Why is the Wuling Hongguang steering wheel hard to turn?

[DeGrant]

There are several reasons why the Wuling Hongguang steering wheel may be hard to turn: 1. Reason one: If you notice that the steering wheel is particularly heavy when turning it for the first time after starting the car, it is usually because there is a valve in the steering gear that opens when the driver turns the wheel, allowing oil to flow. If the valve gets stuck, the steering wheel will feel heavy. If steering remains difficult, check the tire pressure, as it is likely to be insufficient. 2. Reason two: The brake light control wiring harness may have come loose, causing the wires to wrap around the steering column when turning the wheel. Once the wires are tightly wound, the steering wheel becomes immovable, and this may also pull the brake pedal tight. Since the steering wheel is crucial, it is essential to conduct a thorough inspection when dealing with such steering wheel malfunction issues.

[Karl]

That day I was driving my Wuling Hongguang to pick up goods when suddenly the steering wheel became as heavy as if filled with lead. I quickly pulled over, turned off the engine, and restarted it, but the problem wasn’t resolved. I suspect it’s an issue with the power steering pump—it’s common for older cars like this to have oil leaks in the pump. If it’s especially heavy at low speeds, you should also check if the steering gear’s cross shaft is stuck. Last time, my buddy’s car had its steering shaft clogged with mud. Oh, and take a quick look to see if any rocks are stuck in the tires—Wuling’s high chassis tends to pick up debris. If it’s really not working, don’t force it; calling a tow truck is the safest option. Repairs usually cost around 300 to 500 yuan anyway.

[MacRhett]

I've repaired hundreds of Wuling Hongguang vehicles in my lifetime, and steering wheel lockup is 90% caused by electric power steering issues. First, check if there's slight vibration in the steering wheel - if present, the assist motor is still working and it might be a seized steering column bearing. If completely unresponsive, inspect the 15-amp EPS-labeled fuse in the fuse box; replacing it costs just two yuan. Low tire pressure can also make steering heavy - maintain at least 2.2 bar. Finally, examine the tie rod end ball joint - replace if wear exceeds 5mm to prevent creaking when turning. Have the repair shop read fault codes with a diagnostic tool first to avoid unnecessary part replacements.

[GrahamFitz]

Don't panic if you're a new driver encountering this—it might just be the steering wheel lock activating. Turn the key to the ACC position and gently wiggle the steering wheel left and right to unlock it. If the steering feels heavy when you first start the car, wait half a minute—the electric power steering system can sometimes be slow to respond. Deep potholes or snow accumulation on the road can also make steering heavier; try reversing to see if it helps. Be extra cautious in winter—once when I drove in temperatures below -10°C, the steering fluid froze, making the wheel nearly immovable. If the situation doesn't improve after running the heater for ten minutes, it's time to visit a repair shop. Never force it, as this could easily lead to an accident.