What to Do When the Steering Wheel Feels Lighter to the Left and Heavier to the Right?
2 Answers
When turning the steering wheel, feeling one side lighter and the other heavier could be due to the following reasons: 1. Abnormal tire pressure. Both overinflated and underinflated tires can cause uneven steering wheel resistance and lead to drifting issues. 2. Incorrect suspension alignment. The suspension geometry affects the vehicle's steering and the rotation of the steering wheel. 3. Steering gear malfunction. The steering gear reduces the steering force on the wheel and enhances sensitivity; its failure can make steering difficult. 4. Faulty chassis components like the steering column. The steering column connects the steering wheel to the steering mechanism, transmitting driver torque to facilitate turning. 5. Leakage in high-pressure chamber seals, such as steering rack seals or piston ring oil passage seals. 6. Improper adjustment of the limit valve, often due to poor sealing between the valve and seat or failure of the "O"-ring seals. 7. Driving habits. Consistently applying more force when turning right than left can cause the system to adapt over time. Adjust by applying slightly more force when turning left.
Recently, I noticed that the steering wheel feels lighter when turning left and heavier when turning right, which is a fairly common issue. This could be due to uneven tire pressure—lower pressure on the left side makes steering feel lighter. Another possibility is an imbalance in the power steering system, such as a faulty electronic power steering module or misalignment. Suspension issues, like worn tie rods, can also cause uneven weight distribution between the sides. Start with a simple self-check: use a tire pressure gauge to measure and adjust all four tires to the same pressure, then take a test drive to see if there's any improvement. If that doesn’t help, visit a repair shop for a wheel alignment to correct the steering angles and avoid uneven tire wear. If the problem persists, you might need to replace components like the power steering pump or sensors—don’t delay, as prolonged issues can damage the chassis. Developing a habit of checking tire pressure monthly can prevent such problems. My neighbor’s car had similar issues every six months due to tire pressure problems. Safety first—address the issue promptly for peace of mind.
