What Causes the Steering Wheel to Be Stiff After Starting the Car?
2 Answers
It is most likely a steering gear failure, and it is recommended to have it checked at a 4S shop. Below is the relevant content: 1. Introduction to the Car Steering Gear: The car steering gear, also known as the steering mechanism or steering box, is the most important component in the car's steering system. Its function is to amplify the force transmitted from the steering wheel to the steering linkage and to change the direction of force transmission. 2. Methods to Determine if the Car Steering Gear Is Faulty: Unstable driving direction, increased steering wheel play, difficulty in steering wheel return, understeer or oversteer, steering wheel vibration, directional wobbling, heavy steering, and unusual noises from the car steering gear, etc. 3. Methods to Maintain the Car Steering Gear: Avoid turning the steering wheel while the car is stationary; turn the steering wheel only after the car is moving. After parking, return the steering wheel to the central position to avoid bearing load.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered the steering wheel locking up a few times. The most common situation is when the automatic steering wheel lock engages - it activates as an anti-theft feature when you turn the wheel after shutting off the engine. Don't force it in this case; gently turn the wheel with your left hand while turning the key with your right hand until you hear a click to unlock it. Another cause could be power steering system issues. For electric power steering, if the battery is low or a fuse is blown, the motor won't work making the steering wheel extremely heavy. For hydraulic systems, you need to check the power steering fluid - leaks or degraded fluid will cause the power steering pump to fail. Last week my neighbor's car had a broken belt, causing the power steering pump to stop working, making the wheel completely immovable. These situations all require prompt attention, especially in winter when fluids thicken and problems are more likely. It's best to have a repair shop scan for trouble codes with diagnostic equipment.
