Is It Normal for the Steering Wheel to Become Heavier After Replacing the Steering Gear?
2 Answers
It is not normal for the steering wheel to become heavier after replacing the steering gear. This could be due to contaminated power steering fluid, insufficient tire pressure, and other factors that may cause the steering wheel to feel heavier. Below is more information about the steering gear: 1. The automobile steering gear, also known as the steering mechanism or steering box, is the most important component in the car's steering system. Its function is to amplify the force transmitted from the steering wheel to the steering linkage and to change the direction of the force. 2. Commonly used steering gears include rack and pinion, worm and roller, and recirculating ball types. The rack and pinion steering gear is the most common type, with its basic structure consisting of a pair of meshing pinion and rack gears. The worm and roller steering gear uses a worm as the driving part and a roller as the driven part. The recirculating ball power steering system mainly consists of mechanical and hydraulic parts.
Heavier steering after replacing the steering gear is quite common in my years of driving experience. I remember my old car had the same issue when it was replaced. The mechanic told me the new steering gear might have bushings that are too tight or require a break-in period, and it would lighten up after a week or two of driving. But safety comes first—if the steering becomes too heavy and affects turning, you should check if the power steering fluid is low or leaking. A lack of fluid can make the whole system feel heavier. Don’t ignore it, as overly heavy steering can lead to driver fatigue, especially in city traffic where your arms can get sore. I tend to be cautious, so I’d suggest monitoring it for a few days. If there’s no improvement, take it back to the repair shop to check the installation or the power steering pump. Normally, after a few hundred kilometers, it should return to being light and easy, so you won’t have to worry.
