What Causes Power Steering Failure and Difficulty in Turning the Steering Wheel?
2 Answers
Automobile power steering failure and difficulty in turning the steering wheel can be attributed to the following reasons: 1. Hydraulic power issue: Check if the power steering fluid is insufficient and there are no oil leaks. If the fluid is low, replenish it to the normal range. If the fluid level is adequate, inspect whether the power pump belt is too loose. If it is, tighten the belt. Also, check if the oil is too dirty due to poor mobility, which generally requires replacement every 2 years or 60,000 kilometers. 2. Electronic power issue: Check if the fuse is blown and whether there are any open or short circuits in the wiring. 3. Tire pressure issue: Air leakage can also cause the steering to feel heavy or difficult to turn, necessitating inflation.
A sudden failure of power steering can be really dangerous! I experienced it once before, and the steering wheel became as heavy as a truck's wheel hub. The most common issue is a broken power steering pump—once it fails, the whole system loses pressure. It could also be that the power steering fluid has leaked out; cracked hoses or aged seals can cause leaks, so remember to check under the car for any oil stains. A seized universal joint can also lock up the steering system, especially in older cars prone to rust. Steering gear failure is less likely but still possible. The scariest scenario is when the controller in an electric power steering system suddenly loses power—there's no warning, and you have to act fast. This kind of problem can't be ignored; pull over immediately with hazard lights on, as locked steering can lead to serious accidents.
