What Causes the Steering Wheel to Be Particularly Heavy?
2 Answers
Reasons for a heavy car steering wheel: 1. Insufficient power steering fluid: Power steering fluid is the main source of power that drives the car, so when the fluid is insufficient, the car naturally becomes difficult to steer. 2. Contaminated power steering fluid: If the car has difficulty turning the steering wheel, it may be due to unclean mixed gases or impurities in the power steering fluid, preventing it from functioning properly. 3. Power steering system malfunction: The steering wheel and the power steering system are closely related. When the steering wheel becomes heavy, it could be due to poor electrical contact or other issues within the power steering system.
I've seen the issue of an excessively heavy steering wheel far too often, and it's usually a problem with the power steering system. For vehicles with hydraulic power steering, it could be a faulty power steering pump or oil leakage in the pipelines, leading to insufficient pressure and making steering difficult. Additionally, low or contaminated power steering fluid can affect performance—like when aged fluid doesn't flow smoothly, causing the steering wheel to feel heavier. Low tire pressure is another common culprit, as it increases the contact area between the tires and the road, raising steering resistance. Sometimes, misaligned wheels or worn steering linkage can also make driving more strenuous. If you encounter this issue, get it checked promptly—otherwise, you risk losing control during high-speed driving or sharp turns, increasing the chance of accidents. It's best to develop a habit of checking tire pressure and fluid levels before daily drives to prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems.
