STEERING SYSTEM AND

TYRES
Automotive Maintenance Project
Introduction

 The most conventional steering arrangement is to turn the

front wheels using a hand-operated steering wheel which is
positioned in front of the driver, via the steering column,
which may contain universal joints (which may also be part
of the collapsible steering column design), to allow it to
deviate somewhat from a straight line.
 Other arrangements are sometimes found on different types
of vehicles, for example, a tiller or rear–wheel steering.
Tracked vehicles such as bulldozers and tanks usually
employ differential steering, that is, the tracks are made to
move at different speeds or even in opposite directions,
using clutches and brakes, to bring about a change of
course or direction.
 Cont…
 The design and type of the steering rack depends on the system
chosen. The steering systems used are divided into:
 a) Manual steering systems
b) Power assisted

Manual Steering

 The manual steering systems are used on light weighted vehicles, or

vehicles which have the biggest distribution of mass on the rear
wheels and can be easily turned with manual steering at low -speed.
The systems are fast and accurate and it provides a reliable design.
 However, it will become more difficult to handle the vehicle at low
speed if wider tires are used or more weight is distributed to the
front wheels.
 Cont…

 The manual steering system incorporates:

• steering wheel and column
• a manual gear box and pitman arm or a rack and pinion
assembly
• linkages, steering knuckles and ball joints
• wheel spindle assemblies
 There are different types of manual steering gear systems:
a) Worm and roller
b) Worm and sector
c) Worm and nut
d) Cam and lever
e) Rack and pinion
Rack and Pinion system
B. Power assisted steering

 Power assisted steering systems are used to amplify the turning

moment applied to the steering wheels for heavier vehicles
which might be hard to turn with a manually steering system at
low speeds. This is practical when the car is at a standstill and
the wheels have to be turned, i.e. when parking.

 A power assisted steering system is supported by a hydraulic

pump driven by the motor which directs pressurized oil, a boost,
to the steering gear and helps to push or pull the rack in either
of the directions. The boost is applied to the steering linkage or
the steering gear. A flow control valve limits the fluid flow to the
cylinder, and a pressure relief valve controls the pressure.
 CONT…

 The system can also be electrical driven. This is more efficient as the
electric power steering only needs to assist when wheels are turned
and are not run constantly with the engine as the hydraulically driven
system. It also works even if the motor is not running and by the
elimination of the pump, hoses and fluids the weight is reduced. There
is no leakage of fluids and it runs quieter as there is no pump.

 Common types of power assisted steering systems are:

1. Power rack and pinion: Power rack and pinion steering assemblies
are hydraulic/ mechanical unit with an integral piston and rack
assembly.
2. Power re-circulating ball: This power steering gear uses a re-
circulating ball system in which steel balls act as rolling threads
between the steering worm shaft and the rack piston.
Power assisted rack and pinion
Functions of the Steering System

 The most basic function of the steering system is to allow

the driver to safely and precisely steer the vehicle.
Beyond this, the steering system also provides a way to
reduce driver effort by making the act of steering the
vehicle easier.
 The components of the steering system also absorb some
of the road shock before it gets to the driver. Very little
has changed in the operation of the steering system or in
some of the components since the earliest automobiles.
The things that have changed primarily have to do with
increased ease and effectiveness of operation and
longer-lasting components that require less maintenance.
 Steering system problems diagnosis

 Symptoms of steering problems include play in the steering

wheel, hard steering, and abnormal noises when turning
 Inspect and test the steering system to find the source of the
trouble
Steering Wheel Play
 Amount that you can turn the steering wheel without front wheel movement
 Caused by worn ball sockets, a worn idler arm, or too much clearance in the
steering gearbox
 Compare the play to service manual specifications
 e.g. 1 1/2" (33 mm)
 Cont….
Dry Park Test
With the vehicle on the ground, rotate the steering wheel back and forth
while someone watches for part wear
Steering Inspection
 After raising the vehicle on a lift, wiggle the tires back and forth while
watching for steering play
Hard Steering
 Caused by problems with the steering gear, power steering
components, ball sockets, or the suspension system
 Check the condition and tension of the power steering pump belt

 If the belt is slipping, hard steering could result

 Check for cracks and glazing and compare the tension to specs
Cont….
Steering system Noise

 Noise can be a sign of worn parts, dry bearings or ball

sockets, loose parts, slipping belts, or a low power steering
fluid level
 Belt squeal and power steering pump noise both occur when
the steering wheel is turned
 Pump noise can result from a low fluid level or aerated fluid
 Steering System Maintenance

 Maintenance involves checking for low fluid level,incorrect

belt adjustment, system leaks, and other problems
 Ball socket lubrication may be necessary
1. Checking the Fluid

 Check most systems at operating temperature, with the engine off

2. Servicing the Belt

 When changing a belt, pry on a recommended point and adjust the tension to
specs
Steering Column Service
 Service is needed after a collision or when internal
parts of the column fail
 Most repairs can be done without column removal
 Steering Wheel Removal

Remove the horn button

and steering shaft nut

Scribe alignment marks

on the steering wheel
and the steering shaft

Mount a wheel puller

over the steering wheel

 Screw the bolts into the

threaded holes in the
steering wheel
Cont…
 Steering wheel Installation
 Tighten the puller against the steering shaft to remove
the wheel
 When installing the steering wheel, match any
alignment marks
 Many steering shafts use a master spline so that the
wheel only installs in one position
 Steering Column Joint Replacement
 The rubber couplings can deteriorate after prolonged
service or from exposure to oil leakage
 The U-joints can wear and develop play
 Steering Gear Overhaul

Follow the service manual

procedures
Disassemble the gearbox
Clean and inspect all of the
parts
All worn parts and used
rubber seals must be
replaced
Reassemble and install the
gearbox
Fill the housing with the
specified lubricant
e.g. SAE 90 gear oil
Cont…
Steering Linkage Service
 When your inspection finds worn steering linkage parts, new parts must be installed

Idler Arm Service

 Idler arm wear will cause play in the steering wheel

 To check an idler arm, force it up and down by hand

 Note the amount of movement at the end of the arm and compare it to
specifications
 typically, an idler arm should not wiggle more than 1/4" (6.5 mm)
 To replace the idler arm, remove the cotter pin and castle nut
 Use a fork tool or puller to force the ball stud out of the hole in the center link
 Unbolt the idler arm from the frame
 Install the new idler arm
 Torque the idler arm fasteners to specifications
 Install a new cotter pin
 Tie-Rod End Service

Tie-rod end wear will

cause steering play
To remove a tie-rod
end, separate the tie-
rod end from the
steering knuckle or
center link
Use a fork or puller to
separate the tie-rod
end from the steering
knuckle
Loosen the adjusting
sleeve, and count the
number of turns
required to remove the
tie-rod from the sleeve
 Assembly

Install the new part the

exact same number of
turns

Install the tie-rod ball

stud into the center link
or steering knuckle

Tighten all of the

fasteners to specs and
install a new cotter pin

Check toe adjustment

with an alignment
machine
 Inner Tie-Rod End Service (Rack-and-
Pinion)
Cut off the straps and
slide the boot out of the
way

Remove the part using

two wrenches or special
tools

Install the new part

Install all flat and lock

washers in their original
locations

Torque the tie-rod nut to

specs & Replace the boot
straps
 Tyres
 Pneumatic tyres are used on all types of vehicles, from cars to
earthmovers to airplanes. Tyres enable vehicle performance by
providing for traction, braking, steering, and load support. Tyres are
inflated with air, which provides a flexible cushion between the
vehicle and the road that smoothes out shock and provides for a
comfortable ride quality.
According to Construction

 Bias ply Tyres

 Radial ply Tyres
According to Air Handling
 Tube tyres
 Tubeless Tyres
 Basic components of a Tyre

Tread


Sidewall


Carcass or

Cord Body
Bead


 Belts
Liner


Breakers

Tyre Construction

 Tyre treads

 Sipes

 Grooves

 Blocks

 Ribs

 Dimples

 Shoulders

The Void
Ratio

N.B Void Ratio is the amount of open space in the tread

 On Tyre Problems and Maintenance
 Tyres in most operations are the second highest cost item after fuel. In view of
this fact it is on fitting that a strict tyre maintenance program be instituted to
contain tyre costs. The right tyre must be used in the correct application and
maintained properly. The neglect of tyres can result in increased costs and
down time. The maintenance of tyres involves a daily inspection routine and
all personnel who are associated with tyres have their part to play.

Tyre inspection

Off the road tyres are subjected to abnormal abuse due to the severity of
the operating conditions. This leads to premature damage such as cutting,
impact fractures, separations and penetrations. For safety and economic
reasons daily inspection routines, including the following, should be carried
out:

 Inflation pressure checks

 Tyre appearance
 Tyre valve and rim components appearance
 Tyre inflation pressure inspection
 Inflation pressures must be checked (and corrected when necessary)
before operating the vehicle. This ensures that the tyres start working
at the recommended COLD INFLATION PRESSURES as stipulated by
the manufacturer. When the internal temperature of a tyre is the
same as the ambient temperature, the pressure reading obtained is
called the "cold pressure". Pressure gauges must be accurate and
should be checked against a master pressure gauge regularly. The
master gauge should be examined frequently by the manufacturer
and are calibrated by the SABS on a regular basis.
 To maintain proper inflation pressures:
 Use proper rim components
 Check your pressure gauge against a master gauge
 Check tyre appearance and check for air leaks
 Check inflation pressure daily
 Tyre appearance
Damage Action
Foreign
Remove and
matter in
repair
tread
Remove and
Separation
inspect
Tread cuts
Remove and
into the
repair
body
Tread
Check inflation
groove
history and run
cracks
Check alignment
Uneven wear
and inflation

Tyre Report to
touching maintenance and
vehicle inspect

Mechanical defects such as misalignment, cause rapid tyre wear. Daily inspections will
help to highlight any mechanical defects so that corrective action can be taken early
and quickly.
 Cont…
 Tyre valve and rim components
The tyre rim components play a vital part in the performance of a tyre. Leaks
due to faulty rim components will cause excessive heat build up due to under
inflation. If left, the tyre will fail due to a run flat condition. Daily checks on valve
caps and extensions, and rim condition must be conducted during pressure
checks.
 Rim Maintenance:
 Rims must be free of rust. If rusted, then remove the rust by wire-brushing or
sand blasting. Once free of rust, rims must be painted.
 Handle rims carefully to avoid damaging the bead seats and are distorting the
rim-flanges.
 Care should be taken not to damage the valve hole.
 O-Rings:
 O-rings should be stored in a cool, dry place.
 Use a new O-ring whenever a tyre is mounted on a rim.
 Ensure that the correct size of O-ring is used.
 Take care not to damage the O-ring during fitting.
The 3D design of some components