Has your Land Rover ever had an unusual sensation when you are holding the steering wheel? Or does it take a little more effort to turn with a weird sound from the steering system while turning? These are clear signs that your steering system is faulty. One of the likely causes of a failed steering system is a steering shaft failure. What leads to the breakdown of the steering shaft and how can it be fixed before it becomes a larger issue?
What is the Steering Shaft?
Before we consider the causes of a breakdown, it is important to know what this component is. The steering shaft is one of the major parts of the car that directly connects your steering wheel to the other parts of the steering system. Every time you steer your car, the steering wheel turns the steering shaft. This action transmits the corresponding movement to your car’s wheels so that you can change the direction of your vehicle. In other words, if the steering shafts are not functioning fully, then your Land Rover will not be able to turn or steer easily.
What Could Make a Steering Shaft Breakdown?
- Wear and Tear: Like most other parts of your Land Rover, the steering shaft can also become worn out over time. This is because it is not immune to wear and tear caused by constant use. As it wears out, you will observe that your steering system is no longer as precise as it was. In the end, it might lead to eventual failure of the steering system.
- Lack of Lubrication: If you want the steering shaft in your Land Rover and the joints to work smoothly, it has to be well lubricated. When the steering system lacks lubrication, the metal parts rub together, leading to early wear and tear. This may cause a very hard and almost uncomfortable steering shaft feel. You may also hear a metallic sound each time the steering wheel is turned. You can prevent this problem if the vehicle is taken for regular check-ups, with the intent of inspecting and replacing the lubricants.
- Rust and Corrosion: Another cause of steering shaft failures is corrosion. When your Land Rover is exposed to water or salt, it can lead to the corrosion of the metal part connected to the steering system, which includes the steering shaft. As corrosion sets in, your steering shaft will start to weaken gradually. If you reside in an environment that has a very harsh winter season and road salts are used often, your Land Rover will be in a vulnerable position and will likely encounter a lot of rust-related problems.
- Improper Alignment: When the wheels of your Land Rover are not aligned, it puts extra force on the steering shaft, as well as the rest of the steering system. This can lead to wear or damage to the steering shaft earlier than anticipated. If every time you are driving straight, your vehicle swerves to one side or you notice that your tires are worn out unevenly, there might be some problem with the alignment. As soon as you observe these symptoms, take your Land Rover for a wheel alignment inspection to avoid extra workload on the steering.
- Faulty Universal Joints: Another part of the steering system that allows the steering shaft to flex easily is the universal joint, which some call the U-joint. As time goes by, the joints can become ineffective or damaged, leading to poor response from the steering or even a total failure.
What to Do if You Suspect a Problem
There are several signs like stiff steering, vibration, or loose handling that points to failure of the steering shaft on your Land Rover. When you see these signs, you should take your vehicle to an auto mechanic who will check the steering system. At M Service, our professional mechanics are used to attending to different Land Rovers issues, so you can count on us to repair the steering in case of a breakdown. We use the most recent diagnostic techniques when repairing your Land Rover to ensure that the car is fit for use on the road. Our shop is located in Walnut Creek, CA and we serve drivers from all nearby cities. Call us now to repair your Land Rover steering.