What to Do When the Steering Wheel Feels Lighter on One Side?
3 Answers
Solutions for a steering wheel feeling lighter on one side: 1. Check if the tire pressure is normal; 2. Inspect the steering gear; 3. Examine the chassis suspension; 4. Perform a four-wheel alignment. Causes of a steering wheel feeling lighter on one side: 1. The spool of the steering control valve deviates from the center position, resulting in inconsistent gaps with the valve body shoulders; 2. Contaminants inside the control valve cause different resistance levels when turning left or right; 3. Air enters the oil chamber of the power cylinder in the hydraulic system; 4. Oil leakage in the hydraulic circuit. The correct way to hold the steering wheel is to imagine it as a clock face, with the left hand positioned between 9 and 10 o'clock and the right hand between 3 and 4 o'clock, keeping the hands in a left-high, right-low position for more reasonable steering control.
I've encountered the issue of uneven steering weight several times over my years of driving. The most common cause is uneven tire pressure. You can check the tire pressure yourself – if one side has lower pressure, you'll feel that side heavier when turning. Alternatively, there might be an issue with the power steering system, such as a faulty power steering pump or damaged steering rack. Sometimes, incorrect wheel alignment can cause the car to pull to one side. This situation can be really dangerous, especially if sudden loss of control occurs at high speeds. That's why I recommend finding a safe place to stop immediately, checking the tire pressure, or visiting a professional repair shop for diagnosis. Regular tire inspections and routine maintenance can help prevent such problems.
Last time my steering wheel felt lighter on one side and heavier on the other, so I did some preliminary checks myself. After parking, I used a tire pressure gauge to measure all four tires—if one side was low, I evenly inflated them. Then I checked if the power steering fluid level was sufficient; if it was low or leaking, there might be an issue with the power steering pump. If everything seemed normal, it could be damaged suspension components or misaligned front wheels, which require professional tools for adjustment. If I couldn’t handle it myself, I’d go to a repair shop rather than forcing it—better safe than sorry.
