What Causes the Loss of Power Steering After a Car Goes Through Water?
3 Answers
After driving through water, the steering wheel becomes heavier. The reasons are as follows: 1. Drive belt gets wet: When a car goes through water, its components may inevitably get wet. In this case, the hydraulic power steering pump's drive belt may slip due to contact with water, reducing steering assistance and making the steering wheel heavier. 2. Water entering the electric power steering components after driving through water may cause circuit malfunctions. 3. Water entering the steering gear during water driving may lead to internal mechanical failure. 4. Moisture in the steering gear wiring harness connector may cause temporary short circuits. 5. Water entering the suspension bushings increases steering resistance. 6. Water mixing with the power steering fluid reduces its functionality, increasing steering resistance.
When I heard that the power steering fails after a car drives through water, I thought it was a pretty common issue. The power steering system typically has hydraulic or electric components, and water can seep in after wading, damaging the seal of the power steering pump or causing electrical wiring to short-circuit. This makes the steering wheel feel unusually stiff and hard to turn. Sometimes, a wet belt can also slip, losing its ability to transfer power—I’ve seen this happen when water reaches wheel height. Water intrusion into sensors can also send incorrect signals, causing the power steering system to misjudge faults. If the water depth exceeds half the wheel height, the risk increases significantly, and you should stop immediately to inspect for safety hazards. Steering failure affects safe driving, so it’s best not to risk continuing—call a tow truck or seek help from a professional repair shop to check the system and fluid lines. Regular maintenance after wading can prevent these troubles.
As an experienced driver with over a decade behind the wheel, I believe the loss of power steering after wading is mostly due to water damaging the power assist mechanism. Mechanically, hydraulic power steering pumps are prone to water ingress, contaminating the fluid; electrically, moisture can cause short circuits in the electric motor circuits, paralyzing the system. The water pressure impact during wading can damage steering linkages, and belts may also loosen or break. I always remind my friends: if the steering suddenly becomes heavy, never force it—immediately pull over, turn on the hazard lights. Water exceeding one-third of the tire height is very dangerous, and neglecting it long-term can cause parts to corrode and rust. The safest practice after wading is to promptly clean the undercarriage and inspect the power steering system to avoid bigger issues.
