What are the reasons for the steering wheel suddenly becoming hard to turn and heavy?
4 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.
I always feel that a heavy steering wheel is mostly related to the power steering system. Specifically, it could be due to wear and tear of the power steering pump preventing it from pumping oil, aging and slipping belts, or dirty and clogged power steering fluid from not being changed for too long. For electric power steering models, a short circuit in the control module or sensor failure can also cause an instant loss of power assistance. If you feel the steering is difficult while driving, pull over immediately and don't take risks—safety first! Every time I encounter this issue, I check the fluid level on the dipstick and smell for any burnt odor to make a preliminary judgment.
If the steering wheel locks up and becomes extremely heavy, immediately pull over to the side of the road, engage the handbrake, and turn on the hazard lights. Avoid forcing the wheel as it may harm you or the vehicle. Common causes often point to power steering failure, such as insufficient pressure from the power steering pump, a loose belt, power steering fluid leakage, or burnt-out electronic power steering components. Mechanical issues like a stuck steering column or bent tie rods can also be culprits, as can low tire pressure increasing steering resistance. Regular vehicle inspections during daily driving can help prevent these problems.
