What Causes the Steering Wheel to be Heavier on the Left and Lighter on the Right?
2 Answers
It is caused by wear and jamming of the steering column universal joint, or faults in the steering power pump and steering gear. Below is a detailed introduction to the diagnosis of this issue: 1. Lift the front axle and turn the steering wheel. If the steering feels flexible, the fault lies in components such as the front axle and wheels. This is because lifting the front axle eliminates the contact resistance between the wheels and the road surface when turning the steering wheel. At this point, carefully check whether the front tire pressure is too low, whether the front leaf springs are in good condition, and whether the frame is deformed. 2. Lift the front axle and turn the steering wheel. If the steering feels heavy, it indicates a fault in the steering gear or steering linkage. At this point, you can remove the steering arm and turn the steering wheel again. If it still feels heavy, the fault lies inside the steering gear, and repairs or replacement of damaged parts should be carried out as needed. 3. After removing the steering arm, turn the steering wheel. If it feels light and flexible, it indicates no fault in the steering gear. If no faults are found in the tires, front leaf springs, frame, or steering gear after the above checks, the issue can be basically determined.
Last time I drove, the steering wheel felt heavier on the left side and lighter on the right, making it very uncomfortable to drive. After a preliminary check, I found uneven tire pressure, with the left tire pressure 20% lower. After inflating, it improved slightly but didn’t completely solve the issue. Later, I asked a mechanic friend, who said there could be multiple reasons, such as a failure in the power steering system on one side, where the motor or pump only assists the right side, making the left side heavier; issues with the suspension system, like worn shock absorbers or loose springs on one side; or uneven tire wear or misaligned wheel angles. For safety, I went straight to the repair shop. The mechanic confirmed it was indeed an alignment issue, and after adjustment, it was back to normal. Remember to regularly check your tires and suspension while driving to avoid sudden hazards.
