Warning Signs of Steering Shaft Failure in Your Land Rover

by techplusaadmin November 1, 2021

Known among fans as one of the most respected four-wheel, off-road vehicle brands produced in the UK, Land Rover has always been an excellent choice for those who want a car with highly versatile driving capabilities. Even when properly-maintained and driven, Land Rovers are still susceptible to several issues. Drivers will need to be aware of the possibility of their steering shaft potentially failing in the lifespan of their vehicle.

While a failing or broken steering shaft will pose a problem to any driver, there are things to know and do to minimize the severity of long-term damage to your vehicle. We have compiled a quick rundown of some of the most important facts we feel you should know.

The Basics On Steering Shafts

It is obvious that steering shafts are related to your vehicle’s steering, but not everyone knows their specific purpose. The primary function of a steering shaft is to connect your vehicle’s steering system to its steering wheel.

In addition to just providing a connection, they are designed to be collapsible. This means that, in the chance of your car crashing, the shaft will both compress together and absorb much of the impact brought on from the collision. It is not an understatement that a functional steering shaft can potentially save your life.

The Most Common Symptoms of a Failing Steering Shaft

Driving without a properly working steering shaft does not only pose a risk to yourself, but it also poses a risk to others. Keep these common symptoms in mind while driving if you think that your Land Rover’s steering shaft may be faulty.

• Your vehicle is having difficulty turning. Common among failing steering shafts is the inability to turn correctly. Faulty steering shafts may grind or come to a sudden halt while trying to turn corners.
• Turning makes an unusual sound. Generally speaking, faulty steering shafts will start out producing a minorly loud sound, usually as a small pop or bang sound. However, as your steering shaft progressively degrades, the noise will start to become louder.
• Your wheel doesn’t immediately re-center after turning. Most modern vehicles have a safety feature built into their steering system to recenter their wheel after turning. If your vehicle does not do so, this is a common indicator of a failure in the steering shaft.
• When attempting to adjust your wheel’s vertical tilted position, your wheel does not lock automatically after adjusting. Another purpose of a steering shaft is to allow for the positioning of a steering wheel and the locking of said position. If your steering shaft is broken or failing, keeping your wheel firmly positioned will be impossible.
• The wheel bearings on your steering shaft are corroding or are highly rusty. While not immediately visible, all steering shafts have wheel bearings that allow your vehicle to drive more smoothly. Over time, these bearings can become rusty and dried out, causing them not to work as they need to. If your mechanic notices this while repairing your vehicle, this will be a clear sign that your steering shaft should be repaired.

Tech Plus Automotive Can Repair Your Steering Shaft

At Tech Plus Automotive, we believe in providing the highest quality repairs on your European vehicles at an affordable cost to you. Our expert technicians have years of experience diagnosing and repairing issues with cars and know what will need to be done on your Land Rover, in addition to other European vehicles.

Brands we service:

• Acura
• Audi
• BMW
• Infiniti
• Jaguar
• Land Rover
• Lexus
• Mercedes
• Porsche
• Volvo

Since 2003, we’ve been Scottsdale’s number 1 alternative to the dealerships for European drivers and we pride ourselves on becoming your go-to service center. We believe in complete car care, including service, maintenance, replacement, and repairs. This will keep you safe on the roads and increase the longevity and enjoyment of your Land Rover or other vehicle.

If you require an extensive repair or just a quick checkup on your vehicle, please feel free to call us or stop inside our shop at 7333 East Butherus Drive Suite B-200 Scottsdale, AZ. We also service surrounding cities like Phoenix, Paradise Valley, and McCormick Ranch, as well. We look forward to earning your business and working with you!