Why Has the Steering Wheel Become Heavier?
3 Answers
The reasons for the steering wheel becoming heavier are as follows: 1. Excessive bearing tightness: 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 a sticking phenomenon. There are two specific manifestations of heavy steering: one is unidirectional heaviness, and the other is heaviness on both sides, both of which can result in a heavier steering wheel. 2. Issues with the power steering system: The relationship between the steering wheel and the power steering system is inherently inseparable. When the steering wheel becomes heavier, it is highly likely that there is poor electrical contact or other problems within the power steering system.
Last time I drove my friend's old off-road vehicle on mountain roads, the steering wheel suddenly became as heavy as if it were filled with lead, almost impossible to turn. We headed straight to the repair shop upon returning to the city, and the mechanic immediately diagnosed it as a complete loss of hydraulic power steering fluid due to a cracked rubber hose from aging. Running low on this fluid causes the steering pump to operate dry and the steering gear to grind without lubrication—no wonder the steering wheel felt as heavy as trying to bend an iron block. Nowadays, many new cars use electric power steering. If the steering wheel inexplicably becomes heavy, it's likely due to a faulty torque sensor on the steering column or unstable battery voltage affecting the electric motor's assistance. Another time, after hitting a curb, my car's steering also became heavy, and it turned out the tie rod was bent, throwing the wheel alignment completely off. In such situations, never force it—first check if the tire pressure is too low. After ruling out the simplest cause, head to a professional shop for inspection and repair immediately.
After working in an auto repair shop for eight years, I've found that out of ten cars with heavy steering, six are due to power steering system issues. For hydraulic power steering vehicles, focus on checking the fluid reservoir level—if the fluid is cloudy or black, it needs a complete replacement. For electric power steering, read the fault codes and check sensor data. Last week, a Nissan Sylphy owner complained about heavy steering after rain—it turned out the front wheel mudguard was broken, allowing mud and water to splash onto the steering universal joint, washing away the grease inside and causing rust and stiffness. Don’t overlook tire issues either: steering becomes noticeably heavier when tire pressure drops below 1.8 bar, and it’s even more dangerous if one tire is bulging or severely unevenly worn. The most troublesome issue is worn steering rack gears—you’ll hear a clunking sound when turning, and repairing it requires removing the entire steering assembly.
