What Causes the Steering Wheel to Be Too Tight to Pull Down?
2 Answers
There are several reasons why the steering wheel may be too tight to pull down: Excessive Load on the Power Steering System: The power steering system uses an electronic power assist form. Repeatedly turning the steering wheel while stationary or at low speeds places a significant load on the power steering system, which can easily cause the steering gear to overheat and enter a protective mode, resulting in heavy steering. It will return to normal after cooling down, so this is a normal phenomenon. Steering Wheel Lock: In most vehicles, the steering wheel automatically locks after the engine is turned off, which is a simple anti-theft feature. This situation does not occur every time the vehicle is started. Generally, after starting the vehicle with the key, the steering wheel will naturally unlock.
I once experienced a situation where the steering wheel suddenly became immobile while driving, and the entire car felt extremely heavy. It really scared me that time. Later, the mechanic told me that the most common cause is an issue with the power steering system, especially if the hydraulic power steering pump is broken or the power steering fluid is insufficient, causing the power assist to fail. It could also be due to rust or jamming in the steering column or linkage mechanism, which is particularly common in older cars if lubrication isn't properly maintained. Additionally, if the tire pressure is too low, increased friction can make the steering wheel feel very heavy. At that time, I followed the advice and checked the power steering fluid and tire pressure, only to find that the fluid was leaking. After refilling it, the problem improved significantly. Such issues shouldn't be ignored, as they can dangerously affect vehicle control. I recommend everyone to regularly maintain the steering system, replace the power steering fluid every two years, and always check tire conditions before driving—safety comes first.