What Causes Difficulty in Turning the Car Steering Wheel?
2 Answers
Difficulty in turning the car steering wheel can be caused by: 1. Lack of lubrication in the steering column, leading to high friction; 2. Insufficient power steering fluid; 3. Malfunctions in the universal joint, plane bearing, or power steering system; 4. Aging of the rubber bushings in the chassis suspension stabilizer bar links; 5. Abnormal wear on the brake disc and brake pad surfaces; 6. Damage to the steering damper. Solutions to address difficulty in turning the steering wheel include: 1. Lubricating the steering column; 2. Refilling the power steering fluid; 3. Replacing the universal joint, rubber bushings in the chassis suspension stabilizer bar links, plane bearing, steering damper, brake disc, and brake pads. The steering wheel is connected to the steering shaft via splines and functions to convert the force applied by the driver on the steering wheel's edge into torque, which is then transmitted to the steering shaft.
I remember that time when I was driving and suddenly felt the steering wheel was unusually heavy, completely different from its usual light and effortless feel. My five-year-old car experiencing such an issue typically indicates a problem with the power steering system. In the era of electric power steering, a failing motor or faulty sensor can cause the steering wheel to become heavy instantly. Tire factors shouldn’t be overlooked either—low tire pressure increases steering resistance, making it feel like pulling a thousand-pound rock. Additionally, in hydraulic systems, insufficient or degraded power steering fluid can lead to pump failure. Once after rain, I discovered worn wheel hub bearings combined with slippery roads made turning the wheel difficult. For safety, I immediately took it to a repair shop, where they confirmed a loose steering linkage. I advise drivers encountering similar issues not to delay and to seek professional inspection promptly to avoid driving risks.
