Why My Car Steering Wheel is Hard To Turn? Top 10 Reasons!

Is your car steering wheel hard to turn? Do you want to know why it is happening? If yes, read this article till the end!

The steering wheel is to a car what limbs are to the body. It is not only one of the chief components of any car; driving a car without a steering wheel is practically impossible. The steering wheel primarily controls the direction of a vehicle.

Due to technological evolution in the automotive industry, the steering wheels come with built-in auxiliary features like cruise control, music system selection, and volume. Some steering wheels can also be heated electrically.

A steering wheel allows you to take turns, change lanes, dodge potholes, and park your car. But what will happen if suddenly your steering wheel is hard to turn? Well, such a situation can be fatal and result in accidents.

Since most drivers lower their speed while taking turns, a tight steering wheel will be most evident during that time. If you notice a stiff steering wheel during that time, it is evident that your power steering system is experiencing some issues. The power steering system comprises numerous parts.

In addition to the pump and serpentine belt, the system also contains hydraulic power steering fluid that interacts with the piston to make the turning of the wheel relatively effortless. If any of the components in the system is affected, the steering wheel gets stiff.

There could be several reasons your car’s steering is hard to turn. It is essential to understand the reasons behind this issue and take timely measures to prevent any calamity. Let us now talk about ten reasons that can make your car’s steering difficult to turn:

10 Reasons Why Is It Hard To Turn My Steering Wheel

When the steering wheel becomes hard to turn, there is a fault in the power steering system. Routine maintenance can help you prevent a tight steering wheel in the middle of a busy street or highway, where there would be nothing you could do.

Here are 10 reasons that make the car steering wheel hard to turn:

1. Low Power Steering Fluid

One of the most typical reasons for a tight steering wheel is the low power steering fluid in the system. The power steering fluid lubricates the power steering pump and distributes the pressure effortlessly throughout the system. Refilling the fluid will temporarily solve the issue.

However, it is essential to identify the reason and fix it. Typically, fluid loss may result from leaking from the pressurized hose area. If the leak continues, it can eventually cause your power steering pump to malfunction, costing you heavy repair costs.

2. Thickening of Power Steering Fluid

Power steering fluid has a fixed lifespan. Like all other types of fluid in a car, it gradually accumulates dirt and debris. Changing the fluid at regular intervals or as the manufacturer advises is essential.

If the fluid remains in your car longer than the allotted time, the fluid will thicken and stop adequately lubricating the system. This will result in you applying more force to spin the wheel. If the power steering fluid becomes thick, it is essential to change it, or you may compromise your safety.

The only way of doing this is to drain the system of the old fluid and replace it with a brand-new, fresh power steering fluid.

3. Faulty Hoses, Belts, And Connectors

The steering system consists of components connecting and holding pieces like hoses, belts, and connectors. If these components malfunction, the steering wheel will start getting stiff.

The power steering system has two primary pipes that control the steering function. These two pipes/hoses connect with the rack and pinion and the steering pump through brass fittings secured in place with the help of hose clamps.

The hoses are likely to become ineffective and worn out over time. Because of this, the steering wheel may become stiff, more so if the hoses begin to leak and the fluid is lost.

A sizeable rubber portion sits between the steering column and the rack and pinion shaft that functions as a shock absorber. Over time, this rubber may also deteriorate.

Maintaining the angle between the steering wheel and the rack and pinion is also essential for perfect alignment. All these components are vital for the proper functioning of a steering wheel. If these components wear out or are not aligned, the steering wheel may become difficult to turn.

4. Malfunctioning Of The Power Steering Pump

The primary job of a power steering pump is to provide the system with the right amount of pressure. This power steering pump allows the fluid to move through the power steering system at the necessary speed and lubricate all the moving elements.

However, if the pump is subjected to extreme pressure, suffers damage, or degrades over time, it will impact your vehicle’s performance. This can make your steering wheel challenging to turn. In such situations, it is essential to replace the pump would be required.

The steering wheel typically makes unpleasant noises when the pump cannot provide enough fluid pressure, signalling that it is time to replace the pump. However, a steering pump lasts several years before needing replacement.

5. Damaged Steering Rack

The pinion and rack, when combined, form a steering rack. The steering rack is connected to the steering wheel by several U-joints and shafts. After several years of usage, the steering rack begins to wear out.

If your steering wheel seems tight or stiff right after you start your car, this could be due to a damaged steering rack. The steering rack becomes hotter as the engine continues to run and warm up, which helps the lubricant to move around quickly.

As the car continues to operate, the steering wheel might become less rigid. However, if you want to prevent the issue from getting worse, you should get the steering rack changed.

6. Cracked Serpentine Belt

A serpentine belt is one of the critical components of your vehicle’s engine. When you turn on your car, this long rubber belt transports the power to the engine accessories.

This belt propels the power steering system’s movement. These belts can crack, fracture, or loose more readily than many other automotive parts. The serpentine belts are one of your vehicle’s most vulnerable sections.

Your power steering system won’t be able to function if your serpentine belt breaks. It will, in turn, make it difficult for you to turn the steering wheel while driving.

7. Slipping off the Pulley Belt

Belt slippage may occur when the torque demand of the vehicle exceeds the available friction between the V belt and other pulleys. V belts play an essential role in power transmission in a vehicle.

V belt is connected with pulleys to transfer power between the axles. The pulley belts must always be reliable and stable. The slipping of the pulley belt can also result in unsteady steering, making it difficult to turn.

8. Inadequate Tire Pressure

While a defective or broken power steering system is typically the reason behind a heavy car steering wheel, low tyre pressure can also be the cause. The steering wheels may become stiff due to inadequate tyre pressure, especially within the deflated tyres. When inflating the tyres, one must follow the PSI level advised by the manufacturer.

9. Improper Front-End Alignment

It is essential to get your car checked regularly for alignment. A proper alignment will give you proper steering and better vehicle control while driving. On the other hand, an improper alignment may lead to a tilted or off-centre steering wheel and excessive wear out of tyres.

The steering wheel may become stiff due to this tilt if your car is leaning towards one side. Wheel misalignment, frequently apparent when making a turn, is likely caused by the unequal tyre threads. The steering wheel will be tough to turn if the wheels are not well aligned.

10. Irregular Servicing

It is essential to visit an auto car mechanic once every few months for routine maintenance of your car. A car mechanic will perform crucial inspections like the ones listed above to minimize the risk of road accidents.

Why My Steering Wheel Is Hard To Turn All Of A Sudden?

Has your car’s steering become stiff all of a sudden? Well, let us tell you some of the reasons behind this problem.

The most common reason for stiff steering is the shortage of power steering fluid. Get your vehicle tested for any leakage in the hose area, and try finding out why your car is running low on power steering fluid. A cracked or loose hose can cause the fluid to leak out, thereby making your steering wheel hard to turn.

However, there may be other reasons like improper wheel alignment, tire pressure, and other factors, as mentioned above. A steering wheel that is stiff and unresponsive would make it harder to maneuver a car, leading to difficult driving.

Lack of maintenance and delayed servicing can also lead to prolonged wearing off of steering components and make them stiff.

Hence, knowing the causes behind a difficult-to-turn steering wheel is essential. This will help you prevent and correct these issues if they arise.

How to fix a stiff steering wheel?

It is essential to inspect the causes that make the steering wheel hard to turn to fix them. An auto car mechanic might help you with steering wheel repair and other fixes. Here’s a list to make it easy to understand the fixes:

1. Check Levels Of Power Steering Fluid

It is essential to get the steering fluid levels tested once a month. Besides testing, it is also essential to replace the old steering fluid with new fluid after every 30000-50000 miles or roughly every 3-5 years. One must refill fresh fluid after removing the debris from the parts.

2. Examine The Pulley On The Power Steering Unit

Get the pulley examined when the engine is not operating. To inspect the pulley, one must first stop the engine. Verify the tension in the multiple pulley system. Look for any potential fractures, fissures, and ripped or frayed edges. A car mechanic can also perform a visual inspection while the engine is running.

3. Check The Tire Air Pressure

It is essential always to follow the PSI requirement for the car to guarantee that your tyres have adequate air pressure. One cannot resolve the problem of a stiff steering wheel just by filling the tyres.

4. Inspect The Front-End Parts

To inspect the front parts, the car mechanic will place a bar between the bottom of the tyre and the ground. The car mechanic pulls the bar up and down while watching the ball joint. By doing this, the mechanic ensures sufficient lubrication and that no wear is apparent. Before they become a risk, one should change any worn-out parts.

It is also essential to ensure that the front car steering alignment is normal. If your car is at a levelled surface yet tilting to one side, the alignment is asymmetrical, and over time, this can cause the steering to stiffen. As quickly as possible, one must find a solution to this.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Stiff Steering Wheel?

The type, design, and store where you purchase the vehicle parts will all affect how much it will cost to replace a power steering pump. It might also vary according to the severity of the problem and the mechanic shop where you are getting your car fixed.

A car mechanic might charge from $400 to $650 for a power steering pump replacement. Additionally, depending on how demanding the work would be, this would fluctuate. If there is a need for more components, it will increase the cost. A power steering pump repair typically costs between $200 and $300 in labour. The parts can cost $200 to $400.

You can expect to pay between $650 and $1200 for repairing or replacing a faulty steering rack. The components would cost between $350 to $830. The labour cost is somewhere between $280 and $360. The price of these components will differ significantly depending on the make and model of your car.

Serpentine belt repairs or replacements typically cost between $110 and $130. The labour typically costs between $50 and $70, while the parts typically cost around $60.

Conclusion

Regular maintenance and scheduled servicing can help you keep your vehicle in the best shape for years to come. However, if you ever encounter a situation where your car’s Steering wheel is hard to turn, it is vital to get the situation diagnosed by a skilled car mechanic.

Check the power steering systems when you send your car to an auto care shop. The auto car mechanic would perform maintenance, help with the car steering repair and alignment and perform complete diagnostic testing for your car.

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