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Your car’s steering is probably one of the aspects that drew you to it in the first place – maybe you liked the sporty handling, the comfortable feel of the steering wheel grip, or the car’s accuracy as it cleanly took a turn when you test drove it. All of those elements are strongly determined by the quality and consistency of the steering shaft, as a part of the general steering system in your vehicle. If the steering shaft encounters performance issues or premature wear, it is certain that you’ll notice differences in your driving experience. In this article, we’ll discuss in more detail what it looks like when the steering shaft begins to fail or malfunction and what can be done about it.
Your steering system is made up of a series of interconnected parts that function together to create a seamless steering performance. Your steering system is made up of the steering shaft or column, wheel, and rack, all of which work together to allow your car to turn and move smoothly around corners, turns, and maneuver successfully with precision.
If the steering shaft cannot properly connect to the steering gear, turning will become a serious issue. Furthermore, the steering shaft also helps to stabilize and secure the steering column lock and wiring – critical components that perfect the steering action in your car. Not all steering systems are alike, so it’s important to hire an automotive shop that specializes in your particular type of vehicle.
Picking up on the nuanced symptoms that accompany steering shaft or column failure is essential for diagnosing and treating the issue with accuracy and immediacy. There are certainly specific symptoms you may notice in your car’s performance that indicate there’s an issue with the steering shaft, but it’s important to find a specialist who can find the isolated source of the problem and not confuse the symptoms with another specific steering system component. Here’s what to look for when you suspect the steering shaft is failing:
Turning precision and smoothness
Once again, that clean, smooth turning capacity you once noticed in your car when you first bought it will most definitely be affected by a failing or damaged steering shaft. If you find that your car is no longer turning with a smooth precision, have the steering shaft looked at right away.
Premature shaft bearing wear
Since your steering system sees a lot of action, it encounters plenty of wear and tear. Therefore, it’s to be expected that you’ll need to attend to certain steering components as time goes on. Shaft bearings take on a lot of the stress of the steering system and are usually the first to go.
Feel of the steering wheel
Most luxury high-end performance vehicles are designed to have tight, precise steering efficiency that is evident in the feel of the steering wheel. If you begin to notice that the steering wheel grip isn’t feeling as firm as it once did, the shaft may be gaining unwanted elasticity.
Concerning sounds while steering
Noises while steering aren’t unusual, but they’re certainly a cause for concern. If you notice any grinding or clicking sounds while turning, this is beyond what’s considered to be normal and you should have the steering shaft inspected.
Steering wheel misalignment
The steering wheel should always automatically go back to its natural position – with the brand emblem at dead center. If while driving straight on a flat road you begin noticing your steering wheel isn’t returning to the center position, the steering shaft could be damaged.
Your first priority when dealing with steering shaft malfunction or failure is to bring it to a trusted automotive specialist with specific experience diagnosing and servicing your particular type of vehicle. Here at Euro Plus Automotive, we specialize in a range of luxury German and Japanese imports, such as: Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Volkswagen, Infiniti, Acura, and Lexus. For over 3 decades the residents of Canoga Park, Calabasas, Chatsworth, West Hills, Woodland Hills, CA, have entrusted us with their ongoing auto care, and we have successfully diagnosed and treated countless cases of steering shaft failure – we are confident that we can help you through your automotive issues as well. Please call us to learn more about our expertise or to schedule a diagnostic procedure.
Your Audi is an exceptionally intuitive vehicle; in fact, you might be surprised to learn that most vehicles since the 1990s have been designed and engineered to detect their own malfunctions and performance issues and alert the driver of such issues. Your Audi’s check-engine light is one of many dashboard warning symbols that illuminates when there is a related system issue occurring, causing your car’s performance to suffer. In this article, we’ll go over some basic information about your check-engine light, including what the check-engine light means, how to diagnose problems, the common issues associated with an illuminated check-engine light, and what you can do to keep your Audi in proper working condition – hopefully to avoid this type of driver alert from occurring in the first place.
Your Audi’s check-engine light serves as a warning system to the driver that something isn’t quite right with its functionality – whether mild or severe. When the check-engine light illuminates it simultaneously emits a code that indicates the specific part or area of the vehicle encountering a malfunction. As we mentioned, these issues range in severity, from a loose gas cap to a serious engine malfunction like spark plug failure. Many drivers equip themselves with their own diagnostic scanners that tell them where the issue is so that they don’t need to wait for an automotive specialist to tell them what the problem is. However, it’s important to remember that any time the check-engine light comes on it’s best to have a Audi specialist check out your vehicle to ensure your safety.
Even though there is a wide range of issues the check-engine light can indicate, it’s helpful to know what some of the most common causes of check-engine light illumination are. These are the top 5 related issues that usually cause the check-engine light to come on:
Spark plug failure or wear
It is essential that your Audi’s spark plugs remain in constant function, otherwise you could encounter engine misfiring or other issues that can not only cause damage to your vehicle, but pose a danger to you and your passengers while driving.
Catalytic converter issues
If your catalytic converter fails, your Audi will be unable to convert the harmful gases created by your engine into milder compounds that are less damaging to the atmosphere – this often leads to failed emissions testing.
Oxygen sensor failure or malfunction
Along with working spark plugs, your engine also requires the proper amount of oxygen. As part of the emission system, the oxygen sensor determines if your engine is receiving the proper amount of oxygen for combustion.
MAF (mass airflow) sensor
Without a working MAF sensor, your engine doesn’t know how to adequately adjust fuel and oxygen ratios for optimal performance.
Basic fuel system error
The most common fuel system error that causes the check-engine light to come on is a loose or ill-fitting gas cap – quite a simple issue with a simple solution.
Your Audi’s check-engine light commonly indicates that there is a problem with a primary area of your car’s functioning, which is why it is essential to follow up on any concerning symptoms – especially when the check-engine light comes on. Diagnosing the issue and treating it effectively as quickly as possible can help ensure your safety and secure the value and reliability of your vehicle.
Here at Euro Plus Automotive, we have specialized in treating Audi vehicles in the areas of Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles County, CA, for over 30 years. Our expert mechanics attend to check-engine light cases with total accuracy because we care for our clients’ safety and security. Furthermore, we offer special financing to our clients so that appropriately caring for their Audi doesn’t have to break the bank every time it requires a diagnosis, repair, or other maintenance service. If your check-engine light has recently come on, please don’t wait to have the problem assessed by one of our professionals – your safety is of the utmost importance to us.
* Audi Q5 S-Line image credit goes to: NikWaller.
Euro Plus Automotive specializes in maintenance, services, & repairs with certified technicians and cutting-edge tools & equipment for European vehicles including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, & more as well as Japanese cars like Honda, Nissan, Toyota, & more.
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