What Causes the Steering Wheel to Feel Jerky and Not Smooth?
3 Answers
If the steering wheel feels slightly jerky, it could be due to the steering wheel sticking or an unresponsive steering angle sensor. Below are the relevant details: 1. How the steering wheel works: First, the electric power steering system operates on the principle that there is no assistance when the steering wheel is stationary; when the steering wheel is turned, assistance is provided based on the angle of rotation. Additionally, the electric power steering system is programmed to provide greater assistance at low speeds and reduced assistance at high speeds. 2. Causes of steering wheel jerkiness: The slight jerkiness in the steering wheel could be caused by the steering wheel sticking or an unresponsive steering angle sensor. Generally, this issue is not related to the steering gear. The steering angle sensor, also known as the clock spring beneath the steering wheel, not only supplies power to the airbag but also measures the steering angle. It also provides data signals to systems like ESP and ABS. If the steering angle sensor is not well-lubricated, it can become stuck, leading to slight jerkiness in the steering wheel.
Last time I drove my brother's old car, I also encountered stiff steering. It turned out the gears inside the steering gear were severely worn, just like misaligned teeth causing rough engagement. The universal joint on the steering linkage was also extremely dry - it took half a bottle of lubricant to make it slightly better. Another time when driving a friend's modified SUV, the steering wheel jerked during low-speed turns. The mechanic said the cross joint in the steering column was deformed. The scariest was when the steering suddenly became heavy on the highway - later inspection showed the electric power assist module had overheated and activated protection mode. If the steering wheel doesn't return to center after turns, there's an 80-90% chance the tie rod end is seized. Nowadays I go straight to professional shops for steering issues - after all, steering problems can be extremely dangerous.
After repairing cars for over a decade, I've found the three most common causes of steering stiffness: For hydraulic power steering, first check the fluid level in the reservoir - if the oil is black and foamy, it needs replacement. For electric power steering, focus on testing the torque sensor; when this fails, the steering becomes robotic and jerky. If the steering rack boot is torn, mud and water ingress can rust the rack - you'll hear a clunking noise when turning. Modified steering wheels require clock spring inspection, as stuck coils create a sticky steering feel. Difficult cold-start steering often indicates air pressure issues - check the power steering pump's pressure valve. Oh, and steering wheel vibration during full-lock turns usually means the thrust bearing is shot.
