3 Signs the Mechanical Assembly in Your Steering Gear is Failing

Is your vehicle wandering on the highway? Do you hear unsettling noises when parking? While power steering pumps and hoses often get the blame, the issue might lie deeper—within the Mechanical Assembly of the Steering Gear.

Unlike hydraulic leaks which are visible, mechanical wear is internal and progressive. Here are three major signs that the gears and shafts inside your steering unit are worn out:

1. Excessive “Play” (Free Travel)
This is the most common symptom of mechanical degradation. If you can turn the steering wheel an inch or more before the tires actually move, the gear teeth (in a rack and pinion) or the worm drive (in a recirculating ball system) have worn down. This increases the gap between components, creating a “dead zone” that makes driving dangerous.

2. Clunking or Knocking Noises
If you hear a distinct metal-on-metal “clunk” when driving over bumps or turning the wheel back and forth while stopped, the internal mechanical tolerances have likely failed. This often indicates worn bushings that allow the rack to rattle inside the housing, or excessive clearance between the pinion and the rack.

3. Binding or Hard Spots
Steering should be smooth and consistent. If you feel the wheel “catch” or resist at specific points during a turn, it may indicate physical damage to a gear tooth, internal corrosion from a torn dust boot, or bent mechanical components.

The Verdict
The mechanical assembly is designed to last, but it is not immortal. If you experience these symptoms, simply adding power steering fluid won’t help. The physical assembly likely needs adjustment or replacement to restore safe vehicle control.