What Are the Causes of Insufficient Steering Wheel Power Assistance?
2 Answers
If the power steering pump is damaged, the first noticeable symptom is that the steering becomes very heavy, and there is significant noise from the power steering pump when turning the wheel. Hydraulic Power Assistance Issues: Check if the power steering fluid is insufficient, and ensure there are no oil leaks. If the fluid is low, it needs to be refilled to the normal level. If the fluid level is adequate, inspect whether the power pump belt is too loose. If it is too loose, tighten the belt. Also, check if the oil has become excessively dirty due to poor mobility. Generally, the oil should be replaced every 2 years or 60,000 kilometers. Electronic Power Assistance Issues: Check if the fuse is blown and whether there are any open or short circuits in the wiring. Tire Pressure Issues: Air leakage can also cause the steering to become heavy or unresponsive, requiring inflation.
Last time my car's steering wheel suddenly became heavy, and I almost had an accident on a curve. It was really scary. There are usually several main reasons for this issue. If the power steering pump is worn or stuck, it can't provide enough pressure; insufficient or leaking hydraulic fluid is also common, such as cracks in the oil tank or pipes; a loose or broken belt can interrupt power transmission; for electric vehicles, it might be a control module failure or sensor malfunction, preventing the motor from assisting the steering correctly; even a weak battery can affect it. When these issues occur, the steering wheel becomes particularly hard to turn, significantly reducing maneuverability. I suggest stopping immediately to check if you notice this—simply inspect the fluid level and belt condition. If you're unsure, take it to a professional shop for repair to prevent a small problem from becoming a major one, endangering yourself and others.
