What Causes the Steering Wheel to Suddenly Become Heavier?
3 Answers
Here are the reasons why the steering wheel suddenly becomes heavier: 1. Check the steering wheel settings, as it could be due to vehicle abnormalities or malfunctions. For example, the power steering pump might be damaged, lack oil, have belt issues, or there could be problems with the power steering motor and its module. 2. Most new vehicles now use electric power steering, which allows for adjusting the steering wheel's resistance. This setting is usually found in the vehicle settings or personal preferences on the central console. There are differences between hydraulic and electric power steering; many electric systems have self-adjusting functions that increase steering resistance at high speeds to prevent misoperation due to overly light steering. Hydraulic power steering tends to be heavier, especially at low speeds. 3. Power steering fluid is a medium oil used in the vehicle's power steering pump, serving to transmit steering force and provide cushioning. The power steering fluid needs to be replaced regularly, and leaks should be checked. When the power steering fluid is insufficient, the steering will feel heavy and sluggish.
Last time I drove, I also encountered the steering wheel suddenly becoming heavy. After checking myself, I found that the tire pressure was severely insufficient, especially with a large pressure difference between the two front wheels. Additionally, low power steering fluid level is a common issue, caused by leaking hoses or long-term neglect of topping up. For vehicles with electronic power steering, it could be due to sensor failure or abnormal motor power supply. Worn or stuck chassis components like steering linkage ball joints can also increase steering resistance. During my last maintenance, the mechanic mentioned that internal wear in the steering gear could cause the same issue. In cold weather, hydraulic fluid thickens, making the steering wheel noticeably heavier, but it returns to normal after driving for a while. It's recommended to inspect the steering system immediately, as difficulty in steering not only affects handling but may also lead to more serious failures.
A suddenly heavy steering wheel is mostly due to issues with the steering system. First, check the hydraulic power steering fluid—see if the reservoir level is too low, and replace it if the fluid has turned dark brown. A loose or slipping belt can cause abnormal operation of the power steering pump, especially in older cars where belts are prone to aging. Insufficient tire pressure is particularly critical, as uneven pressure on both sides drastically increases steering resistance. Misaligned toe-in settings can also add load to the steering wheel, requiring a four-wheel alignment test. For electric power steering systems, a faulty power relay or control module may cause the motor to stop working. When dealing with this issue, I usually inspect the steering column universal joint as well, as rust or stiffness there can also create a heavy steering feel.
