What if I hear a crunch when turning the steering wheel? First of all, you need to understand the general structure of the steering mechanism of a modern car. This will allow beginners to understand what is allowed during its operation, and what is strictly prohibited, thanks to this information it will be possible to save some amount of money.

When you turn the steering wheel, a crunch is heard, which may be accompanied by slight vibration or other signs... Is this a malfunction, is it worth worrying about? So, what is the design of the steering mechanism.

The main functions that are assigned to this unit: the transfer of power from the steering wheel to the turning wheels, for this, automakers began to implement. Also, the steering mechanism ensures that the steering wheel returns to its original position if the load on it has disappeared.

Device

This mechanism is a gearbox with a set of gears. Among the steering rods, there are worm-gear, rack-and-pinion and screw type. The most common of these three is the rack and pinion mechanism.

It is installed on modern cars, the essence of its work lies in the fact that by turning the steering wheel, the force is transmitted to the rail, which goes left or right, depending on the direction of rotation... But need to understand, the design features of this mechanism force manufacturers to install it only on cars equipped with front-wheel drive, while their suspension must be independent.

The worm gear is based on the so-called worm - screw shaft... The essence of his work lies in the fact that the steering wheel makes a special roller move along the groove of the worm, shifting it.

This movement transmitted to swivel wheels... I would like to note the fact that this mechanism is difficult to manufacture, expensive to maintain, because has a mass of connections in its design and calibration is required over time.

However, among the advantages, it is possible to note a large angle of rotation of the wheels, which provides excellent maneuverability of the car, it is also not afraid of impacts on the steering wheels, which allows it to be used on special equipment and off-road cars, buses, etc.
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The screw mechanism has a complex design, according to the principle of operation it is very similar to the worm-type steering rods.

This type of mechanism differs from the previous ones, that it has a high level of efficiency, that is, the driver's effort is realized more efficiently.

The expensive segment of cars is equipped with exactly this type of steering rods; it can also be found in heavy and cargo vehicles.

Crunching steering gear

Sometimes when the steering wheel is turned in different directions, it usually does not depend on the side of the turn, an uncharacteristic sound is heard - a crunch. Feels like it might resemble the friction of an elastic band on plastic. Some car owners who understand a little about the steering mechanism put an end to the rail.

On different brands and models of cars, the price for this repair varies, but it is considered expensive. But don't jump to conclusions, sometimes the problem lurks on the surface.

You need to drive the car to the stand in a car repair shop, carry out diagnostics. Most likely the problem lies in support bearings... I would like to note for car owners who are still under warranty service - this case is just the same under warranty.

If you are not particularly versed in cars or just do not want to mess around with replacing bearings, then it is better to entrust this to the masters. But remember, if a crunch is heard when turning the steering wheel, there may be a lot of reasons, contacting the workshop remember that careless auto repairmen can trick you into expensive repairs.

The steering system is extremely important to maintain in good condition, since driving safety directly depends on it. One of the problems that a driver runs the risk of is the appearance of a squeak when turning the steering wheel. This symptom can occur both on cars with hydraulic power steering, and on cars without power steering. The squeak can come from the steering wheel itself, or from under the front of the car. In this article, we will look at the main reasons why the steering wheel creaks when turning and what to do in such a situation.

Table of contents:

How to determine the cause of a squeak when you turn the steering wheel

The steering mechanism of a car is quite complex, especially if it works in conjunction with an amplifier. Because of this, the reasons that lead to squeaking when turning the steering wheel can be mass.

Carrying out diagnostic work that will determine the causes of the squeak should begin with identifying a specific place from which a squeak is heard when turning the steering wheel. To do this, you need to put the car in a hole and ask someone to turn the steering wheel, while listening to the sounds from under the car in order to establish the place of the creak. Having decided which element squeaks, you can proceed to repair.

Common causes of squeaking when turning the steering wheel

Here are the most common reasons why you hear a squeak when you turn the steering wheel.

Incorrectly executed

If squeaking is heard from tires, and this mostly occurs when the vehicle is stationary, chances are good that the problem is incorrect wheel alignment. In this case, it is necessary to make similar camber as soon as possible in order to fix the problem.

Wrong wheel alignment angles negatively affect rubber, which begins to wear out unevenly and breaks down much faster than it should.

Silent blocks creak

A common problem often encountered in hot weather. If the silent blocks began to creak at a high ambient temperature, this is the first "bell" that they will soon fail.

Silent blocks creak in hot weather due to their drying out. Since the main working material of silent blocks is rubber, at high temperatures it “dries up” and decreases in size, especially when it comes to relatively old parts.

There is no danger in the creak of the silent blocks until the part breaks. Remove the silent blocks and carefully inspect them for cracks and various kinds of damage. If there are no visible problems, you can put them in place and continue driving, hoping that soon the air temperature will drop below, and the squeak will disappear.

Please note: For many modern cars, you can find silent blocks made of polyurethane, which is not subject to the problem of "drying out" in the heat.

Bearings creak

If you hear a creak, squeak, or crackle from the steering wheel when the steering wheel rotates, this is most likely indicative of a bearing problem. They behave in a similar way if there is not enough lubricant for their proper operation, or if there is sand (or other foreign element) in the bearing.

The creaking of the bearing must be eliminated as soon as possible so that the part does not completely fail. To do this, remove the bearing and inspect it for damage. If they are not found, then lubricate the part, reinstall it and adjust.

Please note: When a bearing squeak is caused by foreign elements entering it, be sure to find the reason for them entering the part.

Steering rack or steering column creaks

It is quite easy to determine the squeak of the steering column by the characteristic vibration, which will also occur when the steering wheel rotates. Most often, the steering column clutch squeaks, and a similar problem is typical for cars that have been unsuccessfully restored after a serious accident. This problem, if the noise is not strong, does not affect the quality of the steering mechanism, so you can continue to operate the car. The situation can be corrected only by replacing the steering column.

Also, a squeak can come from the articulation of the steering rack and column, if they are poorly adjusted or there is severe wear. Depending on the car model, this problem is solved in different ways. Most often it is possible to adjust the mechanism.

Tie rod ends creak

Due to damage to the boot, foreign elements enter the tie rod end pin, which leads to squeaks, both when turning the steering wheel and when overcoming obstacles. To determine the presence of a problem, you need to inspect the tips, and if sand or other foreign object really got into them, you will need to replace them, while it is recommended to change them in pairs.

The plastic casing creaks

Every driver knows that with the active use of a car of not the best build, "crickets" will appear over time. They represent the creaks of the front panel, including the steering shroud, made of plastic. This problem is solved in different ways, depending on the car model.

If all the parts described above were inspected and it was not possible to find out the cause of the squeak, it is also recommended to check the power steering belt and brake elements, especially pads and discs.

The steering control (RU) of the car plays an important role, since it depends on its serviceability in which direction you go or not go ;-). Problems in the steering can cost you dearly, and now it's not about money ...

Faulty steering must be repaired immediately, at the first symptoms that indicate breakdowns. One of the most common breakdowns of the switchgear is a crunch when turning the steering wheel, if you find such a breakdown, do not delay its diagnosis and repair. How to diagnose a steering malfunction? Everyone has their own answer to this question - it is easier for someone to contact the service, someone prefers to do any. Both are right in their own way, in both cases there are "pluses" and "minuses". As for the diagnostics and repair of the helmsman at the station, the main advantage is the presence of prof. equipment, as well as extensive experience of the most "servicemen", which will allow you to quickly and efficiently not only diagnose a breakdown, but also eliminate it in the shortest possible time. The only drawback is that the service is not free, and the repair of the steering does not mean changing the pads, the price tag will be appropriate. Therefore, it is up to you how to deal with the problem.

The difficulty in diagnosing a RU malfunction lies in the fact that when turning the steering wheel, you "turn" not only to the steering rack, a lot of nodes are included in the work: steering rods and tips, CV joints, wheels and more. Therefore, it is impossible to say exactly what causes the crunch when the steering wheel is turned; moreover, it may not be connected at all with the steering mechanism.

This breakdown is very similar to the crunch of the CV joint, so you should proceed according to the elimination method, checking this breakdown first. If you notice a crunch while driving, most likely the reason will be connected with the CV joint. "", which is also called the constant velocity joint (CV joint), is directly connected to the steering mechanism, therefore, in the event of a malfunction of this part, while driving when turning the steering wheel, you may feel a crunching sound. When you turn as much as possible, the faulty "grenade" begins to emit clicks, if this breakdown is not repaired in time, the crunch will increase.

Steering rack

The crunch when turning the steering wheel can also be caused by a malfunction of the steering rack, although this is not so common, moreover, the crunch itself is significantly different from the crunch of the CV joint.

Signs include the following symptoms:

• The appearance of an extraneous sound when turning the steering wheel in any direction, even when the car is stationary;
• Vibration is felt, knocks are heard, which are given to the steering wheel;
• When the engine is turned off, a knock or play is felt in the extreme free play of the steering wheel;
• When turning the steering wheel, excessive stiffness appears or, conversely, abnormal lightness;
• Wheels do not react well to the steering wheel, turns are difficult.

If you come across a familiar problem in the list of symptoms, you need to repair the steering rack. As a rule, on most new cars the rack is not serviced, that is, it changes completely in the event of a breakdown, although there are craftsmen who manage to completely sort out the steering rack and restore its work.

Undercarriage: bearings and other rare causes of crunching when cornering

If, when checking the above-described nodes, you still did not manage to find a malfunction, you should pay attention to other possible causes, which are much less common, but can also cause an unpleasant crunch or rattle. One thing is for sure, that if this is not a CV joint and not a steering rack, then most likely the reason lies in the chassis. Of course, it is quite difficult, since the chassis includes a large number of parts, each of which can creak, click, knock, and much more. The point is that at home it is not easy to find what exactly and where you are "covered", therefore, to diagnose chassis malfunctions, it is better to stop by the diagnostic stand or, as the carriers call it among themselves, "shake".

In the case of the running gear, the wheel bearing may emit extraneous sounds. Although, on the other hand, the hub bearing does not crunch at all at speed, it gives itself out as a characteristic hum, which increases with increasing speed. Rarely, but still occurs when the cause of the crunch lies in the thrust bearings, which, due to a malfunction or sand getting inside, begin to crunch when you turn the steering wheel.

In conclusion, I will add ...

If home diagnostics did not lead to anything, seek help from specialists, it is not necessary to repair your "swallow" in the same place, this can be done at home, the main thing is to find the cause of the crunch when turning the steering wheel. And you can do the "treatment" by yourself or with the help of some familiar car mechanic. I also advise you not to wait for miracles from the machine and hope for a magical "Maybe it will pass by itself?", As practice shows, this not only will not work, but will also get worse. And if today you only hear a crunch, then in a week or a month, depending on the intensity of operation, you will have more serious and expensive repairs. For example, I didn't change the release bearing in time - in a month you will replace the clutch with the basket assembly. The difference in money is very big, so remember the golden rule: "Prevention is always cheaper than treatment", the same with a car, it is better to spend money today and change something less expensive than then "fly into a penny" with the replacement of the entire unit. Think, decide, and draw the right conclusions! Thank you for your attention and good luck on the road! Until.

If there is a knocking, hum, squeak, or rattle when you turn the steering wheel, this is, in fact, not always a problem that needs to be addressed. So, cars with power steering make noise quite often (a kind of low hum) when turning the steering wheel, and this is a feature of power steering. It's another matter if this hum turns into a grinding, creak, or even a knock, or just intensifies - then there is a chance that you will have to contact a mechanic.

Can you describe the noise? Is it crunching, squealing, hum, knocking, grinding, and so on when you turn the steering wheel? It is very important that you can correctly characterize this type of sound. In any case, below for each of the symptoms, we will consider additional clues to finding the exact problem. But you still need to take into account the following nuances of this noise:

1. What is the nature of this noise: knocking, grinding, hum, crunching, creaking or something else?
2. Does the noise appear only when turning the steering wheel, when entering a turn, or under any other circumstances and actions?
3. Does the noise always appear or does it depend on the weather, humidity, warming up of suspension / steering components, vehicle load, etc.?
4. Sounds when you turn the steering wheel to the left or right, or both directions?
5. What additional symptoms or problems do this noise cause?

Answers to all these questions will provide valuable information for the correct diagnosis of steering noise.

The front of your vehicle has many different tasks:

• prevents the car from rolling when cornering;
• moves the wheels up and down for shock absorption;
• allows you to turn the wheels by the steering wheel;
• transfers power from the engine to the wheels, driving the car in front-wheel drive cars.

With this in mind, there are many reasons for the front suspension and steering mechanisms to wear out. Fortunately, as these components wear out, many of them start making strange noises warning them that they must be replaced, lubricated, or fixed. However, by the time they start making noise, they are usually very close to failure, so it is best to diagnose this or that unit as soon as possible. Some sounds emitted when you turn the steering wheel are like knocking, others like creaking, others like hum, and so on.

Here is a list of all the noises your car can make when you turn the steering wheel and the possible problems associated with them. These are the places where you should start your diagnosis, but remember, this is not an exhaustive list of possible causes. So, what could be the reasons for knocking, creaking, hum when turning the steering wheel?

Hum while turning the steering wheel in place

This kind of noise when turning the steering wheel when the car is stationary is typical for vehicles with power steering (PAS). And this is a normal condition for any car with power steering. If you got into the car for the first time and hear this quiet hum, then know that it will accompany you quite often. In very rare cases, a hum can appear only when the steering wheel is turned in one direction: left or right.

However, if you have owned a car for a long time, and the hum has obviously become louder, appears not only when you turn the steering wheel in place, but also on the move, then you may need to check the power steering. Do not worry, the most common problem with a symptom such as hum when turning the steering wheel can be easily solved by adding power steering fluid. Just check its level under the hood (a special tank with marks for the minimum and maximum fluid levels and identification in most cases that this is the power steering fluid). A low fluid level may indicate a possible leak, so after topping up, check the fluid level at least once a week.

Power steering in the steering system

Other problems with such a symptom may be a faulty power steering pump, air that has entered the power steering system, or a weakened power steering belt. In this case, only a specialized service will help.

Almost all of the indicated malfunctions of the power steering are manifested, in addition to the hum when turning the steering wheel, even more difficult turning this steering wheel itself.

Knock when turning the car in motion

The next symptom is a characteristic knock when you enter a corner. Moreover, the knock can be the stronger, the smaller the turning angle and the worse the road. Such a knock is typical for damaged shock absorber struts - they simply stopped working properly and must be replaced. Due to the fact that shock absorbers on one axis do not always wear evenly, knocking is usually accompanied when turning in one direction, but not in the other.

Shock absorber shown schematically

Another symptom, in addition to knocking when entering corners, characteristic of this malfunction is the appearance of knocking on uneven surfaces, including when driving in a straight line. The fact is that the load on the shock absorbers increases precisely in the turn, and they knock more often at the same time. Also, pay attention to the presence of wet spots on the shock absorbers - this may indicate a leak.

If your car is more than one year old, it already has an impressive mileage (we will not give numbers, since the struts can become unusable for different models in different ways, and, in addition, many other factors affect this), it has shock absorbers are at risk (the disease of your model, which can be found on a thematic forum, for example, or from a dealer), it is quite possible that shock absorbers are the cause of knocking when cornering. You can check this by visiting a professional mechanic.

Knock when turning the steering wheel with steering play

Although the steering joints do not require maintenance for almost the entire service life of the car, they still wear out in the conditions of our roads. The main symptom of wear on the steering joints is their weakening with the appearance of backlash and a characteristic, but quiet knock at the very beginning of the steering wheel turn. The most accurate determination of the cause of such a knock when turning is possible by standing on a flat spot in the parking lot and trying to turn the steering wheel from side to side - first with small movements of the steering wheel, and then more and more, until the backlash and knock are determined. You can also get out of the car, look at the wheels and do the same work with the steering wheel through an open car window or door. If you see that when the steering wheel is twisted by small amplitudes, the wheels remain motionless, then a play has appeared in the steering system, which must be eliminated.

You can defeat this malfunction by diagnosing all the hinges with a specialist for wear and play, and replacing the worn out hinges and joints and tightening the corresponding mechanisms that give the steering wheel play.

Squeaking or grinding noise when turning the steering wheel both in place and in motion

Another noise that can be heard when it comes from the steering wheel and responds to steering turns is a creak or grinding noise. These sounds are usually also a symptom of worn joints in the steering system or front suspension. As in the previous case, it is necessary to diagnose the connections in the steering or suspension and replace them as necessary.

But the most common problem with this symptom is worn out steering tips or a lack of lubrication in them.

Also, the cause of a squeak (sometimes to a crunch) when turning the steering wheel, regardless of whether the car is standing or driving, may be the support bearings of the strut or lower ball joints. In the latter case, an additional symptom is wheel play when the vehicle is under weight.

Cornering crunch in front wheel drive cars

It also happens that the car already crunches when entering a turn. Moreover, the steeper the turn and the higher the speed, the more characteristic and louder the crunch is. It seems that this crunch does not depend on the steering wheel turn, but comes from the turning maneuver on the road and is emitted from under the wheel on which the load falls - that is, the wheels on the outside of the turning trajectory. At the same time, the crunch most often occurs when turning only in any specific direction: to the right or to the left.

This crunch is typical only for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles. And the reason for the crunch when turning the car is the CV joint, better known in the common people as a "grenade".

The CV joint is a joint that allows the front wheel to turn in all directions at a specific angle while maintaining a constant axle speed. Since the CV joint is constantly spinning and experiencing serious stress, sometimes it wears out and must be replaced.

The insides of the CV joint

You can check the condition of the grenades in the car by turning the steering wheel all the way and slowly, and then a little faster, driving the car in a circle - first in one direction, then in the other. If you hear a crunch with this maneuver, then your CV joint is worn out. Please note that if such a crunch is also accompanied by vibration, then the car should be taken to a specialist as soon as possible.

Garnet (highlighted in red) in the anther

The grenade must always work inside the boot, which protects it from dirt and dust from entering the system. It often wears out due to damage to this anther. And the crunch of a grenade is nothing more than grinding particles of dirt inside it or crumbled grenade bearings.

Your car is an extremely complex system, and suspension steering systems are made up of many components and vary in structure, type of operation and component parts from model to model, and often even from modification to modification of the same model. Therefore, this or that noise can indicate not only everything that we have given above. Often all kinds of sounds are emitted by the steering column, steering rack, steering knuckles, shock absorbers and hinges. Even an elementary falling off or weakened part that is completely unrelated to the steering or suspension of the system can, for example, begin to touch the elements of the steering system or suspension when turning the steering wheel or on bumps, respectively.

Nevertheless, the optimal course of action in the event of the appearance of this or that extraneous noise when turning the steering wheel or the entire machine is, first of all, to identify additional noise symptoms (steering to the side, more accurate identification of sounds). Next, you should inspect all the anthers of the steering system and suspension under the car, check the steering wheel, and then the wheels for play.

If there are certain problems in the steering of the car, you should immediately fix them, otherwise delay can lead to the fact that the most important system of your car will malfunction and stop functioning normally. If it breaks down abruptly and directly while driving, then serious troubles in the form of loss of control and other not very successful consequences are not excluded. A crunch when you turn the steering wheel can mean several problems, each of which should be given special attention when diagnosing. Self-correction or contacting a specialized service is up to you. The car will definitely need good diagnostics, because the service has many advantages in this case.

A good service station will help you do a really good research on each chassis and steering assembly to get reliable answers to the question of what caused the crunch. Turning the steering wheel affects more than just the steering rack. In this process, the steering tips are included in the work, as well as the rods that pull on the chassis elements. Therefore, a knock or crunch in the steering wheel does not always mean problems with the steering mechanism. This can give away troubles with the chassis. Today we will look at three of the most common steering wheel crunching problems.

CV joint is one of the likely culprits for steering wheel crunch

The steering gear does not often make sounds similar to a crunch, but for the CV joint it is the main indicator of a possible malfunction. Therefore, it is this breakdown that should be checked first. If it crunches when turning in motion, it means that in 90% of cases, the CV joint, also called a grenade, will be the culprit. This mechanism has a direct connection to the steering gear. When the steering wheel is turned to the maximum possible angle and a uniform slow motion with a broken grenade, a crunch occurs, which increases over time. This problem can only be dealt with by replacing it, which is quite difficult. The consequences of untimely repairs can be as follows:

• gradual complete failure of the grenade and the refusal of this unit to perform its functions;
• when turning, the wheel begins to slip or slow down, depending on the nature of the breakdown;
• the crunch increases and no longer seems so harmless for the driver and passengers of the car;
• along with the crunch, a slight jump of the car appears when turning to the maximum degree;
• the thrust from the engine has every chance of simply flying out of the mount with the wheel, which will make further movement impossible;
• if a grenade suddenly falls out of its workplace, a drop in engine load is possible.

You should not bring the breakdown to such a stage and check what actually can happen to the power unit. It is much better to simply eliminate the cause of the crunch and forget that such a problem was present. Few motorists have experienced on themselves what a too neglected problem with the CV joint means, and the reviews about this experience are not the most flattering. If during a turn in your car there is a crunch in the steering area or clearly on the wheels, you just need to replace the grenade with a new one. This is done at any service that serves your car brand.

Steering rack - a peculiar crunch and does not appear often

Some BMW models in the late 90s had a certain technical subtlety - they sometimes crunched steering racks. It's not even a breakdown, it's just that the rail had such a design feature. However, the Bavarians never had a relationship with Reiki at all. But not for some of them this node causes certain problems. Problems with the steering rack occur in almost all cars, this unit serves no more than 250-300 thousand kilometers. With such a resource, almost every car has to deal with reiki problems. Moreover, in some cases the mechanism can fail much faster. The main signs of a broken steering rack are:

• crunching can be during the entire steering wheel travel or at certain intervals during rotation;
• knocks are heard not just under the hood of the car, but directly in the steering wheel, vibration is felt on the hands;
• on the muffled engine, a knock is heard in the extreme positions when checking the free wheeling of the steering wheel;
• the features of the steering change, there is stiffness or, on the contrary, excessive ease in turning the steering wheel;
• there are problems in management, the car does not always react to the steering wheel turn in the right way.

If such problems are present in your car, you should work with the steering rack. Unfortunately, the design of the steering gear on modern cars is such that in most cases the rack will have to be changed. This is an important point that should be applied almost always. Repairing the steering rack is short-lived, so it can be economically unprofitable and not very pleasant for further operation. It is best to change the rail, and you may not be able to do it yourself in the garage, especially on cars with power steering and other control additions.

Undercarriage, bearings and other rare crunch options

When you check all the possible reasons for the crunch when cornering, you can safely say that the problem lies only in the chassis. Of course, it is quite difficult to find problems with the chassis, for this it is also better to use professional diagnostics. Crunching is the prerogative of the bearings, but the only type of undercarriage that can crunch is the hub bearing. However, they often buzz when they fail at a certain speed than crunch. If you want to diagnose wheel bearings, you can do it as follows:

• lift one side at the front of the car on a jack and secure the car well with stands;
• put the car on the handbrake, and also make sure that the three wheels are firmly on the base;
• get behind the wheel or put your assistant so that he performs certain actions to spin the wheel;
• after that you need to start the car, turn on the second speed and smoothly release the clutch pedal, giving a little gas;
• note that such actions cannot be carried out on vehicles with four-wheel drive and center differential lock;
• after that, you need to turn off the engine and allow the wheel to turn at a sufficiently high speed;
• if the bearing on this wheel is faulty, it will definitely tell you about it with an abundant hum;
• with a good bearing, only the sound of friction of the metal suspension parts will be heard.

This is a fairly simple way to diagnose wheel bearings and it doesn't take too long. To implement such a test, it is not necessary to have an assistant; you can conduct all the tests yourself. To do this, you need to quickly get out of the car while the wheel is spinning. Best of all, the rumble from broken bearings is heard near the wheel. However, sometimes the wheel bearings hum throughout the garage, then it is better to replace them before it's too late. Completely collapsed wheel bearings will cause serious damage to the entire undercarriage. Therefore, you should pay special attention to fixing problems if any. We suggest watching a short video describing the cause and elimination of the problem with knocking and crunching when turning the steering wheel:

Summing up

If you think that crunching when turning the steering wheel is not such a serious problem, find out the opinion of those drivers who have encountered its consequences due to poor-quality repairs or no restoration at all. After a detailed study of the problem, it turns out that you are getting far from the best operating conditions for the car, and if you wait and do not repair the car, you even expose yourself to a certain danger. Your best bet is to find the cause of the crunch right away and fix it completely.

In this case, we are often talking about the safety of the trip, because the best option would be a trip to a professional service station and solving all problems by installing factory parts. Crunching always means breaking a specific control, chassis or other components. Therefore, do not think that this manifestation will pass by itself. Just keep yourself safe and have more confidence on every trip. What problems in your experience have shown a crunching sound in the steering area?