Steering box problems: symptoms and what to do

Over time, truck parts deteriorate, showing wear and failures. These may include problems in the steering box, the system responsible for better drivability for the driver.

When maneuvering is difficult, the chances of the problem being related to the truck’s steering box are high. That is why it is important to recognize some of the difficulties this equipment may develop.

Its function is not much of a mystery when you consider the name. In brief, the steering box is the central device that determines the vehicle’s direction. Shall we take a closer look at what that means?

What is the steering box?

Generally, the steering box consists of more than one item — a set of equipment. Its function is to use steering wheel movement to transmit the correct direction of travel to the wheels.

There is also more than one type of truck steering box. Get to know the most common:

• Mechanical steering box: consisting of a rack and pinion, it is “harder” to steer, as it depends entirely on the driver’s effort.
• Hydraulic steering box: the hydraulic system uses an engine-mounted pump that, with the help of fluid, exerts the pressure needed for steering, making it much lighter. Precisely for this reason, it is the main model used in trucks today.
• Electric steering box: in this case, it consists of an electric motor responsible for exerting the force needed to turn the steering wheel and road wheels. Remember that this motor does not depend on the vehicle’s engine to perform its function.

Regardless of the model fitted to the vehicle, recognizing steering box problems is very important, since repair costs are high.

The sooner you resolve them, the lower the risk of paying a high price, right? Now, let us look at:

What are the main steering box problems and how can you identify them?

1. Noise when maneuvering the vehicle

Noise tends to occur when maneuvering the truck, turning the steering wheel to its limit or simply turning it.

Here, the chances of the problem being in the steering box are high. To make sure, it is important to open it and inspect its structure. Generally, the parts need lubrication or the pressure hose needs checking.

2. Steering wheel vibration

Steering wheel vibration should not be treated as normal simply because it occurs at higher speeds. Unbalanced wheels generally produce vibration and, when left uncorrected, the imbalance can contribute to premature wear on tires and suspension and steering components.

The problem also appears when the driver feels the steering wheel shake while driving at low speed. This may indicate worn parts or that irregular maintenance has taken place in the steering box. The problem may even be described as the steering wheel “jumping” while driving.

Before proceeding with repairs, start by calibrating the tires and check whether balancing and axle alignment are needed. After all, vibration may come from these details, okay? It is worth testing.

If the problem persists and vibration continues at low speed, it is time to take the truck to a professional to check the steering box.

3. Heavy, resistant steering

If the steering wheel feels heavy while driving, making the vehicle difficult to maneuver, there are steering box problems. An oil leak or failure in the power steering hydraulic pump may be the cause.

What should you do, then?

As a first step, check the oil level. Then proceed with a professional investigation of the steering box.

4. Misadjusted gears

Gear failure is a problem that is harder to recognize. It happens when the wheels turn on their own or when the wheels lose speed as the steering wheel is turned. You need to pay close attention.

Once noticed, send the vehicle straight for maintenance. A more precise diagnosis is needed, with help from a professional in steering box problems.

5. Side rod and tie rod problems

In most cases, the first noticeable sign of this problem is steering wheel distortion. Internally, the steering box may have misalignment, play or parts reversed during assembly.

As we can see, these last two items are faults that are difficult to notice. Only frequent vehicle inspection could identify them and, of course, a deeper analysis would be indispensable — a complete vehicle checklist.

To leave no detail behind, a checklist during fleet maintenance checks is the best alternative. It consists of a list of essential items to check, including parts and other vehicle components that should be inspected for possible wear or failures.

With an “ok” or “nok”, you can recognize the urgency of inspections or even schedule future maintenance checks much more accurately, ensuring the truck’s good condition and performance.

Which items should you include in your checklist to identify steering box problems?

First, it is important to have the support of a trusted mechanic specializing in the heavy vehicle fleet sector to carry out maintenance for your transport company.

This can be through an external workshop or by hiring your own dedicated team within the company.

The checklist should be completed by the driver or an assistant. A general inspection is recommended at every trip departure and return, and a complete inspection once a month or before a long-distance trip.

Considering all steering box problems and their causes, you can identify the main items to include in your check. Among them:

• Wear on the parts making up the truck’s steering system;
• Tire calibration;
• Vehicle balancing;
• Engine oil leaks;
• Hydraulic steering pump failure;
• Worn or faulty gears;
• Steering wheel (check difficulty turning, noise, distortion, etc.);
• Steering box misalignment;
• Internal replacement of parts in the box.

Can you see how much there is to check before sending a driver on a trip?

Each item above is fundamental to safe transport and, if you do not know how to start your fleet inspection checklist, we provide some free templates for you.

Just download and print to start using them. Start organizing your fleet maintenance now with your free download (in Portuguese).