What Causes Electronic Steering Wheel Stiffness?
2 Answers
The following are the possible reasons for electronic steering wheel stiffness: 1. Adjust the wheel alignment: Generally, when a vehicle experiences electronic steering wheel stiffness, the wheel alignment can be adjusted. Wheel alignment refers to the relative positional relationship between the wheels and the chassis (wheels, steering knuckles, front axle, etc.). If the wheel alignment parameters change, issues such as misaligned steering, heavy steering, steering pull, tire wear, and stiffness may occur. 2. Replace the steering gear: If the electronic steering wheel stiffness persists after adjusting the wheel alignment, the cause can be ruled out as wheel alignment. After excluding wheel alignment, the most likely cause is the steering gear. When the steering gear malfunctions and its reverse efficiency decreases, the steering wheel may become difficult to return to the center position, resulting in stiffness.
A few years ago, I experienced electronic power steering stiffness in my vintage car, which was really annoying! It’s usually caused by the sensor system being insufficiently responsive or completely faulty, failing to send accurate signals, leading to unsteady steering. It could also be an issue with the motor, such as dust ingress or wear damage, causing it to jerk when turning. Additionally, the software system requires regular updates—if it’s outdated, steering commands can get scrambled. I’ve also noticed insufficient lubrication in the steering column; when dust accumulates, resistance increases, making the steering wheel feel jerky. Sometimes, loose electrical connections become more noticeable on bumpy roads, likely due to poor contact. Even battery voltage fluctuations can affect the entire power assist system, resulting in intermittent stiffness. In short, this issue shouldn’t be overlooked—prompt inspection and repair are recommended to avoid steering failure and potential accidents.
