What Causes Heavy Steering Wheel in Crown?
3 Answers
Crown steering wheel becomes heavy due to the following reasons: Lack of lubrication in the steering gear: When the car's steering gear lacks lubrication, symptoms such as steering jamming and heavy steering wheel may occur. In this case, lubricating oil should be added, and the power steering fluid may need to be replaced if necessary. Low tire pressure: When the car's tire pressure is too low, the contact area between the tire and the ground increases, leading to greater resistance during driving, which makes the steering wheel feel heavier. In this situation, the tires should be inflated promptly. Battery depletion: After prolonged battery depletion, the steering wheel loses the assistance from the motor. In this case, the battery needs to be recharged.
I've found that a heavy steering wheel in a Crown usually has several common causes. Insufficient power steering fluid is the most common—aged or leaking fluid reduces the efficiency of the power steering pump, making the steering wheel feel as heavy as lead when driving. Low tire pressure can also affect steering feel; uneven pressure in the four tires can make the steering particularly stiff. This happened to my car last time—after topping up the tire pressure, it immediately felt much lighter. Issues with the steering gear itself are another cause; wear in the ball joints or gears can make the steering system feel rough. Problems with the suspension system, such as aging bushings in the lower control arms, can also affect front-wheel alignment parameters. I recommend first checking the power steering fluid level and tire pressure. If those are fine, you should lift the car to inspect the chassis. Steering issues involve driving safety, so don't delay addressing them.
The steering wheel feeling heavy is mostly a power steering system issue. Last time I encountered this, I found the power steering pump belt was loose, causing slippage and insufficient hydraulic pressure. Deteriorated or leaking power steering fluid can also lead to reduced assistance, and this fluid needs regular replacement. Additionally, aging seals inside the steering gear can cause hydraulic oil leakage, resulting in noticeable stiffness when turning. Incorrect front wheel alignment data can also make the steering heavier, especially with excessive caster angle deviation. Lack of lubrication in the universal joint between the steering wheel and steering column can increase steering resistance. It's best to first test the power steering fluid pressure and check for any leaks in the lines. Steering issues should be addressed promptly to avoid damaging other components.
