I. How to Deal with Water Ingress into the Steering Gear
1. Draining Water by Turning the Steering Wheel
If only a small amount of water has entered, turn the steering wheel to its full angle several times. Start from the center of the steering wheel, turn it to the left as far as possible, return to the center, then turn it to the right as far as possible, and finally return to the center. This completes one full angle turn. Repeat this several times until the water and power steering fluid are drained. Then, add new power steering fluid.
2. Draining Water by Disassembling the Steering Gear
You can also disassemble the steering gear to drain the water. First, use a screwdriver to remove the screws on the steering gear, remove the oil lines and washers, and drain the water and power steering fluid. After it dries, replace the power steering fluid. You can use a rust remover to remove rust from the steering gear, apply some grease, and then reassemble the parts.
3. Replacing the Steering Gear
If the water has been in for a long time or the water ingress is severe, you will need to replace the entire steering gear. Since this requires more tools and involves more complex procedures, it is recommended to go to a professional repair shop.
During regular vehicle use, drivers should frequently check the protective covers on both sides of the steering gear, as well as the protective cover connecting the upper part of the steering gear and the universal joint. Damage to these protective covers is one of the main factors leading to premature wear and damage to the steering gear.
Once the protective covers are damaged, water, dust, sand, and other impurities can enter the steering gear through the damaged area, disrupting the lubricating grease film on the gears and racks, leading to rust and wear inside the steering gear.
If these impurities are not removed promptly, the steering gear may become unusable in a short period. Therefore, the protective covers should be checked monthly.
II. Symptoms of Water Ingress into the Steering Gear
When water enters the steering gear power system, a series of problems will occur:
- Difficulty in Maneuvering: When maneuvering the steering wheel while stationary, you will feel significant resistance; when turning, the steering wheel is difficult to turn and requires more force.
- Abnormal Noises: During steering wheel operation, you may hear abnormal creaking or grinding noises.
Fluid Leakage: Moisture entering the steering gear can accelerate the aging process of seals and oil lines, leading to fluid leaks or seepage.
Steering Wheel Return Problems: Moisture may prevent the steering wheel from automatically returning to its initial position.
Instrument Fault Indication: Moisture can cause short circuits in the steering gear’s internal circuitry, resulting in fault indications on the instrument panel.
It’s important to emphasize that water ingress into the steering gear doesn’t always mean the entire system needs replacement. If the steering gear’s dust cover is intact, its function can be restored by drying the internal moisture and performing necessary maintenance. However, if the moisture ingress is severe and not properly addressed for a long time, it can cause irreversible damage to the steering gear, requiring replacement. Therefore, regularly checking the steering gear’s protective cover and replacing it promptly if any damage is found is a crucial step in preventing water ingress. Furthermore, avoiding prolonged driving through deep water areas is also an effective way to reduce the risk of water damage to the steering gear.