What Causes Resistance When Turning the Steering Wheel?
2 Answers
Steering wheel resistance can be caused by the following reasons: 1. Degraded power steering fluid: Power steering fluid serves as the working medium for the hydraulic booster, transmitting power through liquid pressure. If the fluid becomes dirty, degraded, or leaks, it can affect the operation of the hydraulic booster, leading to resistance when turning the steering wheel. In this case, replacing the fluid with a higher-quality product can resolve the issue. 2. Improper booster pressure adjustment: The pressure in the hydraulic booster system can be adjusted. If the booster pressure is too high, it can also cause resistance when turning the steering wheel. Locate the pressure adjustment device near the booster pump's outlet and reduce the pressure to alleviate the issue. 3. Booster malfunction: If there is poor electrical contact inside the booster or other internal issues, it can increase steering resistance. In such cases, the booster should be inspected and repaired.
This steering wheel is hard to turn, and I've encountered this several times. Last month when I was driving my old car, turning the steering wheel felt like dragging a big rock—it was unusually heavy. I figured it might be a power steering pump failure, because without power assist, you have to use more force. Low tire pressure can also cause this; I checked with a pressure gauge and found the front tires were indeed underinflated. Another possibility is insufficient lubrication in the steering gear—try adding some lubricating oil. Sometimes, electrical system issues, like a faulty sensor, can cause the electric power steering to stop working. I pulled over to the roadside temporarily and called a friend to help take a look. Safety comes first—driving with this kind of resistance is very dangerous and can easily lead to accidents. It's best to go to a repair shop for inspection as soon as possible. Don't delay like I did, turning a small issue into a big problem.