What are the reasons for the heavy steering wheel of the Accord?
3 Answers
The reasons for the heavy steering wheel of the Accord include: low tire pressure, toe-in, malfunction of the steering gear or power steering pump, and excessively tight bearing fit. If any of these issues occur, it is important to promptly visit a repair shop for repairs to avoid accidents. Low tire pressure increases the contact area between the tires and the road surface, leading to greater friction and making steering more difficult, resulting in a heavy steering wheel, which is detrimental to driving safety. Toe-in can also affect the car's steering. The concept of toe-in is quite complex, but simply put, it helps the steering wheels automatically return to the center, ensuring the car can drive straight stably. Therefore, problems in this area can also cause the steering wheel to become heavy. The steering gear and power steering pump also influence the car's steering. Any malfunction in these two critical components can make steering difficult. Issues such as universal joints, chassis suspension stabilizer bars, or plane bearings should not be overlooked. Excessively tight fit between the rolling bearings and sliding bearings connected to the steering system can lead to poor lubrication of the bearings, causing jamming. Additionally, a heavy steering wheel can manifest in two specific ways: one is unidirectional heaviness, and the other is heaviness on both sides. Neither of these situations should be underestimated. Targeted inspections should be conducted on the mechanical parts and the power steering system, or to check for any leaks or damaged seals causing air intake. It is crucial to pay attention to the warning signals from your car, identify and resolve issues as quickly as possible to prevent accidents.
I've experienced the steering wheel suddenly becoming heavy several times, especially noticeable when driving an Accord. At first, I thought it might be due to low tire pressure, but after checking and finding the tire pressure normal, I realized it was an issue with the power steering system. A heavy steering wheel makes driving laborious, requiring more effort to turn, especially during turns or parking. Common causes include low tire pressure, power steering pump failure or oil leakage, or a loose belt. For electric power steering models, insufficient battery charge or a short circuit in the motor's electrical system can also cause the problem. It's best not to delay and to have it diagnosed with professional equipment at a repair shop, as prolonged use can exacerbate component wear and affect driving safety. My lesson is to regularly check the power steering fluid level and tire condition to prevent problems.
When the steering wheel feels heavier, I always prefer to check the causes myself, especially for models like the Accord. Usually, I start with the simplest aspects, such as checking whether the tire pressure is sufficient. If it's too low, the tires' grip decreases, making the steering naturally heavier. Then, I listen for any noise from the power steering pump, as loud noises might indicate a pump issue. For electric power steering systems like EPS, common problems include loose connectors or sensor failures. If you're doing it yourself, you can check if the fuse is blown or if the power steering fluid is low, but avoid forcing repairs to prevent damaging more components and affecting driving safety. It's recommended to buy a tire pressure gauge for regular checks to reduce hassle and seek professional repair early to ensure peace of mind.
