Why is the steering wheel getting heavier?
2 Answers
If you feel that the steering wheel is getting heavier and noisier while driving, it is usually due to poor steering habits that cause the steering to become heavier. You can avoid this by paying attention to the following points during daily use: 1. When making a U-turn, avoid holding the steering wheel at full lock for more than 5 seconds. It's best not to turn it to full lock every time—leave a little gap. Keeping the steering wheel at full lock for too long can wear out the power steering pump, making steering heavier and costly to repair. 2. Always straighten the steering wheel after parking and turning off the engine. Otherwise, over time, the vehicle may develop a tendency to pull to one side. 3. Turning the steering wheel while stationary places excessive load on the steering system and wears down tire treads, accelerating tire aging. Therefore, it is recommended to turn the steering wheel while moving, whenever road conditions permit.
Having driven for over a decade, I know steering wheel stiffness is no trivial matter. The most common culprit is power steering system failure—hydraulic systems may lack fluid or have leaking hoses, while electric systems could suffer from motor control module glitches. Next, check tire pressure; underinflated tires feel like dragging sandbags. Misaligned front wheels, worn ball joints, or insufficient suspension support also increase steering effort. If you hear creaking during turns, beware of potential steering gear damage. Start by inspecting power steering fluid and tire pressure yourself. If unresolved, visit a repair shop promptly for professional diagnosis—don't wait until complete steering failure occurs, as it poses major safety risks.
