Excessive preloads in a steering gear box would result in

• A. Hard steering
• B. Loose steering
• C. Wandering
• D. No effect

Answer: (A)

Excessive preload in a steering gear box increases friction inside the gear train. Preload is meant to remove play between gear teeth and bearings, but when it is set too high, the parts push against each other too tightly, making the steering harder to turn. You’ll feel a stiff, heavy steering effort rather than a smooth, easy turn. Loose steering would come from too little preload or worn components, wandering from issues like misalignment or tire problems, and there would still be an effect with wrong preload—so this choice isn’t correct.