Symptoms of a bad steering column
A bad steering column commonly causes your wheels to become noisy and wobbly. Plus, the vehicle becomes tough to handle with a bad steering column, making it heavier to do turns and maneuvers.
The steering column is a big metal shaft connecting the vehicle's wheels to the steering system. The column basically links your steering wheel to your actual wheels through joints, shafts, and rods under your car. So, whenever you turn the steering wheel, the wheels follow your commands. A bad steering column results in many problems and symptoms, let's see them in more detail:
1. Heavy steering wheel
A bad steering column affects many components in the steering system, leading to rougher and stiffer movement. This stiffness may be due to worn-out bearings, lack of lubrication, or internal damage to the column components. A faulty universal joint in the column can also restrict movement, making it difficult to steer smoothly.
2. Noises When Turning the Wheel
A steering column connects to many other components, moving together and synchronized. However, a faulty steering column becomes rougher and out of rhythm, leading to noisy and clunky movements. These sounds often indicate loose or worn parts inside the column, such as damaged bearings or a broken intermediate shaft. Ignoring these noises can lead to further damage and potentially unsafe driving conditions.
3. Steering Wheel Feels Loose or Wobbly
A faulty steering column isn't as stable; it won't stay properly in place and might do crooked movements. If the wheel feels wobbly, it could mean that the internal components, such as bushings or the steering shaft, are worn out. A loose steering wheel can make it difficult to maintain control of the vehicle, especially at high speeds
4. The Steering Wheel Doesn’t Return to the Center
A faulty steering column won't be tuned enough to bring the steering wheel back to its center. Normally, after making a turn, the steering wheel should naturally return to its centered position. If it doesn’t, this could indicate a binding issue inside the steering column. Worn-out joints, rack and pinion problems, or a damaged intermediate shaft can prevent the column from functioning properly, making steering feel unpredictable.
5. Ignition Key and Starting Issues
Since the ignition switch is often integrated into the steering column, problems with the column can lead to difficulties with the ignition. If the key is hard to turn, gets stuck, or won’t come out, it could be due to a faulty ignition switch or worn-out lock components inside the column. This issue can prevent you from starting or shutting off the vehicle.
6. Issues Adjusting the Steering Wheel
Many vehicles have adjustable steering columns that allow the driver to tilt or extend the wheel for comfort. If this feature stops working, it may be due to a broken adjustment mechanism inside the column. A loose tilt mechanism can also cause the steering wheel to shift unexpectedly while driving, which can be dangerous.
7. Electrical Problems (If Integrated with Controls)
Inside the steering column of modern vehicles, you might find some wires, connectors, and electrical stuff; this is because the column is an easy passageway of wires for steering wheel functions like the turn signal, windshield wipers, cruise control, and the horn. If these controls stop working or function intermittently, it could indicate damaged wiring inside the column. A broken clock spring, which maintains electrical connections while allowing the steering wheel to turn, is a common culprit.
8. Airbag Warning Light
If the airbag warning light on your dashboard turns on, it could be due to a failing clock spring inside the steering column. The clock spring ensures the airbag and other electrical components in the steering wheel stay connected. If it breaks, the airbag may not deploy in an accident, making it a serious safety concern.
