What Are the Reasons for Difficult Steering Wheel Rotation in Cars?
2 Answers
Reasons for difficult steering wheel rotation in cars include: 1. Lack of lubrication in the steering column, leading to high friction; 2. Insufficient power steering fluid; 3. Universal joint failure; 4. Aging of the chassis suspension stabilizer bar bushing; 5. Planar bearing failure; 6. Power steering system malfunction; 7. Abnormal wear on the brake disc and brake pad surfaces; 8. Damaged steering damper. Solutions for difficult steering wheel rotation are: 1. Lubricate the steering column; 2. Refill power steering fluid; 3. Replace the universal joint; 4. Replace the chassis suspension stabilizer bar bushing; 5. Replace the planar bearing; 6. Replace the steering damper.
After driving for many years, I've found that stiff steering is quite common, mainly due to issues with the steering system. For example, insufficient power steering fluid—low levels make the pump work harder—or a faulty pump itself, indicated by squealing noises showing it's acting up. A loose belt can also weaken power assist. Additionally, low tire pressure increases resistance, making the steering wheel feel heavy. I've encountered this several times before—first, I check the fluid level and top it up to see if it helps. If not, then it's time to inspect the pump or steering gear for wear. Remember, forcing the steering wheel can damage the system or even cause suspension failure, making driving unsafe in severe cases. My advice: regular checks of power steering fluid and tire pressure can prevent such issues. I recommend having a mechanic test the steering system during annual maintenance.
