What are the reasons for the heavy steering wheel of the Sagitar and how to solve it?
3 Answers
Reasons and solutions for the heavy steering wheel of the Sagitar: Solutions: 1. Replace the power steering fluid. 2. Check the power steering system. 3. Check the tire pressure. The power steering fluid also needs to be replaced regularly, generally every 2 years or 30,000 kilometers. Reasons for the heavy steering wheel of the Sagitar: 1. Insufficient power steering fluid. The power steering fluid is the main power source for driving the car. 2. Contaminated power steering fluid. If the car has difficulty turning the steering wheel, it may be due to the power steering fluid being mixed with unclean gases or impurities, preventing it from functioning properly. 3. Issues with the power booster. The steering wheel and the power booster are closely related. When the steering wheel becomes heavy, it is likely due to poor electrical contact or other issues within the power booster system. 4. Low tire pressure. Low tire pressure can also cause the steering wheel to become heavier, and in severe cases, it may even lead to a tire blowout due to insufficient pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to first check the tire pressure when the steering wheel becomes heavy.
Having driven the Sagitar for over a decade, I believe the main reason for the heavier steering wheel is likely an issue with the power steering system. The Sagitar uses electric power steering, and when the control unit or motor fails, it loses assistive force, making the steering feel heavy. Low tire pressure can also increase steering resistance, especially noticeable when starting the car cold. Additionally, if the chassis suspension or steering column is stuck, or if metal parts are rusty or lack sufficient lubrication, over time, these can cause the steering wheel to stiffen. The solution is to first check the tire pressure yourself using a tire pressure gauge and adjust it to the manufacturer's recommended value (usually listed on the door frame label), typically between 2.3-2.5 bar. If the steering still feels heavy, check the battery charge, as the power steering system consumes a significant amount of electricity. Finally, take the car to a professional shop for inspection as soon as possible—don't delay. Heavy steering increases the risk of accidents at high speeds due to delayed response. I make it a habit to check the tire pressure briefly every month to prevent recurring issues.
My buddy who's into Sagitar modifications told me not to ignore a heavy steering wheel. Common causes include tire issues - insufficient pressure or uneven wear directly increases steering friction; or problems with the electric power steering pump, as aging control modules can cause unstable power supply. Incorrect wheel alignment also adds burden, like when front wheels are misaligned, the steering shaft gets stuck. Solutions are straightforward: first try inflating the tires to see if it helps. If not, check for blown fuses (located in the engine compartment fuse box) - power steering assistance decreases when battery voltage is low. Cars with oversized rims or wider tires are more prone to this issue, and suspension adjustments can help alleviate it. Remember, safety first - get it to a repair shop early to scan for trouble codes with diagnostic equipment.
