Why Does the Steering Wheel Become Heavier?
3 Answers
Here are the reasons why the steering wheel becomes heavier: 1. Insufficient power steering fluid/oil. Power steering fluid is a medium oil used in the car's power steering pump, which helps transmit steering force and provides cushioning. The power steering fluid needs to be replaced regularly, and any leaks should be checked. When the power steering fluid is insufficient, the steering will feel heavy and stiff. 2. Low tire pressure. Low tire pressure increases the contact area between the tires and the road surface, leading to greater friction and making steering more difficult, resulting in a heavy steering wheel, which is not conducive to driving safety. 3. Toe-in. Toe-in can also affect the car's steering. The concept of toe-in is quite complex, but simply put, it helps the steering wheels automatically return to the correct position, ensuring the car can drive straight stably. 4. Steering gear or power steering pump failure. The steering gear and power steering pump also affect the car's steering. Any malfunction in these two critical components can cause steering difficulties. Issues such as universal joints, chassis suspension stabilizer bars, or plain bearings should not be overlooked. 5. Overly tight bearing fit. If the rolling bearings and sliding bearings connected to the steering system are too tightly fitted, it can lead to poor lubrication of the bearings, causing sticking. Additionally, heavy steering can manifest in two specific ways: one is unidirectional heaviness, and the other is heaviness on both sides. Neither of these situations should be underestimated, and targeted inspections of the mechanical parts and power steering system should be conducted, or checks for oil leaks, air intake, or damaged seals should be performed.
I've been driving for over a decade and recently experienced steering wheel stiffness. Turning became noticeably laborious, especially at low speeds where I had to really muscle the wheel. Turned out the power steering fluid was nearly depleted - a common issue with hydraulic power steering systems. Underinflated tires are another frequent culprit, as soft tires increase rolling resistance. Problems like seized steering linkage rods or stuck universal joints can also cause heavy steering - I once had this happen after my car's undercarriage got dinged by a rock. When electronic power steering fails, the wheel can become as heavy as those old non-assisted trucks. If steering suddenly stiffens, immediately check tire pressure and undercarriage before it escalates into bigger trouble.
Last time my wife was driving and complained that the steering was particularly heavy. I told her to first check if the tire pressure warning light on the dashboard was on. It turned out that one of the tires was half flat, and it was fine after inflating it. Most new cars nowadays have electric power steering. If the sensor has poor contact or the control module fails, the steering wheel can become very heavy. Additionally, aging or deformed bushings in the suspension system's stabilizer bar can also increase steering effort, especially after long drives in older cars. Sometimes, when it's cold, the steering fluid can become too thick and cause this issue as well. If you encounter this problem, I recommend checking the tire pressure first, then listening for any unusual noises in the steering system. If you can't figure it out yourself, it's best to consult a mechanic.
