What are the reasons for a heavy steering wheel?
2 Answers
The reasons for a heavy steering wheel are: 1. Insufficient power steering fluid, which is the main source of power for driving the car. When the power steering fluid is insufficient, the steering wheel becomes heavy; 2. Contaminated power steering fluid prevents it from functioning properly and driving the car; 3. Power steering system failure, possibly due to poor circuit contact in the power steering system. The correct way to steer: 1. When turning left, both hands rotate together. When the hands are about to cross, the right hand remains on the steering wheel while the left hand moves to the right side of the steering wheel to continue turning, then both hands rotate accordingly; 2. The same applies when turning right, just switch the roles of the left and right hands.
I've experienced the steering wheel becoming extremely heavy while driving, and the most common cause is a malfunction in the power steering system. For example, older cars use hydraulic power steering—if the power steering pump fails or the belt cracks, the transmission becomes ineffective, making the steering wheel feel as heavy as a ton. Insufficient power steering fluid can also cause this, often due to a leaking hose or degraded fluid. Adding fresh fluid and checking the level can help; if it drops quickly, repairs are needed immediately. Tire issues shouldn’t be ignored either—low tire pressure can make steering sluggish, and misaligned wheels or worn steering gear can also contribute. I remember during my last repair, a stuck ball joint was discovered, and after fixing it, steering became much easier. Always check the tires and fluid reservoir before driving—safety first.
