V40 that cause knocking in the steering wheel and methods for eliminating these problems.
Rusted steering column from Toyota Camry
If the car is often or daily driven on an uneven road with potholes and bumps, then the steering wheel parts may fail. Most often this is a fluoroplastic bushing. This spare part wears out over a long period of use, causing knocking and loose connections.
Dismantling and installation of a new bushing
- Remove under the steering guard by unscrewing all the fasteners.
- Remove a section of the air duct to open the path to the column itself.
- Remove the column itself and place it on a flat surface with the steering wheel facing down.
- Remove the old bushing; to do this, you can screw a couple of screws into it, cover the steering wheel, rest your knees on the steering wheel and pull out the part, holding the screws with pliers.
- Clean and lubricate the shaft.
- Install a new bushing.
New steering column from Toyota Camry
After replacing the bushing, the knocking sound in the steering wheel on a Toyota Camry v40, as a rule, disappears; if this does not happen, most likely the lower crosspiece has failed. It connects the rail to the column and experiences very strong loads. The best way to fix this problem is to directly replace the steering wheel part; its cost for a Camry is approximately two thousand rubles.
Dismantling and installation of the cross
To replace the crosspiece you need:
- Remove the steering wheel protective shield by unscrewing the fasteners.
- Lock the column and unscrew it.
- Disassemble the steering wheel crosspiece; to do this, hold it in a vice and cut it.
- Clean the area for the new cross and coat it with lubricant.
- On the new part, remove the plugs and lubricate them as well.
- Install a new crosspiece and return the column to its place.
Another common culprit for knocking in the steering rack on a Toyota Camry V40 is the steering shaft driveshaft. It often breaks, causing vibrations and unpleasant knocking noises that become stronger over time. The best way to solve this problem is also to replace the part or the entire column.
As can be seen from the article, getting rid of a knocking sound in the steering wheel is not so difficult; the main thing is to correctly determine the cause of its occurrence and take the necessary measures in time to eliminate steering wheel problems. With proper care, timely repairs and careful driving style, your Camry will last for a very long time.
Experienced car enthusiasts know that the average duration of operation before replacing the steering rack varies from 12 to 15 years. Similar numbers are often indicated in the technical documentation for the machine. But these values will be relevant in cases where the vehicle is operated correctly: recommended and high-quality oils are used, the racks are serviced by specialized services, and the car is driven on smooth roads.
Replacement of crosspieces and shaft
To replace the crosspieces, you need to set the steering wheel to the middle position and fix it firmly. Fixing is necessary in order to prevent breakage of the signal loop, steering wheel buttons and airbags, which can occur if the steering wheel is turned more than the prescribed two and a half turns. Only after these manipulations can you safely unscrew the bolts on the lower crosspiece with a 10mm wrench. It is located near the rack, under the hood. Then you need to unscrew the bolts of the upper crosspiece, which can be seen next to the brake pedal. In most cases, the lower crosspiece is faulty, but if the cardan shaft needs to be replaced, then both will have to be removed.
Next, you need to insert the mounting bracket between the rack and the lower crosspiece, and carefully pull the cardan out of the socket. From inside the crosspiece will have to be knocked down with a hammer, but this should be done carefully, otherwise the cardan splines may be damaged.
Causes of knocking in the steering wheel
A knock in the steering column on Camry V40 occurs because this mechanism is constantly in motion and is subject to the accumulating effect of mechanical wear. It is also worth remembering that the steering wheel is not a whole part, but a composite mechanism that includes many small parts. If at least one element fails, a knocking sound may occur in the steering wheel of a Camry V40. If the steering column becomes loose and becomes unusable, there is a high probability of getting into a dangerous situation and even an accident.
Before you start looking for breakdowns that cause discomfort while driving, it is important to realize that on a Toyota Camry, knocking in the steering wheel appears as a result of the formation of backlash. There are other reasons that prevent you from steering comfortably, but this is one of the most common problems.
The main sources of unpleasant knocking in the steering wheel are the same for many car models.
Typical problems are:
- excessively worn or damaged steering column bearing;
- breakage or damage to the Camry needle bearings located in the crosspiece;
- looseness of the connecting nodes in the bracket or other element of the steering wheel.
How to replace the steering cardan
Then a new crosspiece can be installed, or the entire repair kit can be replaced at once. As practice shows, such a replacement is justified, because by replacing each spare part separately, you will have to constantly subconsciously expect that something else will break down in the power steering. This unit must be assembled in the reverse order.
Did the knocking and play go away after that? This means it’s time to pay attention to the wear of the steering rack. When designing this car, engineers left room for additional debugging. The adjustment is made with a bolt located next to the cardan shaft entrance. Tightening it clockwise reduces the backlash, but not for long. This will have its own inconveniences. After all, now controlling the car will require more effort from the driver, and in extreme positions, the steering wheel may bite. In this vein, such adjustment is akin to delaying the problem rather than solving it.
Causes of knocking in the steering wheel
A knock in the steering column on Camry V40 occurs because this mechanism is constantly in motion and is subject to the accumulating effect of mechanical wear. It is also worth remembering that the steering wheel is not a whole part, but a composite mechanism that includes many small parts. If at least one element fails, a knocking sound may occur in the steering wheel of a Camry V40. If the steering column becomes loose and becomes unusable, there is a high probability of getting into a dangerous situation and even an accident.
Before you start looking for breakdowns that cause discomfort while driving, it is important to realize that on a Toyota Camry, knocking in the steering wheel appears as a result of the formation of backlash. There are other reasons that prevent you from steering comfortably, but this is one of the most common problems. The main sources of unpleasant knocking in the steering wheel are the same for many car models.
Typical problems are:
- excessively worn or damaged steering column bearing;
- breakage or damage to the Camry needle bearings located in the crosspiece;
- looseness of the connecting nodes in the bracket or other element of the steering wheel.
Complete replacement of the steering mechanism
To be 100% confident in the steering of your car, it is best to completely replace the control system. To do this, it will be most convenient to drive the car onto an overpass or pit. As a last resort, when this is not possible, all that remains is to jack up the front of the car. Then you need to unscrew all the high pressure hoses and drain the liquid from them. Next, you need to unscrew the steering tips from the hubs of the front wheels, without unscrewing them from the rods located on the rack, so as not to adjust the wheel camber again later. To get to the rack fixing bolts, you need to unscrew the stabilizer.
After this, all that remains is to unscrew the lower part of the cardan and the rack mounting bolts. The rack can be sent for repair, but it is better to buy and install a new original one. Of course, you can get by with a Chinese non-original spare part, but it’s still unsafe to skimp on the steering mechanism, and the steering rack is not some kind of battery on the remote control, which you can throw out if something happens and install a new one. Too high a price may be paid later. As a last resort, you need to at least replace all the 19x35x7 bearings individually, as well as the boot and silent block.
Everything is assembled in the reverse order, and it is better to fill the power steering with new oil. If you have any questions, it is better to watch a video on this topic.
Causes of knocking in the steering wheel
The causes of knocking in the steering wheel can be different. A common problem is a knocking sound in the steering due to worn crosspieces. The constant movement in this node is the reason for its short resource.
The appearance of signs of rattling and vibration may indicate damage to the steering column bushings. Car owners identify typical problems with the steering mechanism:
- bearing wear;
- needle bearing failure;
- bushing failure;
- damage to the crosspiece;
- loosening of the steering shaft cardan;
- steering rack wear;
- detection of hydraulic fluid leaks;
- steering wheel sticking.
The crosspiece is subject to heavy steering loads. It must be replaced in a timely manner. The driver can hear the first signs of a problem when driving on bumps and other road irregularities. If the crosspieces are worn excessively, wheel play may occur.
