What Causes the Sudden Heaviness of the Leiling Steering Wheel?
4 Answers
Here are the reasons for the sudden heaviness of the steering wheel: 1. Vehicle abnormality or malfunction: Check the steering wheel settings, as it could be due to a vehicle abnormality or malfunction. For example, damage to the power steering pump, lack of oil in the power steering pump, issues with the belt, or problems with the power steering motor and its module. 2. Electronic power steering self-adjustment function: Most new vehicles now come with electronic power steering, which allows for adjusting the steering wheel effort. This setting option is usually found in the vehicle settings or personal preferences on the central console. There is a difference between mechanical and electronic power steering; many electronic power steering systems have a self-adjustment function that increases steering wheel effort at high speeds to prevent overly light steering that could lead to misoperation. Mechanical power steering, on the other hand, tends to be heavier, especially at low speeds. 3. Insufficient power steering fluid: Power steering fluid is a medium oil used in the car's power steering pump, serving to transmit steering force and provide cushioning. The power steering fluid needs to be replaced regularly, and checked for leaks. When the power steering fluid is insufficient, the steering will feel heavy and stiff.
Last time I encountered the steering wheel suddenly becoming heavy, I immediately went to the repair shop for inspection. The mechanic said the most common cause is tire pressure issues—insufficient front tire pressure increases steering resistance. Using a tire pressure gauge, it was indeed only 1.8 bar, and after refilling to 2.5 bar, it returned to normal. Additionally, the electric power steering system in the Levin might malfunction, such as due to poor sensor contact or motor overheating protection. My neighbor’s car had a short circuit in the wiring after driving through water in the rain, causing power steering failure, which was fixed by replacing the steering column assembly. If you hear a clunking noise when turning, it’s necessary to check mechanical components like the ball joints and tie rods, as severe issues can affect the vehicle’s trajectory.
I've been driving for fifteen years and encountered three instances of the steering wheel becoming heavier, each with a different cause. The first time was after driving on mountain roads when the power steering pump belt cracked, causing the hydraulic power assist to fail. The second time was after changing tires, where the wheel alignment data was off, resulting in abnormal steering wheel return force. The third time was the most troublesome, with internal gear wear in the steering gear requiring a complete replacement. All these issues require professional equipment for diagnosis, so it's advised not to attempt fixing them yourself. For daily maintenance, you can pay attention to three things: check tire pressure monthly, avoid holding the steering wheel at full lock for more than five seconds when turning, and remember to straighten the wheels when parking to reduce suspension pressure.
As a beginner, I was also startled by the sudden heaviness of the steering wheel. The mechanic explained that the electronic power steering in the Levin relies on a torque sensor, and if this component fails, the steering wheel can feel as heavy as lead. Additionally, when the battery is low on charge, the power steering system experiences voltage instability. Once, I forgot to turn off the headlights, resulting in heavy steering the next morning upon startup. The inspection method is actually simple: after a cold start, gently turn the steering wheel left and right—if there's any unusual noise, it might be a steering column issue; after driving a stretch of flat road, stop and feel the tire temperature—if one side is excessively hot, it indicates misalignment. These tips can save a lot on inspection fees.
