Why is the steering wheel stiff?

[MacDiana]

Assistance oil is dirty. Here are the relevant explanations: 1. Hydraulic assistance: A common reason is dirty power steering fluid. This situation is similar to when engine oil becomes dirty, which affects engine power and performance. Dirty power steering fluid can cause the steering wheel to become increasingly heavy, and a lack of power steering fluid can also make the steering wheel feel heavier. If the issue is with the power steering fluid, it should be added or replaced promptly. 2. Electric assistance: Check if the fuse is blown, or if there is an open circuit or a short to ground in the wiring. Repeatedly turning the steering wheel while stationary or at low speeds puts a significant load on the power assistance system, which can easily cause the steering gear to overheat and enter a protective mode, leading to heavy steering. It will return to normal after cooling down, which is a normal phenomenon.

[LaAniyah]

A stiff steering wheel may indicate an issue with the steering system. The most common causes I've encountered include insufficient or contaminated power steering fluid—dirty fluid can impair the pump's performance; seized or damaged steering gear bearings, which make turning the wheel difficult; or uneven tire pressure, which can also create a tight sensation. I once experienced this in an older car, and it turned out to be low fluid—replacing it made steering much smoother. In cars with electronic power steering, a faulty control unit can cause similar symptoms. Neglecting regular checks can worsen the problem, increasing steering resistance and making turns particularly strenuous, which poses a significant safety risk. I recommend inspecting the power steering fluid and filter during routine maintenance—simple upkeep can prevent major repairs.

[VonFelicity]

When the steering wheel becomes stiff, driving control becomes laborious, and it's easy to lose control during turns, leading to accidents. From my personal experience: uneven tire pressure is the most common factor—when the pressure difference between the left and right tires is too great, the steering wheel will pull to one side and feel heavy. Additionally, blockages in the power steering system's pipelines or aging of the pump body are also primary causes. Such small oversights can lead to major hazards, especially at high speeds, making them even more dangerous. If any abnormalities are noticed, pull over to check or drive back slowly at low speed—don't push through. Professional maintenance can quickly diagnose and resolve the issue; when it involves electronic components or mechanical wear, timely replacement saves both hassle and money in the long run. Regularly checking tire pressure and topping up power steering fluid are effective preventive measures.

[VanJulian]

Last time my car's steering suddenly became stiff, and my hands got tired when turning. I asked a friend, who said it might be due to insufficient power steering fluid. After replacing it with new fluid, the situation improved. Low tire pressure or stones stuck in the tires can also make the steering wheel feel hard. If there's an issue with the electric power steering system, it's more troublesome and requires plugging in a computer to check the fault codes. You can easily check the tire pressure yourself, but for deeper issues, it's better to consult a mechanic.