ASE · Suspension and Steering (A4) · 8 min read
Electronic Steering and Column Service
- Diagnose mechanical and electrical steering column symptoms, including binding joints, noisy bearings, and Supplemental Restraint System safety protocols.
- Explain the operation, electrical demands, and sensor inputs of Electric Power Steering and active steering systems.
- Identify calibration, alignment, and fail-safe procedures for steering angle sensors, torque sensors, and active rear-wheel steering actuators.
Steering Column Mechanical Inspection and Component Diagnosis
Diagnosing steering column complaints requires isolating noises, physical movement, and rotational binding to specific mechanical assemblies. An intermediate-shaft universal joint that is binding will typically cause a repeating notch or an increase in steering effort as the steering wheel is turned, with the exact resistance pattern depending on the joint and its physical condition. In contrast, a worn or loose intermediate shaft slip joint often produces a distinct clunk or rattle when driving over rough road surfaces. Flexible couplings can also degrade over time; deteriorated or torn flexible couplings introduce excessive steering wheel freeplay and can create metal-to-metal contact noise. Internal steering column bearings that become worn, contaminated, or damaged will generate a scraping, grinding, or growling noise as the steering wheel turns.
Physical looseness in the cabin area can stem from mounting hardware or structural integrity issues. Loose or improperly torqued steering column mounting bracket fasteners can cause clicking noises and noticeable physical column movement during turning maneuvers. Technicians must also carefully inspect the underside of the assembly for harness clearance. Damaged or improperly routed wiring harnesses underneath the steering column can catch on rotating shafts, causing intermittent electrical opens or physical binding during turning maneuvers.
Modern columns incorporate impact-absorbing features that permanently change shape to protect the driver during a collision. On columns equipped with them, broken shear pins or visible deformation of an energy-absorbing section indicate that the column has collapsed. If a collapsible steering column has collapsed or is damaged by an impact or improper service force, technicians must replace it as directed by the manufacturer's service information. Never attempt to straighten, weld, or rebuild its energy-absorbing structure. Electronic tilt and telescoping columns incorporate additional complexity by using electric actuators, and they may use position sensors and limit switches to control travel and store memory positions. A malfunction in an electronic tilt and telescoping motor or its position sensor circuit can prevent steering column movement altogether or disable driver memory recall.
Common mistakes
- Disconnecting an intermediate shaft without securing the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position allows unintended rotation that can overextend and tear the clockspring ribbon.
- Attempting to straighten, pull, or repair a collapsed steering column rather than replacing the assembly as specified by manufacturer service procedures.
- Performing a wheel alignment on a vehicle with active rear-wheel steering without first placing the rear steering system into its centered or alignment mode using a scan tool when required.
- Assuming every Electric Power Steering motor replacement automatically requires a torque-sensor zero-point calibration, rather than referencing manufacturer service procedures for specific initialization requirements.
Key points
- Steering column mechanical issues present distinct symptoms: binding universal joints cause repeating notches in effort, worn slip joints rattle over bumps, damaged couplings cause freeplay, and bad column bearings produce grinding or scraping noises.
- Collapsible columns with sheared pins or deformed energy-absorbing structures cannot be rebuilt or straightened and must be replaced per manufacturer service information.
- Always disable the Supplemental Restraint System by following manufacturer procedures (including disconnecting the specified battery cable and observing the reserve-energy discharge time), store removed airbag modules trim-cover up, and lock the steering wheel before uncoupling shafts.
- Electric Power Steering can be column-, pinion-, or rack-mounted; it uses heavy-gauge wiring and high-capacity fuses to handle high current draw, monitoring voltage and using thermal protection logic to limit assist under heavy, continuous demand.
- Many EPS torque sensors infer driver torque from torsion-bar deflection, but sensing methods vary; motor-position and Steering Angle Sensor signals, where used, should be checked against manufacturer data and fault-diagnosis procedures.
- Active rear-wheel steering may use opposite-phase operation at low speeds and same-phase operation at higher speeds; an incorrectly positioned or uncalibrated actuator can affect rear alignment and cause tracking or tire-wear complaints.
Practice this section
Explained ASE Suspension and Steering (A4) questions, no account needed. ASE Suspension and Steering (A4) practice test
The full lesson continues with 4 more sections with exam tips, audio in English and Spanish, 5 Check yourself questions and 19 flashcards.
- 1 month
$44.99$22.49 - 3 months
$131.99$65.99 - Lifetime
$269.99$134.99
One payment, no subscription.
See ASE plansAlready a member? Log in
Sample lesson: Steering Linkage and Hydraulic Assist25 practice questions on this exam
Each ASE practice test has 25 original questions with the answers explained. No account needed.
Open the ASE practice testsOriginal lesson written for ASE practice · updated October 29, 2026. Exam names are trademarks of their owners; tests.global is not affiliated with them.