Why Can't the New Steering Wheel Turn?

[VanRyder]

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.

[DelAlexa]

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.

[Millie]

As a car owner, I've personally replaced a steering gear before. The issue of the steering wheel not turning is often caused by improper installation. For example, the steering column not being aligned to the center and getting stuck in a certain position, or screws not being tightened enough leading to excessive play. During installation, carefully follow the manual instructions, align the marking points, and test the flexibility. Poorly calibrated sensors can also lock the system, so use a diagnostic tool to check for error codes and troubleshoot. The entire process must not be taken lightly, otherwise even new parts can malfunction, affecting driving safety.

[MacDerek]

If the steering wheel cannot be turned after installing a new steering gear, the root cause often lies in the control system. When the sensor has no signal or the ECU module is burned out, the vehicle enters protection mode and locks the steering after startup. Incorrect wiring or short circuits can also trigger this issue—check for loose or corroded connectors. Reading the relevant fault codes with a diagnostic tool allows for precise troubleshooting. The solution may involve updating the software or replacing the module. Do not overlook the initialization steps, otherwise the problem may recur.