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Old 19th August 2015, 17:38   #1
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Steering losing smoothness. Minor jerks too

My colleague's Renault Duster has done close to 40k kms and now he is facing issues with the steering. The steering isn't as smooth as it used to be and seems to turn in small steps (minute jerks) that isn't exactly an hinderance, but is definitely an annoyance.

The folks at the Renault service centre claim it's a result of wear and tear of the lower arm ball joint. But my friend isn't exactly convinced that this could be the case as 40k kms seems too less for wear and tear.

Anyone here has had a similar experience with the Duster? Are the service station folks right? Any advice for us?

Thanks in advance.

Mods, please move this to the right thread as appropriate if not. Thanks.
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Old 19th August 2015, 18:22   #2
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re: Steering losing smoothness. Minor jerks too

Yes, Worn out ball joints can be a cause of the changed steering feedback.

And, wear and tear doesn't entirely depend on the number of kilometers. The type of roads you drive on and how you drive has a great impact on the life of components.

That said, yes. It can happen at 40k kms.
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Old 19th August 2015, 20:51   #3
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re: Steering losing smoothness. Minor jerks too

Makes sense. But it has mostly been urban driving in Chennai (mostly good roads - ECR, OMR etc).

I have passed on your observation to him, however.

Thanks a lot.
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Old 20th August 2015, 13:53   #4
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re: Steering losing smoothness. Minor jerks too

The small jerks that you mention seems like a hydraulic problem rather than a mechanical problem. These kind of jerks indicate that either the power steering pump is not able to generate and maintain the required pressure or there could be some air in the hydraulic circuit.
Did he experience any loss of power steering fluid??
These are just my observations, let us know if it's anything else.
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Old 20th August 2015, 16:36   #5
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Re: Steering losing smoothness. Minor jerks too

Also put it up on a lift and see how the suspension components are performing while turning. Is there any apparent sound coming, any leaks in steering hydraulics etc. Yes a completely worn out suspension joints or for that matter tyres can exhibit such behavior, but yes it has to be really in excess.

Last edited by Jaggu : 20th August 2015 at 16:38.
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Old 21st August 2015, 16:35   #6
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Re: Steering losing smoothness. Minor jerks too

Hi msk016,

You nailed it. He took the car to a friend's garage and he found out that there was not enough power steering fluid - the suggestion was it could have been missed during service.

Anyway, all is well now.

Thank you and everyone.
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Old 23rd August 2015, 16:30   #7
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Re: Steering losing smoothness. Minor jerks too

Hi, msnarain,
Glad I could help..
Happy motoring
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