All control questions / Steering

Control questions about steering

Power steering and play in the steering: how to check that the car steers precisely.

1. How do you check that the power steering works?

   With the engine off, I turn the wheel so it feels heavy. When I start the engine, it should become easy to turn.

   Power steering helps you turn the wheel while the engine is running. Without it the wheel becomes heavy, and it is hard to steer safely at low speed.

   How to show it on the car:

   1. Turn the wheel a little with the engine off and feel that it is heavy.
   2. Start the engine and turn again: now it should be easy.

2. How do you check whether there is too much play in the steering?

   With the wheels straight, I gently turn the steering wheel back and forth. The wheels should start turning almost immediately.

   Play means the steering wheel can move some distance before the wheels react. Too much play makes the car imprecise to steer and must be repaired.

   How to show it on the car:

   1. Set the wheels straight.
   2. Gently turn the wheel back and forth while watching a front wheel.
   3. The wheel should start turning almost immediately.