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Glossary entry

German term or phrase:

Achtfahrten

English translation:

drive in figure eights

Added to glossary by jccantrell
Oct 19, 2013 16:18
10 yrs ago
1 viewer *
German term

Achtfahrten

German to English Tech/Engineering Automotive / Cars & Trucks power steering
Hi folks.

Doing a text on testing power steering systems. Here is the context:

Eine vollständige Entlüftung der Anlage muss sichergestellt sein. Im Zweifel durch häufige "Achtfahrten" bei Abregeldrehzahl bis in den vollen Lenkeinschlag Restluft ausspülen. Bei einer unmittelbar anschließend durchgeführten Kontrolle des Ölniveaus dürfen sich keine Luftbläschen im Lenköl befinden.

As it is in quotes in the original, I figure it is not a common term (confirmed by various searches). Now does this mean just driving in figure 8s for a while (so that you are moving the steering from side to side)?

If so, even if not, what is it and how might you say it in English?

Thanks.
Proposed translations (English)
4 cycling the steering back and forth
4 +1 turning the steering wheel lock to lock (several times)

Discussion

Uta Kappler Oct 20, 2013:
@Yorkshireman Will do, thanks much! We seem to be on the right track now, per Richard, too ;-)
Richard Stephen Oct 20, 2013:
Literally "driving the car through a figure of 8" which requires turning the steering in one direction to lock then back to the other lock to complete the '8'.
Yorkshireman Oct 19, 2013:
Hi Uta Looks like you discovered something pretty similar to what I found (and "lock to lock" sounds more technical than my answer, too)

Nice bit of research! I think you should post it as an answer. (without the question mark!)
Uta Kappler Oct 19, 2013:
...by "turning the steering wheel lock to lock" several times?
<br>
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/repairguides/Ford-Focus-200...
Uta Kappler Oct 19, 2013:
Hi jccantrell, <br>ich bin wirklich nicht sicher ob "Achtfahrten" ein wirklich gängiger, treffender Term in diesem Kontext ist. Vermutlich ist gemeint, dass das Lenkrad "von Anschlag zu Anschlag durchgedreht" werden soll, denn das Fahrzeug wird bei einem solchen Test doch nicht wirklich gefahren, sondern vorne/hinten soweit angehoben, bis die Antriebsachse frei ist. Vielleicht täusche ich mich aber auch.

Proposed translations

5 hrs
Selected

cycling the steering back and forth

In my previous answer, now hidden, I assumed that the vehicle was in motion. THis article suggests that purging air from the sytem can be done with the vehicle standing still

The guys here perform exactly the test you describe on a Jeep, and the "Achtfahren" ("cycling the steering back and forth") is done with the engine running and the Jeep standing still.

My take on it is now modified to match:
"It is essential that the system is completely free of air. If in doubt, cycle the steering back and forth as far as it goes with the engine at the full revs permitted by the governor (shortly before the cut-off speed) to purge the residual air from the system. A check of the steering fluid level immediately after this test should reveal no more air bubbles in the fluid."
Example sentence:

I started the vehicle and let it run while cycling the steering back and forth with Ted watching for leaks. We checked for leaks at the reservoir pressure and return, at the steering pump where the pressure and return lines connect, and the pump itself.

I topped up the reservoir, started the Jeep and ran the steering back and forth some more. I shut off the Jeep and checked the fluid. There were no bubbles and the fluid was staying up.

Reference:

http://tinyurl.com/nwm8eq7

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4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer. Comment: "I have to say, this all put me on the right track, so I gave the points to the first answerer. I did know what they were saying but this word was new to me. I found this: http://www.motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0810_americas_best_handling_car_contenders_instrument_tests/photo_31.html So I went with "Figure eight" in some form or another. It was unclear to me whether this context was in motion or not, but the '..fahrten' moved me (pun intended) in that direction. Thanks all."
+1
1 day 4 hrs

turning the steering wheel lock to lock (several times)

Peer comment(s):
agree Richard Stephen
9 hrs
Thank you so much Richard!
Something went wrong...
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