Where to lubricate a heavy non-power steering wheel?
3 Answers
For a heavy non-power steering wheel, lubricate on the left side of the engine. After opening the hood, you will see a cap with a steering wheel icon. Open it to add power steering fluid. If the vehicle uses electric power steering, no fluid addition is required. Below is an extended introduction: Introduction: Power steering fluid is a special oil added to the car's steering system, similar to automatic transmission fluid, brake fluid, and shock absorber fluid. General situation: The power steering pump fluid usually does not run low. If it is low, merely adding fluid won't solve the problem. Typically, the issue is caused by leaks in the steering gear oil seal, power steering hoses, power steering pump, or connections. It's essential to identify the root cause for a permanent solution; otherwise, heavy steering at high speeds can pose driving hazards.
The steering wheel of my old classic car was extremely heavy, and I thought it was due to lack of lubrication. I spent half the night working on it, only to realize that cars without power steering naturally have heavier steering wheels. However, if it's excessively heavy, the steering mechanism might need lubrication. The lubrication points are usually at the joints of the steering linkage, such as the tie rod ends or the rack. Using a grease gun to apply some lithium-based grease can help alleviate the issue. That said, modern cars have better seals in these areas, so professional tools might be necessary. Heavy steering could also be caused by low tire pressure or incorrect wheel alignment—check the tire pressure first, and if that's fine, then consider lubrication. It's best to perform regular maintenance rather than waiting until the steering becomes unbearable. Safety first. I later learned to lubricate it myself, and the steering felt slightly better, but don’t expect a dramatic improvement.
For those with some car repair knowledge, checking lubrication points is crucial when the steering wheel feels heavy. For power steering vehicles, issues often stem from low fluid levels; for non-power steering models, lubrication points are typically at the base of the steering column or the steering linkage joints—look for small metal holes or connection points and apply high-quality grease to reduce friction. A heavy steering wheel can also result from rust or wear; after lubrication, test the steering a few times to observe changes. Additionally, rule out other causes: check tire inflation and the power steering pump (if equipped). I recommend starting with simple tests—if the steering remains heavy after lubrication, seek professional repair immediately, as mechanical issues won't wait.
