List of malfunctions for which vehicle operation is prohibited in 2021

Steering Regulations

Requirements for steering control elements of vehicles are regulated by UNECE Rules No. 79.
This document contains mainly design requirements for these elements. The basic operational requirements, according to which the technical condition of the steering is checked, are set out in STB 1641-2006. The total play in the steering is the angle of rotation of the steering wheel from the position corresponding to the beginning of the steering wheels turning in one direction to the position corresponding to the beginning of their turning in the opposite direction.

The total play in the steering under regulated test conditions should not exceed the limit values established by the manufacturer in the operational documentation, and in the absence of such data should not exceed:

10° for passenger cars and truck and bus units based on them
20° for buses
25° for trucks

The start of steering wheel rotation is the angle of rotation of the steering wheel by (0.06 ± 0.01)°, measured from the straight-line position.

When checking the total play, the following preconditions must be met:

The steering wheel tires must be clean and dry
the steered wheels must be in a neutral position on a dry, level, horizontal asphalt or cement concrete surface
tests on vehicles equipped with power steering are carried out with the engine running

The value of the total play in the steering is determined by the angle of rotation of the steering wheel between two fixed positions of the beginning of rotation of the steered wheels as a result of two or more measurements.

The tension of the power steering pump drive belt and the level of working fluid in the reservoir must meet the requirements established by the vehicle manufacturer in the operating documentation.

During the organoleptic inspection of the steering system, compliance with the following regulatory requirements is checked:

The steering wheel must rotate without jerking or jamming throughout the entire range of its rotation angle; inoperability of the power steering (if equipped on the vehicle) is not allowed
spontaneous rotation of the steering wheel from the neutral position when the vehicle is stationary with power steering and the engine is running is not allowed
The maximum rotation of the steering wheel must be limited only by devices provided for by the design of the vehicle
movements of steering parts and assemblies not provided for by the design relative to each other or the supporting surface are not allowed; threaded connections must be tightened and secured in the manner specified by the vehicle manufacturer
The use of parts with traces of residual deformation, cracks and other defects in the steering mechanism and steering drive is not allowed

Damage and absence of fastening parts of the steering column and steering gear housing, as well as increases in the mobility of steering gear parts relative to each other or the body (frame) not provided for by the vehicle manufacturer in the operational documentation are not allowed.

Mobility of the steering column in planes passing through its axis is not allowed. The steering column must be securely connected to the mating parts and not be damaged. The steering column locking device with adjustable steering wheel position, as well as the device preventing unauthorized use of the vehicle, must be in working order.

Axial movement and swing of the steering wheel plane, swing of the steering column are determined by applying alternating forces to the steering wheel in the direction of the axis of the steering shaft and in the plane of the steering wheel perpendicular to the column, as well as alternating moments of forces in two mutually perpendicular planes passing through the axis of the steering column.

The mutual movements of the steering drive parts, the fastening of the steering gear housing and the steering axle levers are determined by turning the steering wheel relative to the neutral position by 40...60° in each direction, as well as by applying an alternating force directly to the steering drive parts.

Checking the steering and suspension

Any wear of these elements leads to loss of lubrication, penetration of dirt and water and, as a result, rapid wear of the ball joints or steering mechanism. Check the power steering hoses for chafing and other damage, and the pipe and hose fittings for leaks. Check for leakage of pressurized fluid through the steering gear boots, which is a sign of failure of the steering gear seals.

Grasp the wheel at the top (12 o'clock position) and bottom (6 o'clock position) and try to rock it.

Causes and ways to eliminate play in the steering

Is there any play in the steering wheel? Let's figure out what to do

Backlash is free movement in any device of a mechanical structure. It is measured as an indicator of the movement of any controlled node. In the case of a steering system, auto play means the amplitude of rotation of the steering wheel before changing the direction of movement, but the presence of such a feature implies a high probability of serious malfunctions. A special rod in the steering system creates a certain gap due to an insufficiently tight fit to other elements of the mechanism in order to minimize wear of parts. The permissible maximum gap of such a gap should not exceed 10 degrees, and a large value means the need to stop operating the vehicle and eliminate the malfunction.

Causes of backlash

Gradually, during the operation of the car, the surfaces of the mechanism parts wear out, and the gaps become larger. As a result, when the car moves, vibrations and unnatural noises appear, the wheels lose their former stability and become loose. The gap initially forms at the point where the worm and roller engage, and then the steering shaft and worm simultaneously move along the axis. When you pick up speed, the car becomes poorly controlled and the risk of getting into an accident increases.

The main reason for the formation of play can be considered the poor quality of roads, when the suspension is forced to take on a large load. Part of this load falls on the elements of the steering system. The situation can be significantly aggravated when low-quality rubber is used, since this helps to reduce the service life of the suspension and steering linkage.
A loose nut is another possible cause of play. This can be eliminated by tightening the screw in the steering wheel cover. To do this, you must first remove the fastening casing, and after that all that remains is to tighten the nut using a wrench of the required diameter. In modern car models, airbags are mounted in the steering wheel trim, so you must first dismantle this unit to gain access to the nut. This work must be carried out with the battery terminals disconnected to ensure safety. It is important to understand that if the nuts are not tightened in a timely manner, the splines in the place where the steering wheel is fixed begin to actively wear out, which leads to the steering wheel turning and a complete loss of vehicle controllability.
Wear of rod ends is a cause that carries great danger. These elements are constantly exposed to dirt, so they become faulty quite quickly. The result of such a destructive effect is the formation of gaps in the ball joint of the tips, and if they are completely malfunctioning, it is simply impossible to control the machine. Fixing such a breakdown requires contacting a service to completely replace the elements.

In addition, some reasons for the formation of backlash relate to the design features of the steering system. These reasons include:

Malfunctions of the ball joint and wheel bearings;
Loosening the steering wheel fixing nut and adjusting rods;
Failure of hinges, splines;
Gear malfunctions;
Low quality hydraulic oil.

Diagnostics

Steering system play is especially noticeable when driving straight at high speed. A malfunction may be indicated by a knocking sound when turning sharply enough, and a gradually increasing knocking sound when driving on uneven terrain is a sign of a faulty condition of the steering ends and rods. Failure of the steering bar is confirmed by the recoil of the steering wheel. If the steering wheel “beats” while moving, we can talk about broken steering or ball ends, malfunctions of the crosspiece, bearing or bushing. Unusual noises when turning the steering wheel should be a reason to check that the fluid level is sufficient. When the steering wheel is positioned straight and the driving direction changes, you should check the camber - the toe-in of the wheels, the balance of which is disturbed. Jerky turning of the steering wheel may be due to jamming of the steering bar, and large efforts when turning it require checking the functionality of the amplifier. To identify problems with the steering, you should perform a number of simple steps:

Start the engine and ensure it runs at idle speed;
Check the performance of the hydraulic booster;
Install the front wheels of the car parallel to the longitudinal axis of the car;
When turning the steering wheel in different directions, determine the moment when the wheels begin to move. Backlash in this situation is the period of steering wheel travel before the wheels begin to move.

what is it and how to fix it

Every motorist understands perfectly well how important it is to maintain the steering system in good condition, since otherwise getting into an accident is inevitable. Play in the steering is one of the most common faults that can occur not only in old cars, but also in new ones

If this breakdown occurs, you should immediately take measures to eliminate it. If you do not do this and continue to operate the machine, then each time it will be more and more difficult to calculate the trajectory of its displacement at the stage of maneuvers.

Details about control mechanism play

To fully understand how exactly it works and how the total play is formed, you need to delve a little into how the steering system is designed. If we consider this issue from the technical side, then the situation can be described as follows. For transmission to the steering wheel, rods and a rod are used, which is initially fixed loosely, but the clearance for each car is strictly regulated.

This gap is needed to ensure that all rubbing parts do not wear out prematurely. With its presence, it will be possible to maintain engagement, but the parts will not be in full contact with the splines.

How to diagnose a malfunction?

If you sit behind the wheel and try to turn the steering wheel, there will be free movement in both directions, but only slightly. That is, at first the steering wheel will turn without effort and only then will there be a response to the wheels. Every car should have a minimum amount of play, so don't be alarmed by the fact that your new car has it.

This device allows you to significantly extend the service life of the vehicle. During intensive use of the vehicle, the total play in the steering will gradually increase until it reaches critical levels. This phenomenon will be noticeable by the slow response of the car to turning the steering wheel. When a car owner does not pay attention to this nuance in a timely manner, he may end up facing expensive system repairs, and otherwise there is a possibility of becoming a threat to the safety of movement in traffic.

What causes excessive play?

Be that as it may, the cause of the play should be sought precisely in the steering system. At the initial stage, the condition of the steering rods and their tips should be assessed. It is the latter that more often than others fail when the vehicle is operated under heavy loads. If the car's wheel bearings have not been replaced for a long time, then this may be the reason for the increased free play of the steering wheel.

Also, increased play may appear almost immediately after repair work is carried out to restore the performance of the suspension. If the mechanics do not tighten the hub nut properly, the steering system will definitely not work properly.

Excessive play in the steering wheel can be caused by failure of the ball joints. The same phenomenon occurs when the steering rack is overtightened. Sometimes just changing the hydraulic oil is enough. This procedure is quite simple and can eliminate the problem that has arisen.

In any case, the fault will always lie in the control system. To identify it, you need to diagnose all the parts in detail and only after that make a decision about replacing certain components.

Signs of increased play

If, while driving your car, you begin to notice that it has begun to lose sensitivity to your efforts on the steering wheel, then it’s time to go to a car service center so that qualified mechanics can determine what exactly led to this effect. On average, the free play of the steering wheel should not exceed thirty millimeters. If there are any deviations, you should immediately repair your car.

There are special devices that can be used to measure deviations from the norm declared by the manufacturer.

It is noteworthy that if you pay attention to the malfunction in a timely manner and visit a car service center, you will not have to burden yourself with expensive repairs to the control system

Let's sum it up

If you notice that the free play of the steering wheel has become greater than it was, then you should not ignore this event. Immediately check the condition of the front suspension and steering mechanism, or contact your nearest car service center. You should not drive with such a breakdown, as it can lead to an accident, and the consequences can be fatal. The cost of diagnosing this control system is affordable for everyone, and the parts that most often require replacement are also inexpensive.

How to eliminate play in the steering

Often the driver is faced with such a malfunction as steering play. This problem can lead to serious problems, so it is important to detect and fix the problem in time.

The steering is one of the most important for driving, and failure in the form of play is not one of the pleasant situations. Often the reason for the appearance can be various reasons, such as poor running gear, wear and tear of parts, and, most often, the condition of our roads. Therefore, we will consider how to identify play in the steering and how to carry out repairs.

Decision No. 12-117/2014 of September 22, 2014 in case No. 12-117/2014

Part 2 of the article of the Russian Federation provides for administrative liability for the release on the line of a vehicle that has faults with which operation is prohibited, or has been converted without the appropriate permit, and entails the imposition of an administrative fine on officials responsible for the technical condition and operation of vehicles in the amount of five up to eight thousand rubles.

By virtue of clause

2.3.1 of the Traffic Rules of the Russian Federation, driving when the service brake system, steering, etc. is faulty is prohibited.

The requirements that a vehicle permitted for operation must meet are determined by the Basic Provisions for the admission of vehicles to operation and the responsibilities of officials to ensure road safety, as well as the List of faults and conditions under which the operation of vehicles is prohibited.

2 tbsp. The RF was served by the fact that he DD.MM.YYYY at 06 hours 40 minutes, being the person responsible for the release of vehicles into the line, released into the line a vehicle with a malfunction in which the operation of vehicles is prohibited.

The concept and causes of play in the steering mechanism

The steering design itself is not complicated. It contains a special rod that does not fit tightly to the car parts. It must have a small gap so that the parts do not wear out in case of friction. However, if the total play reaches fairly large levels, this can cause serious malfunctions, which can lead to accidents on the road. A backlash of 10° is considered an acceptable norm.

It is important to remember that a small play can develop into a large one, and therefore you should carefully consider this issue if there are clear signs of problems with the steering. These signs may include knocking, squeaking, vibration, or the need to turn the steering wheel hard to the left or right, even on a flat road. In this case, the steering wheel stops “obeying” the driver or performs actions somewhat late.

There are several reasons for the appearance of play and they all lie in the steering design itself. One of the first reasons may be that the tip or bearing has failed due to wear.

The second reason may be a recent car repair, namely the fact that sometimes the central hub nut is not sufficiently secured. This is where the backlash comes from. Also, free movement of the steering wheel may indicate that the hydraulic oil is becoming unusable and needs to be replaced.

In general, in order to discover the true cause of technical problems, the driver must check every detail of the entire steering system, since all parts and mechanisms are interconnected.

What does it take for someone other than the owner to pick up a car from the impound lot?

During the movement of a vehicle, very often there is a need to adjust the direction of movement: for example, when turning and turning, changing lanes, overtaking, ahead, detour, etc. The steering system provides the vehicle with these maneuvers. During the operation of the car, its components and assemblies become unusable.

Steering malfunctions are one of the most pressing issues of the technical condition of transport.

Wheels and tires 5.1 Tires of passenger cars have a residual tread height of less than 1.6 mm, trucks - 1 mm, buses - 2 mm, motorcycles and mopeds - 0.8 mm. Note For trailers, standards for the residual tread height of tires are established, similar standards for tires of vehicles - tractors.5.

2 The tires have external damage (punctures, cuts, breaks), exposing the cord, as well as delamination of the carcass, peeling of the tread and sidewall. 5.3 There is no fastening bolt (nut) or there are cracks in the disk and wheel rims, there are visible violations of the shape and size of the mounting holes. 5.4 Tires do not match the vehicle model in size or load capacity.5.

In order to identify the cause, you need to go through each link, carefully check the details and identify where and what was not tightened - since it is precisely this element that is stopping the work of the control. But in order not to confuse the backlash with any other faults, you need to study its practical symptoms.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with: Sample statement of claim for debt collection under a receipt or agreement

Any deviations from the norm are considered malfunctions.

4.2.3 The total play in the steering should not exceed the limit values established by the manufacturer in the operational documentation, or in the absence of data established by the manufacturer, the following limit values: - passenger cars and trucks and buses created on the basis of their units 10° I assume that the limit value set by the manufacturer must be less than or equal to 10°.

For example, if the driver is not so far from home, then you can try calling friends or relatives and asking them to bring documents.

The importance of the steering system of a car is not worth mentioning once again, since it is already clear to everyone that it plays a key role in driving safety. That is why you should not neglect regular inspection and repair of all parts of this system, because frequent use leads to wear and tear of even the most reliable components and assemblies.

How to determine the appearance of play in the steering

In order to check the car for problems with the steering, namely the presence of play, the following operations must be performed. First of all, it is necessary to switch the engine to a special operating mode when the vehicle is stationary - idle. After this, you should start turning the steering wheel and monitor the response time of the wheels to these commands. It is this distance that shows the amount of play.

Today, for the convenience and accuracy of measuring backlash, there is a special device - a backlash meter. It helps to measure and control the total backlash.

When can and when can they not check for faults?

Traffic police inspectors have a rather cool attitude towards monitoring the technical condition of a car.

The thing is that there is no clear description of the procedure, and the inspector can only improvise, disguising his actions, which supposedly comply with the law.

In full accordance with the Administrative Regulations of the Traffic Police, an inspector can stop a driver in 4 cases:

Visual detection of signs of malfunctions falling under Article 8.23 and 12.5 of the Administrative Code.
Participation of a vehicle in an accident.
Availability of guidance on road accidents, theft, crimes, etc.
Carrying out activities as directed by management.

If the inspector sees a malfunction after stopping, for example, to check documents, he can also check the technical condition of the car. And here I would like to draw your attention: if the car was not involved in an accident, there are no orientations and no measures are taken, then the inspector does not have the right to take any action to detect malfunctions. For example, the driver cannot be required to turn on the rear fog light to check whether it works or not.

Eliminating play in the steering

First of all, the check should begin with the universal joint and its screws. Turn the adjusting screw to the required value. Afterwards, check again for the presence and amount of play. If the results are unsatisfactory, do the work again.

If this does not help, then the cause of the breakdown lies elsewhere. The next step is to drive the car into the inspection hole. The problem of play may lie in the steering rod joints. Most likely, these parts are worn out and there is a need to replace them or firmly fix them. You should also check the fastening of the steering rods and tighten them if necessary.

However, if this does not eliminate the cause, then most likely you will have to disassemble the entire steering system. It is better to do this at a car service center, as there is a risk of damaging the system.

Features of paying fines for faulty steering

If a fine is nevertheless issued and you agree with the violation, it is possible to halve the amount to be paid. To do this, you must pay the receipt within 20 days. You can pay the fine on our website. The countdown begins from the moment the protocol on the administrative offense is drawn up. The state offers a 50% discount for those who do not delay in paying fines.

In other cases, the fine is paid in full by the offender or official. The protocol contains all the information about the violation committed, the date and time, as well as the amount of the fine. It must be carefully examined for clerical errors and mistakes by the inspector.

Stopping and drawing up a report on the driver of a company car leads to a number of additional actions. The completed documents are handed over to the head of the traffic police of the region where the company is registered. Next, he decides the issue of imposing punishment on the official.

After a fine is assigned to an organization, the company can pay it by bank account or in cash through a terminal. It is important to ensure that the payment reaches the traffic police. Otherwise, the lost payment may be considered unpaid and withdrawn again.

What is meant by total steering wheel play?

Another term that requires consideration is “total backlash.” It refers to the total angle, which starts from the extreme position of the steering wheel on one side when turning begins, to the opposite position when the car starts moving in the other direction.

To understand the principles of operation of the total backlash, it is important to understand the design and operating features of the control system. Based on the technical component, the operating principle of the backlash is as follows.

There is a rod in the transmission of steering rods, which is fixed with a small gap of one or two millimeters.

This distance is necessary to protect the steering system linkages from wear due to excessive friction.

The presence of a gap is a technological solution that allows you to keep the hook in the required position and not touch the surface of the teeth.

For the driver, this parameter represents free movement of the steering wheel, which allows for more precise control of the car and to feel at what moment the direction of movement of the vehicle changes.

Essentially, this is the total distance the steering wheel travels before the car moves to the left or right.

Many people mistakenly consider this phenomenon negative and try to get rid of it. You shouldn’t do this, because play in the steering is the norm for every car. Another thing is that it must have a strictly defined value.

An interesting pattern can be traced here - the larger the car’s dimensions, the higher the backlash indicator.

In the process of measuring the total backlash, a number of conditions must be met:

The front wheels are located in a neutral position and stand on a hard (asphalt or concrete) surface.
The steering wheel tires are dry and clean.
The car engine is started. This is relevant if the operation of the power steering is tested.
The tension of the power steering pump drive belt, as well as the level of the working fluid, must meet the requirements approved by the manufacturer.

The total play is checked by measuring the angle of rotation of the control wheel between the fixed positions for changing movement to the left and right.

To obtain accurate parameters, measurements are made two or more times.

Description of car steering play

How to remove play in the steering column

The first mechanism in a car where you can expect abnormal free play to appear is the steering column. Structurally, it consists of a rod fixed on a shaft containing hinges.

All these components are connected through a gear drive. Even when fresh from the factory, it has some clearance. This design solution is necessary to prevent excessive wear of the tooth edges due to friction.

To make sure there is play, you need to rotate the steering wheel in different directions so as not to change the direction of the wheels. Operating a car inevitably causes an increase in free play in moving joints. The reason for this is simply simple - natural depreciation of parts.

Since, for natural reasons, gear and articulated drives wear out gradually, it is quite problematic to notice an increase in the steering play of the car. To control the process, you need to check the free play from time to time. In the case of a passenger car, steering wheel play within three centimeters is considered acceptable.

There are situations when the response to turning the steering wheel becomes more sluggish while driving. Then you need to stop driving as quickly as possible and find out the reason for this behavior of the car.

Knocking, creaking and vibration, as well as arbitrary changes in the given trajectory of movement are also signs of a steering failure. All of them are dangerous because a driver with a faulty steering mechanism may lose control and cause an accident.

Permissible backlash in cars

The traffic regulations stipulate normalized indicators of total play for various cars. In addition, this parameter should not exceed the figures specified in the documentation for the operation of the machine.

If there are no special recommendations in the manufacturer’s papers, the backlash should be as follows:

For passenger cars, as well as bus and truck components made on their basis - 10;
For buses - 20;
For trucks - 25.

There are also separate recommendations for some models:

For VAZ-2106, 2107, 2110, 21213 - 5;
For Gazelle 3302 - 20 (passenger version) and 25 (truck).

What will the inspector do if a fault is found?

He will charge the driver under Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses with a fine of 500 rubles, and he will be released on all fours, since the malfunction was discovered on the way. But this approach of inspectors to punishment for malfunctions does not meet the requirements of the law.

If the driver checked the condition of the car before leaving, then there can be no claims against him.

Firstly, when leaving the parking lot, he did not know that a malfunction would occur on the way, and could not have known. That is, the driver’s actions are not to blame.
And if the driver discovers a malfunction on the road, then, in accordance with the traffic rules, he can move to the place of parking or repair. That is, going to a car repair shop or to your home after discovering a malfunction along the way does not constitute an offense at all.

The most striking example is a burnt-out light bulb in a headlight. If the driver checked the functionality of the headlight before leaving the parking lot, and the light bulb burned out on the road, then there is no reason to punish the driver when driving to the parking lot or repair site.

Another example is a headlight broken in an accident. You can drive to a parking lot or repair site with a broken headlight, but driving around the city the very next day with faulty optics is prohibited. And since the malfunction did not occur on the road, the driver can only call a tow truck or go buy a new headlight and replace it on the spot.

Reasons for large backlash

The increase in play can be explained by changes in the design features of the steering, as well as the destruction of their elements.

The main reasons include:

Worn gear bar and steering rack gear teeth.
Damage or deformation of the wheel bearing. There are cases when it falls apart during operation, which leads to an increase in backlash (but there will be no time for backlash).
Malfunction of tips and tie rods, which often break if operating requirements are not followed. The result is the same as in the previous case - “looseness” of the steering wheel.
Poor quality repair of the vehicle chassis. There are situations when steering play manifests itself after visiting a service station. This is possible when service technicians do not tighten the wheel bearing nut sufficiently. As a result, the car's steering system suffers.
Breakage of the ball joint (lower or upper), as well as pulling the steering rack with excessive force.
Outdated hydraulic oil that requires replacement. Often play in the steering is eliminated after filling with new working fluid.

Generally speaking, play occurs when there is a fault in the chain between the steering wheel and the wheels.

To find out the reason, you need to go through the entire chain and identify the “weak” points. The main thing is to make sure that we are talking about increased free play, and not about other problems.

Other causes of play in the steering include:

Wear or incorrect adjustment of the engagement of the “worm” and the roller mechanism.
Worn swing arm axle or bushings.
Loose crankcase fasteners.

Difficulties in eliminating steering play

What difficulties can a driver expect if he decides to tighten the steering mechanism himself?

The first difficulty is the angle of rotation. The tightening force of the rack directly affects the ability to turn the front wheels, that is, it reduces the maneuverability of the vehicle. How tightly the steering wheel rotates is also determined by the degree of tightening of the steering rack. This is especially noticeable on cars without power steering (foreign cars from the early 90s and many domestic cars).

If the machine is equipped with a hydraulic booster, it is on it that the increasing load falls after the rack is tightened. This manifests itself in an increase in oil pressure inside the system. As a result, there is a high probability of cuffs or hoses leaking. Therefore, if you need to apply significant force to rotate the steering wheel and it does not return to the neutral position, then the tightening nut must be loosened. It is strictly not recommended to continue driving with the steering rack overtightened. Otherwise, the result will be significant wear on many other adjacent parts.

Signs of breakdown

As noted above, in order to effectively eliminate a malfunction, it must be diagnosed in a timely manner. To do this, it is enough to know the signs of play in the steering.

The main symptoms include:

The appearance of a knock in the steering mechanism;
Increased vibrations while driving;
Creaking when turning wheels;
Deviation from a given trajectory when the steering wheel is in a straight position.

When adjusting the steering play, you should take into account the manufacturer’s recommendations and traffic rules.

The configured parameter should not exceed the upper limit, but you should not underestimate the indicator either.

Too little steering wheel play can lead to additional discomfort and poor vehicle controllability.

At the same time, you should not ignore the appearance of a small backlash, because over time this parameter may increase, and then it will be more difficult to deal with the problem.

And it’s inconvenient to drive a car when you constantly have to “catch the road” and turn the steering wheel in one direction or the other.

Legal framework governing the issue

According to the Appendix to the Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 297 “On approval of the manual on the work of the traffic police service of the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation” dated April 20, 2010, checking the technical condition of cars that have undergone maintenance in a timely manner is not allowed. At the same time, a number of articles of the Code of Administrative Offenses provide for punishment for technical malfunctions of the car (brakes, steering, headlights, etc.). Thus, fines for defects are provided, but inspection of technical condition is prohibited. The situation was clarified by Appendix No. 1 to Order No. 1240 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation (lost force in 2014, but is valid insofar as it does not contradict the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). According to this document:

Monitoring technical condition is permitted only at stationary control posts and checkpoints;
It is allowed to stop and inspect route buses on the territory of bus stations, terminal stations and passenger stops;
You can stop a car to check its technical condition if there are no registration plates or they are not legible.

Also, the basis for stopping is the presence of malfunctions in which the use of the car threatens road users and the car owner. At the same time, an employee can notice a breakdown of the brakes, steering wheel, headlights, or windshield wipers (in snow or rain) while the car is moving. As a result, the stop will be lawful, as will the issued fine or more serious consequences. However, drivers are often stopped and the problem is detected on the spot. This procedure violates the order, so any sanctions can be challenged.

Diagnosis of the problem and instruments used

To determine whether the parameter corresponds to the norm, you need to do a small check.

To make sure there is a problem, you can use a special device - a backlash meter.

With its help you can check the total (total) play in the system.

One of the device options is K 524 M or ISL-M, which can be used by ordinary car owners and professionals at service stations.

Using a backlash meter, it is possible to determine the amount of free play in just three minutes, including taking into account installation and removal of the device.

The algorithm for diagnosing steering play is as follows:

Start the engine (it should be idling);
Place the front wheels parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machine. At the same time, make sure that the hydraulic booster is working;
Turn the steering wheel one way and then the other. At this moment, record the moments when the front wheels begin to scroll in the required direction. The distance that the steering wheel travels between these intervals is called play (free play).

This check is considered an excellent option for drivers who need accurate and quick information.

It does not matter how the problem was diagnosed. If the steering play exceeds the norm, it must be eliminated.

For what violations is a car detained and taken to the impound lot?

On the way I took off the film.
We returned to the old post: there were 4 patrol cars there that day, another inspector came up with a device. to measure the film, but it was no longer on the windows, in the end the captain talked to the inspector, who then came up to me and said the following: - ( I have a low car, there are short-stroke struts, the oil ones work, the car is soft). I lost a lot of time, we arrived at the station in Oblast Gai, we thought that the springs were being checked, we were surprised, and in the end we decided to check the total play of the steering wheel; I was not provided with any certificates.

In some cases, drivers are faced with a problem when the steering wheel stops listening to them. Or rather, it requires additional effort to turn it in the desired direction.

Some of the malfunctions are determined by problems in the functioning of the hydraulic, electric or pneumatic power steering associated with wear of the components of this subsystem (loss of the tightness of the mechanism, destruction of pump or compressor parts, etc.). Elimination of these problems usually involves replacing worn and damaged parts. Therefore, it is advisable to carry out repairs with the involvement of highly specialized car service professionals.

Malfunctions: legal aspect Unstable operation of the control system, according to experts, is a serious factor destabilizing road traffic.

Tell me, are the employees’ actions legal?

The total play in the steering exceeds the following values: Passenger cars and trucks and buses based on them no more than 10 degrees Buses 20 Trucks 25 2.2. If you stand near one of the front wheels of your car and ask someone to turn the steering wheel back and forth at a small angle, you will be “horrified” to see that the wheel is standing still!

Don't be alarmed, this is normal.

The total play in the steering exceeds the following values (no more than degrees):

Buses: 20
Trucks: 25
Passenger cars and trucks and buses based on them: 10

There are movements of parts and assemblies not provided for by the design. Threaded connections are not tightened or secured in the correct manner. The steering column position locking device is inoperative.

New traffic police database 2011 2.3. The “steering wheel free play” indicator measures the free play from the center position in one direction until the steering wheels begin to turn.

Thus, the “total steering play” indicator in this case will be equal to 20 degrees.

In later instructions, the total steering play is indicated with clarification of the measurement methodology, i.e.

Trucks: 25
Buses: 20
Passenger cars and trucks and buses based on them: 10

2.2. There are movements of parts and assemblies not provided for by the design. Threaded connections are not tightened or secured in the correct manner.

The steering column position locking device is inoperative. New traffic police database 2011 2.3.

As a rule, this can happen due to: - low level of working fluid in the power steering system (bring it to the optimal value); - loose or worn steering pump drive belt (needs to be tightened/replaced); - insufficient pressure in pump booster; - leaks in the power steering system (check the steering rack and replace the rack, if necessary).

The pressure gauge of the pneumatic or pneumohydraulic brake drives does not work. The parking brake system does not ensure a stationary state:

vehicles with a full load - on a slope of up to 16 percent inclusive;
passenger cars and buses in running order - on a slope of up to 23 percent inclusive;
trucks and road trains in equipped condition - on a slope of up to 31 percent inclusive.

The total play in the steering exceeds the following values: Vehicle Passenger cars and trucks and buses created on their basis Trucks where, Play - Total play no more than (degrees). There are movements of parts and assemblies not provided for by the design.

Threaded connections are not tightened or secured in the correct manner.

— the presence of malfunctions and conditions provided for by the Traffic Rules of the Russian Federation and the Basic Provisions for the admission of vehicles to operation and the duties of officials to ensure road safety * (34), under which the operation of vehicles is prohibited.

According to the Coap, there is liability only when driving a vehicle with a known faulty brake system (with the exception of the parking brake), steering or coupling device (as part of a train) - 300-500 rubles (st. 12.5 h, 3). How will they prove that the driver left with a obviously faulty system?

There are no other responsibilities for the brake and steering systems according to the Coap. there are other parts, toner, absence of the letter Ш and other malfunctions according to the main provisions for vehicle approval st12.5 part 1-100 rubles, lighting devices such as xenon deprivation six months to a year 12.5 part 3

LIST OF FAULTS AND CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH OPERATION OF VEHICLES IS PROHIBITED (as amended.

Decrees of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 02/21/2002 N 127, dated 12/14/2005 N 767, dated 02/28/2006 N 109, dated 02/16/2008 N 84, dated 02/24/2010 N 87, dated 05/10/2010 N 316, dated 12/11/2 012 N 1156) 2.1. The total play in the steering exceeds the following values: Passenger cars and trucks and buses based on them no more than 10 degrees Buses 20 Trucks 25 2.2.

We invite you to read: Fine for driving without insurance 2021, what is the fine for driving a car without insurance

LIST OF FAULTS AND CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH OPERATION OF VEHICLES IS PROHIBITED (as amended.

Decrees of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 02/21/2002 N 127, dated 12/14/2005 N 767, dated 02/28/2006 N 109, dated 02/16/2008 N 84, dated 02/24/2010 N 87, dated 05/10/2010 N 316, dated 12/11/2 012 N 1156) 2.1. The total play in the steering exceeds the following values: Passenger cars and trucks and buses based on them no more than 10 degrees Buses 20 Trucks 25 2.2.

We began to delve deeper into the problem, because we want to work and earn money. We purchased a certified play meter, which is used on inspection lines, and saw that out of a dozen carefully prepared cars where, in our opinion, all the play was removed, only one met GOST standards. This machine has a ZF type hydraulic unit and it gave a backlash of 9 degrees. Gury Sterlitamak and Borisov give 12-16 degrees, and under load.

In the hands of the removed gearbox, the backlash is set to zero, even with a slight wedge in the middle. We tried tightening and loosening the ends and kingpin, the panhard rod was ideal, there was virtually no play in the steering cardan, inflating and deflating the tires, soft and hard surfaces under the wheels, well, what else? Hands dropped.

Reasons for car detention

Parking in the wrong place;
Lack of rights to drive a car;
Transportation of dangerous goods without permits and the use of a special sign.
There is a malfunction in the steering or brake system;

First of all, you need to find out where the car was taken.

To obtain this information, you should contact your local traffic police department. You must have identification documents with you, as well as papers for the car.

They need to be shown to the inspector on duty and the problem voiced. The traffic police officer will issue a receipt for payment of the fine.

Many car drivers have encountered an unpleasant situation when a car left unattended is forcibly towed and taken to an impound lot.

How to quickly return your vehicle, how to pick up a car from an impound lot without the owner or without a power of attorney, without spending extra nervous energy and significant financial resources on this difficult task? All cases for sending a car to impound lots are prescribed by law. It is enough for the owner of the car not to commit violations in order not to worry about the well-being of his vehicle: Is it possible to pick up a car from an impound lot without the owner

The owner does not always drive the car.

For some traffic offenses, the administrative code provides for such a penalty as evacuation of the vehicle to a impound lot until the reason for the detention is completely eliminated.

In this article you can find answers to questions such as for which offenses a car can be towed in 2021 and what to do if a vehicle is detained in the presence of the car owner or driver.

Checking the Steering and Suspension Grasp the wheel at the top (12 o'clock position) and bottom (6 o'clock position) and try to rock it.

But a tow truck, by the way, may appear not only under signs. They can detain the car and send the poor driver to the impound lot in the cases that we will describe in this article. Lack of necessary documents Detention will be made when driving a car whose driver does not have the appropriate documents for the right to drive, as well as documents of the technical condition of the car or documents that can confirm the right to own the vehicle or the right to dispose of it in the absence of the owner of the car, driving instructors say .

This measure (detention of a vehicle) can be applied by a traffic police inspector in a number of cases, which are regulated by the current Code of Administrative Offenses: If a traffic police inspector detects any of the above points, he has the right to call a tow truck and transport the stopped vehicle to an impound lot.

In order to prevent the car from being detained and sent to the impound lot, the driver must take the following actions: Based on the above points, we can draw the following conclusion that it is difficult, but possible, to avoid evacuation and the subsequent “headache”.

How to troubleshoot: basic methods

To adjust the steering, you will need a standard set of tools to adjust the mount.

If manual measurement or the K 524 M device shows an unsuitable result, you should do the following:

Try adjusting the screws that reinforce the universal joints. These elements can be found on the steering shaft.
Use the hinge adjustment screw to set the required parameter.
Check the amount of play. If the free play remains above normal, it is necessary to look for another reason.
Tighten the adjusting nut on the steering rack (if equipped), this will eliminate the gaps between the toothed bar and the drive gear, which may be the cause of the play.

The next step in the adjustment may be to adjust the tie rod joints.

It is more difficult to do this in a garage, because to complete the work you will need an overpass, inspection hole or lift.

You will most likely see that the hinges are damaged, which indicates that the screws need to be tightened. In addition, it is worth stretching the steering rods.

If it is not possible to eliminate the backlash using the methods described above, there is only one solution left - to disassemble the steering mechanism and replace the failed parts.

If you do not have the necessary experience and knowledge, you can contact experienced specialists at a service station.

Signs and causes of malfunctions: technical aspect

The unfavorable condition of roads (especially Russian ones), the driver’s disregard for the rules of operation of his vehicle (violation of the frequency of maintenance, low quality of components), lack of qualifications in carrying out technical and service maintenance and the prohibitive service life of the vehicle lead to unstable operation of the control system.

The most common symptom of a bad steering system is play in the steering wheel. According to the technical specifications, backlash is a non-working (or “idle”) stage of the unit’s functioning. For example, when the steering wheel is turned to a certain angle, the control wheels do not move until a certain moment. This is backlash. The main reasons for this dysfunction are:

wear of the so-called “ball” joints (steering rod ends);
wear of the steering mechanism (worm-roller or pinion-rack pairs);
Steering shaft bearing wear.

Backlash, therefore, occurs primarily as a consequence of long-term use of the vehicle. The second type of malfunction is knocking and beating of the steering wheel, which are very often caused by wear of the notorious “ball” and destruction of the bearing on the steering shaft.

Some of the malfunctions are determined by problems in the functioning of the hydraulic, electric or pneumatic power steering associated with wear of the components of this subsystem (loss of the tightness of the mechanism, destruction of pump or compressor parts, etc.).

Elimination of these problems usually involves replacing worn and damaged parts. Therefore, it is advisable to carry out repairs with the involvement of highly specialized car service professionals.

Causes and ways to eliminate play in the steering

Is there any play in the steering wheel? Let's figure out what to do

Causes of backlash

The main reason for the formation of play can be considered the poor quality of roads, when the suspension is forced to take on a large load. Part of this load falls on the elements of the steering system. The situation can be significantly aggravated when low-quality rubber is used, since this helps to reduce the service life of the suspension and steering linkage.
A loose nut is another possible cause of play. This can be eliminated by tightening the screw in the steering wheel cover. To do this, you must first remove the fastening casing, and after that all that remains is to tighten the nut using a wrench of the required diameter. In modern car models, airbags are mounted in the steering wheel trim, so you must first dismantle this unit to gain access to the nut. This work must be carried out with the battery terminals disconnected to ensure safety. It is important to understand that if the nuts are not tightened in a timely manner, the splines in the place where the steering wheel is fixed begin to actively wear out, which leads to the steering wheel turning and a complete loss of vehicle controllability.
Wear of rod ends is a cause that carries great danger. These elements are constantly exposed to dirt, so they become faulty quite quickly. The result of such a destructive effect is the formation of gaps in the ball joint of the tips, and if they are completely malfunctioning, it is simply impossible to control the machine. Fixing such a breakdown requires contacting a service to completely replace the elements.

In addition, some reasons for the formation of backlash relate to the design features of the steering system. These reasons include:

Malfunctions of the ball joint and wheel bearings;
Loosening the steering wheel fixing nut and adjusting rods;
Failure of hinges, splines;
Gear malfunctions;
Low quality hydraulic oil.

Diagnostics

Start the engine and ensure it runs at idle speed;
Check the performance of the hydraulic booster;
Install the front wheels of the car parallel to the longitudinal axis of the car;
When turning the steering wheel in different directions, determine the moment when the wheels begin to move. Backlash in this situation is the period of steering wheel travel before the wheels begin to move.

To detect the presence of play, there is also a device called a play meter. With its help, measuring free play is much easier.

Elimination

To adjust the steering system, you will need a simple set of tools to adjust the mounting elements. The work can be carried out in a regular garage with an overpass or inspection hole. If the test results are unsatisfactory, you must use the assistant to perform a number of actions:

Identify the source of the extraneous knock and check the performance of the suspension;
Try to tighten the steering bar;
When turning the steering wheel in different directions within the available free play, check the performance of the propeller shaft near the rack and ball ends of the rod. In addition, it is necessary to look at the degree of tightness of the rods;
If there is no damage to the steering bar, it is necessary to eliminate the play in the rack by turning the adjusting screw.

The most common cause of play in the driveshaft is insufficient lubrication, and it can only be eliminated by replacing the part. Backlash in the area where the rods meet is eliminated by spot welding. If necessary, the ball ends should be repaired or completely replaced. After doing all this work, all that remains is to check whether there is any play in the steering wheel.

It is important to understand that the safety of the driver himself and the passengers in his car directly depends on the serviceability of the vehicle control system. If faults are identified in this system, it is recommended to entrust the work of eliminating them to professional specialists who have the necessary experience and knowledge.

Basic adjustment work on the steering of passenger cars

The steering of modern passenger cars requires virtually no maintenance, but you should constantly check the condition of the protective covers of the ball joints and play in the steering drive parts.

In cars of older designs, gaps can be adjusted: in the bearings of the steering mechanism and in the engagement of the roller with the worm; in rack and pinion steering mechanisms.

To adjust the clearances in the bearings of the steering gear worm (Fig. 12): turn the steering wheel one to one and a half turns to the left, unscrew the bolts securing the bottom cover 19 and drain the oil from the steering gear housing. Having removed the cover, remove the required number of shims 18. After this, having secured the bottom cover, check again to see if there is any axial movement of the worm in the bearings. If there is no movement, pour oil into the crankcase and check the steering force (by placing the front wheels on a smooth plate), which should not exceed 200 N.

Rice. 12. Diagram of a worm-roller steering mechanism: 1 — plate of the bipod shaft adjusting screw; 2 - adjusting screw; 3 - lock nut; 4 - plug; 5 — steering gear housing cover; 6 - worm; 7 — steering gear housing; 8 — bipod; 9 — bipod fastening nut; 10 - spring washer; 11 — bipod shaft seal; 12 — bushing; 13 — bipod shaft; 14 — bipod shaft roller; 15 - worm shaft; 16, 17 — worm bearings; 18 — adjusting shims; 19 — lower crankcase cover; 20 — roller axis; 21 — roller bearing; 22 — worm shaft seal; B, C - marks

After checking and eliminating play in the steering drive parts (if increased play is detected in the steering mechanism), adjust the engagement gaps between the roller and the worm. To do this, loosen the lock nut 3 of the adjusting screw 2 and, lifting the spring washer 10, tighten the adjusting screw until the gap is established (it is not recommended to over-tighten the adjusting screw). Then, holding the adjusting screw with a screwdriver, tighten the locknut. After making sure that the steering mechanism has acceptable play, check the turning force of the steering wheel. If it is above 200 N, loosen the adjusting screw.

Adjustment of the gaps in rack-and-pinion steering mechanisms is carried out at an increased value of the steering play (Fig. 13). During operation, in rack-and-pinion steering gear designs, increased backlash may occur due to increased clearance between the rack and gear, so manufacturers recommend tightening the adjusting screw or nut to eliminate backlash. You can also eliminate the backlash using the adjusting screw by turning it 20°.

Rice. 13. Rack-and-pinion steering of an Audi car: 1 — adjusting screw; 2 — lower shaft of the steering column; 3 - clamp; 4 - cover

Currently, taking into account the increased requirements for steering, it is not the restoration of individual parts that is being carried out, but the replacement of the hinges of the steering parts.

To replace steering linkage joints, special pullers are used (Fig. 14). The nuts securing the ball pins of the side and middle links to the bipod are unscrewed and the ball pins are pressed out of the holes of the bipod and lever.

Rice. 14. Appearance of a universal puller for pressing out ball pins

To install a new hinge, clean the inner surface of the rod seat under the hinge body and press the new hinge into the hole in the rod until it stops. Place 6...10 g of Litol-24 lubricant in the new cap. Press the cap onto the hinge using a universal puller and secure the cap on the pin with a locking ring.

When removing the steering gear housing, note the number and placement of washers between the side member and the crankcase (if any) in order to put them in their original place when installing the crankcase. This is necessary to maintain alignment between the steering shaft and the worm shaft.

Malfunctions: legal aspect

Unstable operation of the control system, according to experts, is a serious factor destabilizing road traffic. Indeed, such a condition of the car seriously affects road safety. The driver is deprived of the ability to adequately control the trajectory of his vehicle, which can lead to loss of control and, as a consequence, disastrous consequences.

This determines the effect of the following legal norm prescribed in the traffic rules: the driver is strictly prohibited from driving with such defects. If they occur, you must stop immediately and try to eliminate them on the spot. If this is not possible, you should stop using the car.

The specified steering malfunctions are provided for by a special regulatory legal act - “Basic provisions for the approval of a vehicle for operation...”.

The total play in the steering of the car exceeds the established values: for passenger cars - 10 degrees; for buses and trucks – 20 and 25 (respectively).
There are movements of components and parts of the system that are not provided for by the design of the car.
There is loose threaded connections.
The power steering provided by the design is missing or in a faulty condition.

Even a cursory analysis of this list of faults will allow us to draw a conclusion about their extremely negative role in ensuring road safety. Serious administrative sanctions for driving a faulty vehicle also seem quite justified. The Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation provides for the removal of the driver from driving a car, the detention of the latter, the prohibition of its operation, associated with the removal of state registration marks from the car, as well as an administrative fine in the amount of 500 rubles.