There are a few things scarier than losing control of your vehicle. Avoiding hazards on the road is hard enough; it’s even worse when your car becomes a problem too. Your steering system is one of the most important systems in your truck, and it’s integral to keeping other people and you safe while driving. This is especially true if you’re driving a powerful diesel truck. If you suspect there’s an issue with your steering system, don’t hesitate to address it or have it serviced by a professional.
How do you know if it’s the steering system that’s the problem? There are a number of tell-tale signs you can watch out for, some more obvious than others. We’ll guide you through the signs to watch out for so you can avoid a steering system mishap.
One of the most obvious signs your steering is wrong is a vibrating steering wheel. A vibrating steering wheel could mean your wheels aren’t aligned properly or point to power steering issues. Over time, foreign materials and contaminants get stuck in the steering system, which can cause the wheel to vibrate. Giving your power steering system a good flush can help alleviate this.
You might feel something strange when you attempt to turn your wheel. You can feel the steering wheel start to slip a bit when you turn it. This feeling might become more pronounced when you keep the steering wheel held in a turning position. This is a clear sign there’s an issue with your steering system as a whole. It could be the power steering system, or it could be a certain part, like a belt or rack mount. You might have to buy some replacement parts to prevent this from happening again.
Your steering wheel shouldn’t require a lot of force from you. If you notice you have to apply extra pressure to turn the wheel, you’ll need to fix the issue ASAP. Sometimes this probably is an easy fix: your system is low on power steering fluid and needs to be replenished. But there could be a steering fluid leak somewhere in the line. If you don’t notice any issues with your hoses, it could mean your wheels are out of alignment and need adjusting to work again.
New, unexplained noises are one of the clearest signs of a faulty steering system. You’ll specifically want to listen for a whining or squealing noise when you use your steering wheel. This could mean you have low steering fluid or that your belt needs to be replaced. A clunking sound requires more immediate service: it could mean your CV joints are beginning to wear down.
Leaks happen, and when they pop up, you need to address them quickly. A steering fluid leak could mean you’ve blown a gasket or have a loose fitting. The longer a steering fluid leak lasts, the longer you risk overheating your steering rack. This could lead to other nasty problems. These leaks tend to happen near the back of your car, and the fluid can be a red or pinkish color.
If you noticed your power steering fluid is discolored, it could mean one of two issues. The first, and most likely, is that water has somehow entered the system and messed with the fluid. The other issue is if you notice your steering fluid looks a little foamy. Foaming steering fluid could mean excess air has entered the system and contaminated the fluid.
A vehicle pulling to one side isn’t a minor annoyance; it’s actually a huge hazard for you and everyone else on the road. The most likely issue is that the steering gear has worn down. These gears can wear down quite quickly if they’re not getting proper lubrication from your steering fluid. Keep an eye out for leaks, and you might find the one that’s causing your gear to wear down.
You shouldn’t have to crank your wheel too much before the vehicle starts to turn. Having an excessive amount of play in your steering wheel is a sign of a serious problem. It could mean your steering gear is worn down or has become faulty. A good rule of thumb to follow is that you shouldn’t have to move your steering wheel more than an inch before your vehicle starts moving in that direction. If you need to
We know that our customers care deeply about their vehicles, because we care deeply too! That’s why we supply only the best, highest-quality parts. At Norcal Diesel Performance, we have the parts that you need to keep your favorite truck running smoothly. You can browse our shop for steering parts for Duramax and more. The last thing you want is your steering to give out during a critical situation. Stay proactive and pick up the parts you need now to help yourself down the line.
