Why Can't the New Steering Wheel Turn?
2 Answers
The reason is either the steering wheel lock being triggered or the tires being frozen to the ground. Steering wheel lock triggered: After the last time the vehicle was turned off, the steering wheel was turned while removing the key, causing the steering wheel to lock. In this case, you need to turn the steering wheel while turning the car key to start the vehicle. Tires frozen to the ground: The car was parked on a wet road surface, and a sharp drop in temperature caused the tires to freeze to the accumulated water on the ground, immobilizing the steering wheels and preventing the steering mechanism from turning. In this situation, you can first engage the gear, hold the steering wheel, and slightly press the accelerator to move the car a little, allowing the frozen wheels to separate from the ground. At this point, the steering wheel can be turned normally.
I've encountered the issue where the steering wheel becomes immovable after replacing the steering gear, often due to power steering system failure. The electric power steering pump might be faulty or have insufficient power supply, resulting in no power assistance and making the steering wheel too heavy to turn. Improper installation, such as disconnected oil pipes or wiring, can also cause this. Check if the power steering module connections are secure and if the power steering fluid level is normal. Forcing the steering wheel to turn may damage the gears, increasing repair costs. Regularly inspect the power steering system's condition, especially after installing a new unit—test it a few times to ensure proper functionality before driving.