What Causes the Steering Wheel of the New Santana to Feel Stiff and Stuck?
4 Answers
Reasons for the steering wheel of the New Santana feeling stiff and stuck: dirty power steering fluid, air in the pipelines, unresponsive steering angle sensor, and lack of lubrication in the steering column. Details are as follows: Brief Introduction to the Reasons: The steering wheel feeling stuck is mainly due to deformation or issues with the vehicle's transmission system. It is necessary to check whether the front wheel alignment angles and the front beam meet the requirements. If misaligned, adjustments should be made. Test the wheels on the front axle to check the static balance of the wheels and whether the tires are excessively deformed. If deformed, they should be replaced. The vehicle may drive normally on flat roads, but when encountering bumps, the steering wheel may shake. This is because, during driving, the ball joints may become loose or the rubber sleeves of the joints may fall off, and the tires may become irregular due to wear. A professional repair shop should be consulted to inspect and replace any damaged parts. Solutions for Slight Stiffness in the Car Steering Wheel: Replace the steering column; adjust the steering wheel up and down and then return it to its original position; turn the steering wheel lock to lock several times while stationary. The steering wheel is a wheel-shaped device for controlling the direction of travel, and its function is to convert the force applied by the driver to the edge of the steering wheel into torque, which is then transmitted to the steering shaft.
I think the steering wheel stiffness and heaviness in the new Santana may have multiple causes. First, check the power steering system. If it's the electric power steering version, it could be due to unstable force output caused by a control module failure. Low tire pressure or wheel hub deformation can increase steering burden, making the steering wheel feel heavier. If dust enters the steering column or there's insufficient lubrication, it can also cause stiffness. Faulty electronic sensors, such as the angle sensor, can interfere with signal transmission. I recommend first checking the tire pressure and keeping it at the standard value, then visually inspecting the power steering components for leaks. Regular maintenance can prevent such issues, such as checking the power steering system every 5,000 kilometers to avoid sudden failures affecting driving control. For safety, don't ignore this problem. It's best to visit a 4S shop early for professional diagnostic equipment to prevent the risk of steering wheel loss of control.
A heavy and sticky steering wheel makes me feel quite unsafe. The power steering design of the new Santana is usually precise, but if there's a malfunction—such as poor sealing of the power steering pump or deteriorated fluid—it can affect power transmission. Uneven tire tread wear can also increase steering resistance, worsening the handling. I personally experienced a similar issue with a friend's car, where the steering felt noticeably stiff during turns, nearly causing a scrape with an obstacle. I recommend checking routine operations immediately: listen for abnormal noises from the power steering pump at startup and inspect the ground for signs of oil leakage. Don’t delay, as long-distance driving could become even more fatiguing. Regularly replacing the power steering fluid is crucial—even new cars may have components that don’t break in smoothly initially. Safety comes first, so if you notice any issues, get them repaired promptly.
The reason for the stiff steering wheel in the new Santana may be a bug in the electric power steering system. I've heard many complaints about similar issues in car owner circles, where occasional signal errors or software conflicts in the control unit cause power steering failure. Misaligned tire angles or unstable tire pressure can also intensify the heaviness. When attempting to fix it yourself, you can try restarting the system by turning off the power, but avoid forcing it. Regularly cleaning the wheel hubs to prevent sticking and scheduling periodic wheel alignments to ensure precision are good practices. Minor glitches are inevitable in the digital age, and timely firmware updates can optimize the driving experience.
