What are the causes and solutions for heavy car steering?
2 Answers
Possible causes of heavy car steering include: low tire pressure, malfunctioning steering gear or power steering pump. Below are the relevant explanations: 1. Low tire pressure: This may occur when a new car has been parked for an extended period, leading to decreased air pressure. This increases the contact area between the tires and the road surface, resulting in greater friction and heavier steering. Solution: Ensure sufficient front tire pressure. If the steering wheel becomes heavy during turns, check the front tire pressure. If the pressure is insufficient, promptly add air to maintain normal vehicle operation. 2. Steering gear or power steering pump malfunction: These two critical components significantly affect car steering. Any malfunction in either can cause steering difficulties. Solution: Inspect the power steering system, as most vehicle components rely on electricity to function properly.
I just encountered a problem with heavy steering last week and spent quite some time figuring it out. The most likely causes are a faulty power steering pump or a power steering fluid leak. At this point, turning the wheel becomes particularly strenuous, especially when turning the wheels while stationary. I recommend first checking the fluid level in the power steering reservoir to see if the fluid has deteriorated. If it's low, top it up with some dedicated power steering fluid. In my case, the seal ring of the power steering pump had aged, leaking oil all over the chassis. For vehicles with electronic power steering, it could also be a blown fuse or a malfunctioning motor. These issues require a diagnostic computer at a repair shop. If you're handling it yourself, at most you can replace a fuse, but it's best not to tamper with other components.