Checking the steering gear protective covers (Fiesta 4)

The steering rods are protected on the left and right by rubber corrugated protective covers. Both covers must be dry to prevent dust from settling on them. Wet covers must be replaced, as dirt or moisture penetrating into them quickly turns the lubricant in the steering gear into an abrasive paste, which promotes intensive wear of the pinion-toothed rack connection.



TECHNICAL DICTIONARY

Operation of a double-acting shock absorber



Fig. 13.7. Double-acting shock absorber: 1 – upper mount with elastic rubber stop; 2 – protective cover; 3 – piston rod; 4 – piston rod guides with seal; 5 – working cylinder; 6 – valve piston with elastic valve washer; 7 – reservoir; 8 – lower valve with check valve and elastic valve washer; 9 – lower mount



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

Compression stroke

When the car wheels move upward, i.e. the shock absorber is compressed, the piston moves downward 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 above-piston space. The design of the valve determines the resistance that the working piston must overcome.

Recoil stroke

During the recoil stroke, the car wheels move downwards under the action of the elastic elements of the suspension, the shock absorber is stretched. Liquid pressure is created above the piston, and vacuum is created below the piston. Liquid from the above-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 WORKS



1. Shine a flashlight onto the steering gear boot.

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



Fig. 13.8. Location of clamps (1 and 2) for fastening the protective corrugated cover of the steering gear

3. Fastening clamps 1, 2 (Fig. 13.8) must securely fasten the protective covers.

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