1001 Sam Bass Rd, Round Rock, TX, 78681
(512) 255-2022
Your vehicle’s steering system works efficiently to keep your car in motion and also to move in the direction you wish it to. This system is made up of several components all of which can wear out as time passes due to stress.
The steering shaft connects the steering wheel to the steering gearbox and ensures that small inputs or turns in the steering wheel are reciprocated in your tire/wheels so the car follows a certain direction. A faulty steering shaft could lead to serious complications in your car including a safety risk. Hence, you need to understand common signs of failure so you can get your car fixed before much damage is done.
Common Indications of a Faulty Steering Shaft in Your Car
If you notice any of the following signs when driving, then it could be that your car has some steering shaft problems that need urgent attention.
1. Steering Wheel Vibrations
This is one of the most obvious signs of a problem in a car’s power steering system. If you are driving and you start to notice that your car’s steering wheel is unstable or shakes as you accelerate, then the steering shaft could be bad.
These vibrations are caused by worn out parts of the steering shaft and they become more noticeable when driving on high speeds. You should take your car to a mechanic immediately you notice this as this could make you lose car control if it gets worse.
2. Difficulty in turning wheel
If it gets too tough to turn your car’s steering wheel, then the steering shaft could be faulty. One of the damages that could occur to a car’s steering shaft is corrosion from exposure to moisture and air. After a while, these corroded parts can become rigid, causing a resistance in the wheel and as a result, the wheel gets too difficult to operate.
3. Wheels off balance
Another sign that could point to a faulty steering shaft is an imbalance in the steering wheel’s angle. If you notice that your car’s wheel is not aligned at the center as it used to be, then there is a problem in the power steering system and it could be a steering shaft problem. This could also affect your car tires as they may not move in a straight direction and could eventually cause uneven wear distribution.
4. Strange noises
If your car begins to make strange sounds when you turn the steering wheel in a particular direction, then you should watch out as it could be due to a faulty steering shaft. These clicking or popping sounds are usually produced when there is damage in the system, so loose materials in the steering system clang against each other or against vehicle parts.
5. Slow steering response
The point of a car’s power steering system being a hydraulic system is to allow for little effort and large force. This means that a slight touch or adjustment to the steering wheel should result in a change in direction. However, if your car has a faulty steering shaft, it could respond slowly to any steering force.
6. Wheels fail to return to original position
When you turn your steering wheel to change the direction of your vehicle, it is expected that the wheels return to a straight position after the turn has been completed. However, if this does not happen in your car, then it could be that there is an issue with the power steering system. A damaged steering shaft could be a reason for this as there is no longer a smooth transfer or rotation motion between the steering wheel and the gearbox.
The Best Garage to Fix a Faulty Steering Shaft in Your Car
If your car has a bad steering shaft, you 
should immediately find ways to fix it as it is not safe to drive around with such an issue. You should visit a trusted mechanic and explain the situation to them so they can take it from there.
Adair and Sons is one of the leading automobile repair shops in Round Rock. We have been providing maintenance and car care services to German vehicles for many years, so we have enough experience to help fix any issues with your car. Bring our car down today and trust us to deliver exceptional services.