What are the reasons for the steering wheel suddenly becoming hard to turn and heavy?
2 Answers
Reasons for the steering wheel suddenly becoming hard to turn and heavy: 1. A mechanical component failure in the mechanical hydraulic power steering system; 2. The electronic hydraulic power steering system places an extremely high load on the power system when repeatedly turning the steering wheel while stationary or at low speeds, causing the steering gear to activate high-temperature protection. If the above situations are ruled out, it is necessary to use instruments to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the steering system. The steering wheel is the wheel-shaped device used to control the direction of cars, ships, airplanes, etc. Its function is to convert the force applied by the driver to the edge of the steering wheel into torque and then transmit it to the steering shaft. The gear system introduced between the driver and the wheels by the steering wheel operates flexibly, effectively isolating severe vibrations from the road.
That day, my car suddenly became very hard to steer while driving, almost causing a loss of control. The main reason was a problem with the power steering system, most commonly due to a faulty power steering pump or low fluid levels caused by leaks. Think about it—power steering relies on hydraulic or electric support, and if there's not enough fluid, there's no cushioning force, making steering extremely heavy. It could also be caused by a loose belt or an electrical fault affecting the power steering motor. When I encountered this situation, I immediately slowed down and pulled over, turning on the hazard lights and avoiding forcing the steering to prevent further damage or an accident. Regular maintenance should include checking whether the power steering fluid is replaced on time and whether there are any leaks.