What Causes the Steering Wheel to Become Heavier After Wheel Alignment?
2 Answers
The reasons for the steering wheel becoming heavier after wheel alignment are: 1. Improper adjustment of the front wheel toe; 2. Excessive adjustment angle of the front wheel toe; 3. Lack of power steering fluid; 4. Loose or broken power steering pump belt. The function of the steering wheel is to convert the force applied by the driver to the edge of the steering wheel into torque and then transmit it to the steering shaft. Precautions for using the steering wheel include: 1. Do not turn the steering wheel too forcefully or make sudden turns; avoid turning the steering wheel when the vehicle is stationary; 2. When driving on bumpy roads, hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands to prevent loss of control and accidents; 3. Reduce speed when turning; 4. Gradually turn the steering wheel according to the curvature of the bend when entering a curve.
Last time I helped a friend with a similar situation, the steering wheel becoming heavy is most commonly due to incorrect alignment settings. If the toe angle is adjusted too much, the friction area between the tires and the ground increases, creating a sensation like walking on sand with flip-flops—uneven and unstable. Additionally, during repairs, the steering tie rod locknut might have been over-tightened, causing excessive internal gear engagement in the steering gear. Don’t overlook the impact of chassis components; if suspension arms were adjusted during alignment and not properly installed, it can also increase steering resistance. It’s recommended to return to the shop and recheck the alignment data with a wheel alignment machine, focusing on whether the front wheel toe value falls within the manufacturer’s standard range. If the alignment is confirmed to be correct, then consider whether the power steering system has been affected by improper operation.
