Why Has the Electric Power Steering Become Heavier Than Before?
3 Answers
Electric power steering becoming heavier than before is caused by insufficient lubrication in the steering gear, low tire pressure, a depleted battery, a malfunctioning power booster, or insufficient tire pressure. Additionally, issues such as blown fuses, wiring problems, or short circuits to ground in the electric power system should be ruled out. The cause can be identified step by step based on the fault response. A characteristic of electric power steering is that it adjusts the level of assistance based on vehicle speed. At higher speeds, the steering wheel feels heavier, while at lower speeds, it feels very light. The working principle of electric power steering involves replacing the traditional hydraulic power steering with a combination of sensors, electric motors, and gear sets, preventing steering fluid leakage due to excessive steering maneuvers and avoiding vehicle malfunctions.
I've recently handled several cases of steering wheel becoming heavier. There are several common reasons for electric power steering to become heavier: First, the power assist motor may have issues. The core of electric power steering is this motor, and over time it may experience insufficient torque. Second, the steering gear sensor could be malfunctioning. It's responsible for detecting the force you apply when turning the wheel, and if the sensor data is inaccurate, the system can't provide proper assistance. Third, aging wiring can cause unstable power supply - I've seen many cases caused by oxidized wire harness connectors. There are also some electronic module failures, such as problems with the steering control unit, that can cause this. Actually, you can do some simple troubleshooting yourself: check how the power assist feels when turning the wheel during cold start - if it's consistently heavy, you can basically rule out temperature effects; also remember to check tire pressure as insufficient pressure can make steering feel heavy too. I recommend getting it checked as soon as possible - a too-heavy steering wheel poses safety risks, especially when changing lanes at high speeds when you'll clearly feel the strain.
In my experience, the steering wheel becoming heavier is usually not a sudden occurrence but develops gradually. It's important to pay attention to the lack of lubrication in the steering shaft universal joint, as insufficient lubrication can cause stiffness and increase resistance. Another possibility is damage to front suspension components, such as when the lower control arm ball joint becomes loose, which can also make the steering wheel feel heavier. Additionally, insufficient power supply to the electric power steering system should be noted, especially when an aging battery causes voltage instability. In fact, modifying tires can easily lead to this issue, as switching to wider tires increases the contact area and thus the steering load. For older vehicles, aging rubber components in the chassis should also be considered. A simple self-check method is to turn the steering wheel left and right after turning off the engine to listen for any abnormal noises, or to slowly turn the steering wheel while stationary to feel for any jerky movements. It's best not to delay addressing such issues, as problems in the steering system can cause increasing damage to components over time.
