The failure of the lower steering shaft will affect the steering performance of the vehicle, resulting in a poor driving experience and even safety hazards, which requires attention. To determine the failure of the lower steering shaft, you can check the following aspects:

Steering wheel shake or vibration

Symptoms: If the steering wheel shakes or vibrates abnormally while driving, especially at high speeds, there may be a problem with the lower steering column shaft or its connecting parts. A component of the steering system may be worn, loose or deformed, causing unstable transmission, which in turn affects the stability of the steering wheel.

Steering is not flexible or stuck

Symptoms: If the lower steering shaft fails, it may cause the steering process to become stuck or increase resistance, making steering difficult or not smooth. Especially when parking or driving at low speeds, the driver will feel obvious steering discomfort.

Steering wheel deviation or distortion

Symptoms: If there is a problem with the lower steering shaft, the driver may find that the steering wheel is not deviated normally, the steering response is slow, or the steering wheel reacts inconsistently when turning. This situation may cause the wheel and steering wheel to match inaccurately.

Abnormal noise in the steering system

Symptoms: When the lower steering shaft assembly or its connecting parts fail, abnormal noise may be emitted. Common types of noise include clicking, rattling, or rubbing noises, which are usually related to turning the steering wheel or turning the vehicle.

Inconsistent steering torque

Symptoms: If the steering feedback from the steering wheel is inconsistent when turning the steering wheel, such as uneven steering weight, or the steering force on one side is significantly heavier than the other side, it may indicate that some parts of the lower steering shaft are worn or failed.

Increased steering dead zone

Symptoms: The steering dead zone refers to the area where the steering wheel does not directly correspond to the steering of the wheels when it is turned. If you find that the steering wheel does not respond until it is turned a certain angle, or the dead zone increases, there may be a problem with the lower steering shaft.

Steering system hydraulic or electric power steering failure

Symptoms: In electronic or hydraulic power steering systems, steering may feel very heavy or completely lose power. This situation is sometimes unrelated to the lower steering shaft itself. If the lower steering shaft is damaged or there is a problem with the components that transmit torque, it may also cause the power steering system to not work properly.

Check for looseness in the steering system

Symptoms: If the steering wheel reacts abnormally loosely to the wheels, or if the steering wheel has excessive free travel when the vehicle turns, the car lower steering shaft or its connecting parts may be loose or faulty.

The symptoms of lower steering shaft failure vary, including steering wheel shaking, inflexible steering, noise, etc. The failure may be caused by factors such as shaft wear, loose connection or lack of lubrication. By observing and checking the performance of the steering system, you can preliminarily determine whether there is a lower steering shaft failure, and seek the help of professional maintenance personnel for in-depth inspection when necessary.