The steering wheel of thetruck-mounted crane is an extremely crucial control component of the entire vehicle. It is intricately connected to numerous aspects, and faults in many areas can manifest through the behavior and feel of the steering wheel. Thus, carefully observing and sensing the steering wheel can be highly beneficial in helping detect certain faults of the truck-mounted crane in advance.
If, while driving at a medium speed or above, the vehicle’s steering wheel undergoes intense shaking, accompanied by a periodic abnormal sound emanating from the chassis, there is a strong possibility that the balance of the steering transmission device has been compromised. This imbalance could potentially be due to excessive wear on the drive shaft, its spline shaft, and spline sleeve.
Let’s delve deeper into this issue. The drive shaft and its associated components play a vital role in transmitting the rotational force from the engine to the wheels. When these components are worn, they can cause uneven rotational speeds and vibrations, which are reflected in the shaking of the steering wheel. The abnormal sound might indicate loose or damaged parts within the transmission system, further highlighting the need for immediate inspection and possible repair or replacement.
If the act of steering feels heavy and demands significant effort, it could potentially indicate that the rolling bearings within all parts of the steering system are fitted too tightly. Poor lubrication of these bearings or overly tight ball joints in the steering transverse and longitudinal tie rods, or a lack of oil in these joints, can also contribute to this problem. Additionally, insufficient tire pressure in the front wheels might be another contributing factor.
When the bearings are too tightly fitted or lack proper lubrication, they encounter increased friction, making it harder for the steering system to operate smoothly. The ball joints, which are responsible for allowing smooth movement and articulation, can become stiff and unresponsive if they are too tight or lacking in lubrication. Insufficient tire pressure reduces the contact area between the tires and the road, thereby increasing the effort required to turn the wheels.
If the steering wheel proves difficult to control, and the vehicle has a tendency to automatically veer to one side of the road during driving or braking, this situation might arise from inconsistent specifications or air pressure of the front wheels on both sides. Moreover, unequal camber angles of the front wheels on both sides, disparities in the front wheel bearing clearances, or excessive differences in the wheelbase could also be the root causes.
Unequal tire specifications or air pressure can result in uneven forces acting on the wheels, causing the vehicle to pull to one side. The camber angle of the wheels affects their contact with the road surface and steering response. If the camber angles are not consistent on both sides, it can lead to uneven steering forces and a deviation in the vehicle’s trajectory. Differences in wheel bearing clearances or wheelbase can also introduce imbalances in the suspension and steering systems, resulting in steering difficulties and uneven vehicle behavior.
If the entire vehicle experiences a sense of instability, it is often triggered by the wobbling of the front wheels during driving. When the vehicle is traveling at a certain high speed, the steering wheel might shake or vibrate, and even the direction in which the vehicle moves might not align with the intended direction when controlled. At such times, it is advisable to appropriately reduce the speed of the vehicle. However, factors such as tire patching or tire repair disrupting the dynamic balance of the front wheel assembly, malfunctioning shock absorbers, wear and loosening of steering system components, and improper front wheel alignment can all potentially lead to this undesirable situation.
Tire patching or repair can change the weight distribution of the tire, affecting its rotational balance and causing vibrations. A faulty shock absorber fails to dampen the oscillations and impacts from the road, transmitting these disturbances to the steering and suspension systems. Wear and loosening of components within the steering system reduce its precision and stability. Improper front wheel alignment alters the angle and position of the wheels, resulting in erratic steering behavior and a loss of control.
In conclusion, any abnormal behavior or sensation of the steering wheel should be taken seriously as it could indicate underlying issues within the complex systems of the truck-mounted crane. Timely detection, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate maintenance and repair are essential to ensure safe and efficient operation of the vehicle. Regular inspections and maintenance of the steering system, along with proper tire care and wheel alignment checks, can go a long way in preventing and addressing these potential problems.
