Every vehicle has a steering system that gives the driver control over the direction. If you don’t have a functional steering wheel system, it will create problems. More importantly, it will make your vehicle unsafe for yourself and the other people on the road around you.
Just imagine having to make a turn or trying to change lanes and then having the steering wheel hard to turn all of a sudden or even locking up. It can cause an accident where someone could be injured or even killed.
The most common problem is that it can become difficult to turn. Since most drivers do most of their turning at low speeds, this is when a tight or stiff steering wheel will be most noticeable. It is a clear indicator that you have a problem somewhere in your power steering system.
Many components make up the power steering system. Aside from the serpentine belt and the pump, the system contains hydraulic power steering fluid, which works alongside the piston so that you can turn the wheel with little resistance.
If there were to be an issue with any of these system areas, you wouldn’t get the power steering assistance to make turning the wheel easier.
The Causes of a Steering Wheel That’s Hard to Turn
It’s essential to understand the main causes of a hard-to-turn steering wheel. Below are the top 5 reasons your steering wheel is getting more difficult to turn. You’ll want to go through this list and troubleshoot the issue as soon as possible.
Low Power Steering Wheel Fluid:
The most common cause of stiff steering when turning is when you don’t have enough power steering fluid in the system. Usually, this occurs if the fluid leaks from the pressurized hose area. Sometimes the hose will get cracked or loose, causing the fluid to leak out.
Since this fluid is needed to pressurize the system and lubricate the pump, you will have a wheel that gets harder to turn the less power steering fluid you have in the system.
The car may be drive-able, but if you don’t fix the leak, it will eventually cause your power steering pump to fail, which can be an expensive replacement. A quick check shows that your power steering fluid is full. Keep reading.
Bad Steering Rack:
The steering rack is made up of the pinion and rack. A series of U-joints and shafts keep the steering rack attached to the steering wheel. The steering rack will eventually become worn out and damaged from driving your vehicle over the years.
You will know when this happens if your steering wheel is only stiff or tight after you’ve started your vehicle. As the engine continues to run and warms up, the steering rack will get hotter causing the lubricant to work itself around a bit better.
Therefore, the wheel may become less stiff as the car continues to run. But still, you’ll need to get the steering rack replaced before the problem escalates.
Broken Serpentine Belt:
One of the most common causes of steering wheel stiffness is when the serpentine belt is damaged or cracked. This belt is constantly being used when you drive the vehicle. So, over time, it gets worn down pretty quickly.
In turn, it will cause it to become loose, which is when the stiffness in the wheel will begin. If you don’t replace the belt soon, it will break altogether, and then you won’t be able to drive your car at all. It’s better to replace the belt before this happens.
Power Steering Pump Failure:
The steering system power pump produces the amount of pressure needed to allow you smoothly turn the steering wheel. If this pump stops working, it will become much more difficult to turn the steering wheel, especially at low speeds.
Normally, in these situations, the pump won’t prevent the steering wheel from moving completely. You will still be able to turn it, but it will require a lot more force on your end. The heavier the vehicle, the harder it will be to turn the wheels.
Before a costly power steering pump replacement, make sure the connector to the pump didn’t wiggle itself loose or get damaged.
Old Thick Power Steering Fluid:
Like other fluids in your car, the power steering fluid can be thick over time. If you don’t change your power steering fluid according to your car manufacturer’s recommendations, it will eventually become too thick to lubricate the system.
It will cause your steering to be tight to turn at low speeds. If a quick check of your fluid shows it’s dark and thick, you’ll need to flush and change your power steering fluid as soon as possible.