What is the reason for weak self-centering force after replacing the steering column?

[EmilyDella]

Weak self-centering force may be caused by damage to the outer steering gear or the free play adjustment bolt of the steering gear being too tight, which can also prevent the steering from returning to center. Reasons for weak self-centering force after replacing the steering column: The oil reservoir is too dirty, the filter screen is clogged, or the oil level in the reservoir is low. There is a large amount of air in the power steering system. Foreign objects inside the steering system cause the steering pump flow control valve to stick. Insufficient tire pressure, interference or loose connections in the steering column, loose or slipping pump belt, or loose pump installation. Introduction to self-centering force: The aligning torque is the moment generated around the OZ axis when the tire experiences lateral deflection. During circular driving, the aligning torque is one of the main moments that restore the wheels to the straight-ahead position. The aligning torque is produced by the distributed micro lateral reaction forces within the contact patch.

[MackenzieMarie]

I recently encountered a similar situation. After replacing the steering column, the steering wheel feels weak when returning to center, and the driving experience feels odd. This is actually a common issue, usually caused by improper calibration of the newly installed steering column or component mismatch. During repairs, if the mechanic didn't align the power assist system properly, it affects the return-to-center force. I recommend first checking the power steering fluid level and the power steering pump. For electric power steering vehicles, special attention should be paid to sensor calibration. Additionally, tire pressure or suspension wear might amplify the problem. A simple self-check is to gently tap the steering wheel to see if there's any looseness. If the problem persists, return to the repair shop for re-inspection immediately—they should perform a wheel alignment adjustment. That's how I solved it last time. Don't delay as it affects steering feel, especially making the car feel unstable at highway speeds. Regular maintenance can prevent such faults, and newly installed parts might need fine-tuning during the break-in period.

[MacBella]

Weak steering wheel return force after replacing the steering column can indeed be frustrating. I experienced this when driving a friend's car. After taking a high-speed curve that day, the steering wheel wouldn't center itself automatically—I had to manually pull it back, which felt quite dangerous. This issue often stems from overlooked details during installation, such as improper connection between the steering column and gearbox or loose screws. If the power assist system isn't properly calibrated, unstable voltage in electric power steering or air in hydraulic lines can also reduce return effectiveness. I recommend returning to the repair shop first to have them inspect component integrity and perform recalibration—don't attempt DIY fixes to avoid damaging more parts. Pay attention to road feedback while driving; if anything feels abnormal, pull over safely. New components need a break-in period after replacement, but if the issue persists for weeks, it's likely a quality problem. Pro tip: Always test-drive after installation to check return behavior and identify issues early.

[Jensen]

No power when returning the steering column? This is likely due to an issue during repair. The installation angle might not be properly adjusted or the power steering wasn't set up correctly, causing system imbalance. It could also be a defect in the new steering column, such as loose connections or internal wear. I'd remind myself that safety comes first: weak return makes the vehicle unstable during turns, increasing accident risks. Return immediately for rechecking the power steering pump and oil lines to ensure proper hydraulic or electric power assistance. From experience, a wheel alignment post-replacement usually resolves most issues.

[DeColin]

After replacing the steering column, the return-to-center feels weak—I've pondered this several times. Common causes include sloppy installation, such as loose steering linkage or a stuck power valve. Incompatible new parts with the original system can also trigger issues. I recommend testing the power assist function immediately after replacement and checking tire wear—misalignment worsens return deficiency. Never neglect regular steering fluid maintenance; every repair should include full calibration. I once encountered weak return due to an overheated power motor—just cleaning the filter screen fixed it. When the car sits idle long-term, start it up to check the steering wheel's automatic return behavior.