Steering Shaft
Introduction to the Steering Shaft
A steering shaft is a mechanical shaft found beneath the steering wheel of a car. It is the fundamental piece between the steering wheel and the rack & pinion. The role of the steering shaft is to transfer the rotational force input from the steering wheel by you to the rack and pinion, which ultimately turns the driving wheels. It is the communication piece between you and the wheels of the car.
What you will learn:
Functions and Connections
The steering shaft is a metal shaft with U joints on both ends. It is engineered to consider any vehicular impacts so that it doesn’t harm the driver. Another key function is that it houses the U joints, which are connections that make torque/rotation possible at multiple angles. This is key because of the driver position and the position where the steering shaft meets the rack and pinion.
The position of where you sit to steer the car and where those movements get transferred to the wheels are offset. In most cases, drivers adjust the steering wheel to their desired height/position before driving. The steering shaft makes all of that possible without any issues in steering. The steering shaft is beneath your steering column and above the rack and pinion.
At the top end of the steering shaft, there is a U joint that is connected to the steering column. The steering column is the part that you interact with, it houses the steering wheel and column adjustments. When you turn the steering wheel left or right (driver input), the column turns and also turns the steering shaft, thanks to the U joint. The U joint is a rotational joint that connects two spinning shafts to keep rotation consistent even if the shafts aren’t aligned.
At the bottom end of the steering shaft is another U joint that connects to the rack and pinion, which is then connected to the wheels. The U Joint at the bottom is what transfers the driver’s input at the steering wheel to the wheels via the rack and pinion. Because of vehicle design and functionality, where you sit and steer is in a different position than where that steering input gets transferred. This is the main job of steering shafts. It houses the U joints to make a full connection of rotation/torque at different angles from the driver to the wheels.
Features of Steering Shafts
Overview of various features includes:
Intermediate steering shafts – This intermediate shaft allows steering input to be transferred to the wheels at different angles.
Collapsible steering shafts – Steering shafts are engineered to be collapsible in collision scenarios, so that the steering shaft doesn’t become a danger to the driver.
Adjustable steering shafts – Steering shafts are also adjustable to provide drivers with various positions that best suit their driving style.
Common Issues and Symptoms
A steering shaft is made up of a metal adjustable shaft with U joints on both ends. When it comes to wear and tear of the shaft, the U joints are the main components to look into. The U joint is one of the main components of the steering shaft because it accomplishes the main goal of rotation at multiple angles.
When you turn your steering wheel, the main parts being activated are the U joints. During normal operation, steering will feel smooth and effortless. However, when things go wrong, you will feel it automatically because it requires the driver’s input. Since the main components are the U joints when steering, then the U joints are the main culprit when steering feels wrong.
Now there are multiple components as to why a car steers, so here are some common issues. Symptoms that point to Steering shaft U joint issues:
- Excessive play or looseness in the steering wheel
- Unusual noises during steering, like clunking or squeaking.
- Difficulty in steering or stiffness.
Worn seals or screws in a U joint can lead to issues in steering feel or sounds as listed above. Once you experience any of the above issues and determine that the steering shaft is the issue, you should replace it promptly, as a lack of proper steering can raise vehicle handling and safety concerns. Replacement labor for the steering shaft can be from $100 – $200, while parts cost anywhere from $40- $500, depending on vehicle make and model. Grand totaling $150 – $700+.
Maintenance and Inspection
Keeping up with routine maintenance not only saves you time and money on engine parts but also on other components, such as your steering shafts. Getting balance and rotation on your tires and a wheel alignment gives you/mechanic the opportunity to spot any oncoming issues from a visual perspective. This heads up gives you time to solve any issues before they get too far or too expensive. Driving or test driving, in particular, will highlight any upcoming issues with steering shafts.
FAQ’s
What are the symptoms of a failing steering shaft?
Symptoms include :
- Excessive play or looseness in the steering wheel
- Unusual noises during steering, like clunking or squeaking.
- Difficulty in steering or stiffness.
How often should the steering shaft be inspected?
Steering shaft inspection is fine during routine maintenance. Test drives or regular vehicle operation allow you to check the steering shaft if it doesn’t feel as it should.
Can I drive with a damaged steering shaft?
Driving with a damaged steering shaft is NOT SAFE. Address any steering shaft issues promptly. Driving with a compromised steering shaft can lead to unpredictable steering and accidents.
What causes a steering shaft to wear out?
Causes of worn steering shafts are:
- Harsh driving conditions
- Corrossion
- Lack of lubrication
Is replacing a steering shaft a DIY task, or should it be done by a professional?
You can replace your steering shaft yourself if you follow the step-by-step guidelines properly. However, to avoid any alignment issues, these tasks are best handled by professionals with professional equipment.
