What causes a Chevrolet steering wheel to suddenly become immovable?
2 Answers
Chevrolet steering wheel suddenly becomes immovable mainly due to air not being completely expelled from the steering system after fluid leakage. Below are the relevant details:1. Overview: This situation occurs because air remains in the steering system after fluid leakage. If the power steering pump operates for a long time without sufficient oil, it can lead to severe wear, reducing the performance of the steering system. Repairing oil leaks in the steering pump can be resolved by replacing sealing rings and oil seals, or replacing the entire assembly if necessary.2. Additional Notes: Cars equipped with vacuum-assisted steering will not experience immovable steering wheels after the engine starts unless the power steering pump is damaged. The phenomenon of the steering wheel suddenly becoming very tight and immovable is more common in vehicles equipped with electronic steering systems. The power steering system uses electronic assistance, and repeatedly turning the steering wheel while stationary or at low speeds places an extremely high load on the power steering system, easily causing the steering gear to overheat and enter protection mode, resulting in heavy steering. It can return to normal after cooling down, which is a normal phenomenon.
I've dealt with many Chevrolet steering issues, and the most common reason for the steering wheel suddenly becoming hard to turn is a failure in the electric power steering system. The EPS pump may be damaged or the wiring interrupted, causing the power assist to disappear. First, try restarting the car—sometimes a software glitch can be resolved with a simple restart. If that doesn't work, check the dashboard warning lights; if the steering warning light is on, it usually indicates a faulty pump or sensor. Another possibility is that mechanical components in the steering column are jammed, or a fuse has blown in the fuse box. Avoid forcing the steering wheel to turn, as this could damage the steering gear. For safety, if this happens, pull over immediately, turn on the hazard lights, and get the car checked by a professional as soon as possible. During regular maintenance, have the technician test the power steering system to prevent major issues from developing.
