Why is the Infiniti steering wheel so heavy?
3 Answers
Infiniti steering wheel is heavy for the following reasons: 1. Insufficient power steering fluid: Power steering fluid is the main power source for driving the car, so when the power steering fluid is insufficient, the car will naturally be difficult to drive, let alone turn and change direction. 2. Contaminated power steering fluid: If the car has difficulty turning the steering wheel when changing direction, it may be due to unclean mixed gas or impurities in the power steering fluid, which prevents the fluid from functioning normally and driving the car. 3. Power steering system failure: The steering wheel and the power steering system are closely related. When the steering wheel becomes heavy, it indicates poor internal circuit contact in the power steering system.
There are several common reasons for a heavy Infiniti steering wheel. From a design perspective, this brand leans towards sporty tuning, and the steering system is intentionally set heavier to provide clearer road feedback, making it very stable at high speeds. Another possibility is an issue with the power steering system—poor performance of the hydraulic power pump or wear in the steering gear itself can make the steering wheel feel heavier. In terms of tires, insufficient tire pressure or incorrect front wheel alignment can also indirectly increase steering effort—try checking your tire pressure if you don't believe it. More hidden issues, such as a stuck intermediate steering shaft or universal joint in the drive shaft, or abnormal operation of the power steering control module, can make the steering wheel feel like it's being pulled. Steering fluid should also be changed regularly, as degraded fluid with poor flow can make the steering feel sluggish. If the steering suddenly becomes heavy accompanied by unusual noises, it's recommended to check the electronic power steering device immediately to avoid getting stuck halfway.
I can totally relate to the issue of heavy steering. When I drove the Infiniti Q50 before, it felt noticeably heavier than other cars. Besides the sporty positioning factor that everyone mentions, I found it has a lot to do with the type of power steering. The electronic power steering versions are more responsive and lighter, while older hydraulic systems tend to be heavier. Driving habits also play a role - prolonged stationary steering can damage the power steering pump. During routine maintenance, I always ask the mechanic to pay special attention to the steering linkage ball joints, as excessive clearance can create resistance. High summer temperatures increase steering fluid viscosity, which is especially noticeable when starting after parking. When tire pressure drops below 2.0 bar, steering effort can increase by 20%, a detail many overlook. Heavy steering might also indicate front suspension issues - worn control arm bushings can strain the steering mechanism. The most troublesome case is internal steering gear leakage, which comes with expensive repair costs.
