The steering wheel is mounted on the steering column and transmits the force to the rack and pinion. The steering mechanism is attached to the sub-frame on two studs screwed into the mechanism housing. The gear rack of the steering gear is connected on each side to the tie rod via a ball joint. The tie rods transmit power through the steering knuckles and steering knuckles to the front wheels. Rack and pinion steering is easy to move and has no play when turning the steering wheel from lock to lock. The steering is virtually maintenance-free, but the condition of the protective covers of the ball joints should be constantly checked.
To facilitate turning the steering wheel, a power steering is installed. It consists of an oil pump, reservoir and oil lines. An electrically driven pump delivers oil from a pressurized reservoir to a valve located in the steering box. The oil tank is mounted on an electric pump unit, the flow rate of which is controlled by a computer. The valve is connected to the steering shaft and supplies oil, depending on the direction of rotation of the steering wheel, to the corresponding side of the working cylinder. The oil presses on the rack piston and thereby keeps the steering wheel moving. At the same time, the piston pushes oil from the other side of the working cylinder through the return line back into the reservoir.
The oil supply pipes to the pump and return to the tank are fastened with a clamp connected to the oil supply pipe.
The steering slider seal on the passenger compartment bulkhead provides sound deadening and also retains the floor mats and soundproofing. The second seal on the engine side, fixed to the steering gear housing (or hydraulic power steering valve), Provides sealing against water and dust ingress.
For the convenience of driving, the steering wheel is adjustable in height and in the longitudinal direction. The steering column is adjustable in height and depth by 40 mm and is equipped with a release sleeve. The steering column has a short body to maximize space under the pedal box and a safety system at the top to absorb energy over a length of 50mm in the event of a collision.
The steering column is fastened with nuts that are screwed onto the studs installed in the steering column support.
The lower part has a slider to allow for easier installation, eliminate adjustment and ensure that the steering column folds down in the event of an impact.
An airbag for the driver is installed in the center of the steering wheel. The airbag on the driver's side is standard equipment on all models. The security system is activated when the ignition is switched on and is activated by a deceleration sensor included in the control unit.
Attention! It is strictly forbidden to carry out welding and straightening work on the parts of the steering system. When installing, new self-locking nuts must be used.
If there is a malfunction in the airbag system, the warning lamp in the instrument cluster comes on.
Possible malfunctions
If contaminants enter the hydraulic circuit of the power steering system, the following problems may occur:
- jamming of the working bodies of the system;
- blocking and stopping mechanisms;
- leakage of working fluid;
- power steering failure.
Precautionary measures
Use only fresh working fluid to top up and fill the system.
To plug the openings of valves and pipelines, use special plugs or plugs.
Do not use any means to purge the hydraulic circuit and parts with air.
For each type of repair, strictly adhere to the following instructions:
- carry out repairs in a perfectly clean room;
- use only a lint-free cloth.