In order to maximize vehicle control, efficient steering involves balancing the steering wheel to avoid sudden movements and minimize steering wheel reversals. Both hands should be placed outside of the steering wheel on opposite sides. Your grip should be firm, yet gentle.
Power steering can be lightened on most vehicles and is even a factory option for some models. By removing the steering rack and adjusting it either electronically or mechanically, the effort required to turn the wheel can be reduced by varying amounts.
With your left hand, hold the wheel at either the 9 or 10 o'clock position and hold the other side of the steering wheel at either the 3 or 2 o'clock position with your right hand. 10-and-2 is better suited for older cars or any others with larger steering wheels and no power steering.
Unresponsive steering: this is the most common symptom of a loose steering wheel. If you notice that the front wheels don't turn as quickly or don't start turning immediately after you turn the wheel, it means a loose steering wheel.
The only way you can affect the feel a car's steering is by adjusting the air pressure of the front tires—and that will change the feel of the steering only to a minor degree.
Some of the major causes for hard steering are less or thick fluid in the power steering, improper tyre pressure, damaged serpentine belt, etc. Some of the major causes for hard steering are less or thick fluid in the power steering, improper tyre pressure, damaged serpentine belt, etc.
There are two methods of steering a motor vehicle that demonstrate correct steering wheel technique. These are the pull-push steering method and the hand-over-hand method. Your Driving Instructor should assist in deciding which method is most suitable for you.
Several experts say hand-over-hand steering isn't the safest steering method for two main reasons. First, with hand-over-hand steering the driver's arm crosses over the center of the steering wheel where the airbag is located. In the event that airbag deploys, it could cause serious injury to the driver's arm.
The most common causes behind slipping or loose steering wheels are worn steering belts, leaking or faulty steering pumps, and worn steering rack mounts. Having them replaced with original equipment-quality or even high-quality upgrades is a great way to solve the steering issue.
If the components are lubricated or cooled improperly, the power steering system can be jeopardized. Failing to replace the fluid on time makes the wheel increasingly difficult to turn until it gives out altogether. Damaged hoses and old, degraded seals are the biggest reasons for power steering leaks.
There are three main types of steering movements: hand-over-hand, hand-to-hand, and one-hand steering.
NHTSA recommends the driver use the area of the steering wheel area between “11 and 8 o'clock” with their left and the “1 and 8 o'clock” area with their right, regardless of which way they're turning. Using the hand-to-hand or push/pull steering method helps prevent injuries.
Experts at the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) now recommend 9 and 3 — on opposite sides of the wheel halfway up — as the ideal steering wheel hand placement. The 9 and 3 steering wheel hand position maintains good control over the wheel while reducing the risk of injury from the airbag.
The most common reasons for free play in the steering are looseness in the steering gear itself or looseness in one or more of the steering linkage sockets. Steering box or rack and pinion that is connected to the steering wheel by the steering column.
Excessive play in the steering wheel can also point to a worn or faulty steering gear. If you have to turn the steering wheel more than an inch before the wheels begin to turn, then you can be fairly certain there is a problem with the steering gear.
While greater caster angles serve to improve straight-line stability, they also cause an increase in steering effort. Three to five degrees of positive caster is the typical range of settings, with lower angles being used on heavier vehicles to keep the steering effort reasonable.
Low power steering fluid is one of the most common issues that you'll have as a driver. Your car will need its power steering fluid topped-up every once in a while, to ensure that the hydraulic power steering system continues to function smoothly.