Explanation of the Term: What Does Heavy Steering Mean?
2 Answers
Explanation of the term heavy steering refers to the phenomenon where a significant amount of force is required to turn the steering wheel while driving a car. Below is an introduction to the causes of heavy steering and the inspection methods for steering system faults: Causes: Lack of lubrication or damage to the steering knuckle thrust bearing; front axle deformation leading to misalignment of front wheel positioning; insufficient tire pressure in the front wheels; overly tight assembly or lack of lubrication in ball joints, etc. Inspection Methods for Heavy Steering Faults: First, check the tire pressure. If the tire pressure is low, inflate the tires to reach the normal pressure value. Then, inspect the front wheel alignment, paying attention to the caster and toe-in values. If excessive toe-in causes heavy steering, it will be accompanied by severe tire wear.
Heavy steering means it feels particularly difficult to turn the steering wheel while driving, not as light and easy to control as usual. This situation may occur when turning or driving at low speeds, sometimes accompanied by a rumbling sound or vibration. Common causes include insufficient power steering fluid or fluid leakage. I remember once on a long-distance drive, the power steering pump failed, and the steering wheel felt like it was locked, requiring a lot of force to turn. Low tire pressure can also cause this—I’ve experienced flat tires where the car drove crookedly, and the steering wheel became very heavy. If not repaired promptly, increased wear on the steering system could lead to a broken tie rod, making it dangerous to control the car at high speeds. I recommend checking the power steering fluid reservoir during every maintenance session, topping it up if the level is low, or visiting a professional shop to thoroughly inspect the pump and hoses to ensure driving safety. Don’t delay fixing such issues, as repair costs may escalate otherwise.
