What Causes the Steering Wheel to Become Immovable After a Car Goes Through Water?
2 Answers
It is quite common for a car's steering wheel to lock up after going through water, and there are several reasons why this might happen. Here are the causes of steering wheel lockup after water exposure: 1. Engine failure: Water entering the car can cause engine failure, leading to the steering wheel locking up. 2. Generator slippage: Water can cause the belt to get wet, leading to generator slippage and loss of power steering. 3. Wet steering sensor: Water exposure can cause the steering sensor to get wet, resulting in steering failure. 4. Loss of power steering: Water exposure can cause the car to lose power steering, which typically happens in deep water and may recover in shallow water.
I previously drove through a waterlogged section, and the steering wheel suddenly became very stiff, almost impossible to turn. This is usually caused by water entering the steering system. Specifically, when wading through water, it can infiltrate the power steering components, especially in hydraulic power steering systems. Water seeping into the oil pump or oil lines can cause internal rust or blockages, leading to power steering failure. Additionally, in electric power steering vehicles, water may short-circuit the electronic module, causing the steering wheel to instantly stiffen. That time, I had the car towed to a repair shop and found that the power steering pump had rusted due to water ingress, costing a significant amount to fix. After driving through water, it's crucial to stop and inspect the vehicle promptly and avoid forcing the drive to prevent steering failure and potential accidents. In the long term, avoiding deep water sections or installing waterproof measures can help prevent such issues.
