Checking the protective covers of the steering mechanism

Steering rods are protected on the left and right by rubber corrugated protective covers. Both covers must be dry so that dust does not settle on them. Wet boots must be replaced, as dirt or moisture penetrating them turns the lubricant in the steering gear into an abrasive paste in a short time, which contributes to intense wear of the pinion-toothed rack connection.



TECHNICAL DICTIONARY

Double-Acting Shock Absorber Operation



Pic. 13.7. Double-acting shock absorber: 1 - top mount with elastic rubber stop; 2 - protective cover; 3 - piston rod; 4 - piston rod guides with stuffing box; 5 - working cylinder; 6 - valve piston with an elastic valve washer; 7 - tank; 8 - bottom valve with a check valve and an elastic valve washer; 9 - bottom mount


The principle of operation of the shock absorbers installed on the Fiesta car is based on creating increased resistance to body swaying due to the forced flow of fluid through small flow sections in the valves (pic. 13.7). Around the working cylinder is a second cylinder, which is a reservoir for oil.

Compression stroke

When the wheels of the car move up, i.e. the shock absorber is compressed, the piston moves down and displaces liquid from the lower part of the cylinder, part of which, overcoming the resistance of the bypass valve, flows from the space under the piston to the space above the piston. The design of the valve determines the resistance that the working piston must overcome.

Recoil stroke

During the rebound stroke, the wheels of the car under the action of the elastic elements of the suspension go down, the shock absorber is stretched. A liquid pressure is created above the piston, and a vacuum is created below the piston. The liquid from the over-piston space, overcoming the resistance of the valve spring, flows into the lower part of the cylinder. The valve determines the resistance that the working piston must overcome.



SEQUENCE OF WORK


1. Point a flashlight at the bellows on the steering gear bellows.

2. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right and left and, gradually stretching the corrugated protective cover, reveal the presence of cracks in the folds. If necessary, apply protective lubricant from an aerosol can to the case.



Pic. 13.8. Clamp location (1 and 2) fastenings of a protective corrugated cover of the steering mechanism

3. Mounting clamps 1, 2 (pic. 13.8) protective covers must be securely fastened.