Why is the newly replaced steering gear heavy?
2 Answers
There are several reasons why a newly replaced steering gear may feel heavy: 1. For electronic steering gears, it might be due to improper matching, while for hydraulic steering gears, it could be caused by air not being fully purged from the system; 2. The factory settings may not have been restored or reprogrammed; 3. The power assistance file might not have been written into the system using a computer, as different vehicles require different power assistance files; 4. Incorrect wheel alignment data. The steering gear, also known as the automobile steering mechanism, is a series of components designed to convert part of the mechanical energy output from the engine (or motor) into pressure energy. Under the driver's control, it applies hydraulic or pneumatic forces in different directions to the steering transmission or a specific transmission component in the steering gear, assisting the driver when their input force is insufficient.
I just replaced the steering gear and felt the steering wheel was as heavy as lifting bricks. Later, I figured out a bunch of possibilities. The most direct one is that the fixing bolts of the steering gear were tightened too much during installation, which can make the entire steering system stiff. Insufficient tire pressure will immediately increase steering effort—check all four tires, the normal tire pressure values are marked on the door frame label. Misaligned wheel alignment is also a pain; after replacing the steering gear, you must redo the alignment, otherwise the front tires will wear unevenly and feel extremely heavy. Also, check the power steering fluid—low fluid level or leaks can affect the power assist, and air bubbles in the fluid make it worse. Original and aftermarket steering gears have different power assist characteristics, and using the wrong model or low-quality parts will definitely give you arms of steel. A break-in period of three to five days is normal for new parts, but if it’s still heavy after a week, you must go back to the repair shop for a recheck.
