About the car steering column:
The steering column is a key part in your car’s steering system. It located at the top of the steering system and connects directly to the steering wheel. The role of the steering column is to form a connection between the pinion and rack assembly. This allows for the effective transfer of energy throughout your car’s steering system.
Learn more about how the steering column works >
Causes of a broken steering column:
Broken gears – Inside the steering column are several moving gears. Like any other moving component, these gears can be prone to failure over time. This can affect the entire operation of the steering column.
Dirt, debris and water – Over time, contaminants such as dirt and water (from windscreen leaks) can find their way into your car’s steering column. This can block / rust the moving gears and result in rougher steering wheel operation.
Please Note: your vehicles steering column will need to be in correct working order to be able to pass a Warrant of Fitness (WOF). If there is any play, roughness, binding, rattling or clunking noises or other damage found when inspecting the steering column then for safety reasons your cars steering column will fail a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) and need to be replaced.
Symptoms of a damaged steering column:
Steering wheel operating roughly – If you notice that your steering wheel is operating roughly, there may be a problem in the steering column. This problem will be most noticeable when you are making sharp turns.
Steering wheel not returning to original position – When you let go of your steering wheel, it should automatically return to its original position. If it doesn’t, you may have a blockage or broken gear in your car’s steering column.
Grinding noises – If the steering wheel bearings are damaged then the steering column can produce loud, grinding noises when the steering wheel is being turned.
Rattling / Clunking Noises – if the steering wheel column bearings or joints have too much play in them, then you may hear rattling or clunking noises while driving from around the steering column area.
Steering wheel binding – if your steering wheel doesn’t turn completely smoothly and binds in certain areas, then it could be rusted / seized steering column joints or bearings.
Steering wheel has play – if your steering wheel can be moved with almost zero resistance even a fraction (without moving the wheels) then the steering wheel may be loose on the steering column shaft, or the steering column bearing or joints could be worn or there could be wear / damage in the steering rack, tie rod ends or any other part of the steering or suspension.
New Steering Column & Steering Column Services in Hamilton
Is your car’s steering column worn, damaged or in need of a replacement? If so, we can help!
At Grimmer Motors, we can diagnose and fix problems in your steering column. This allows for smoother, improved steering of your car. We also offer a range of other steering and suspension related services for your car.
For new steering column installation and replacement in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!
Please Note – we don’t generally stock or supply just “parts only” for this service. We are a general automotive repair workshop. If you are able to bring your vehicle to us, we can diagnose the problem, find and fit the necessary parts, or organise the appropriate service for you.