Hard Steering Wheel: The Mystery Solved! (And How to Fix It Fast)

When you’re cruising down the road, the last thing you want is for your steering wheel to suddenly become hard to turn. It can be a scary and dangerous situation, especially if you’re not sure what’s causing it. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various reasons why your steering wheel might get hard and provide solutions to help you get back on the road safely.

Power Steering System Issues

One of the most common causes of a hard steering wheel is a problem with the power steering system. The power steering system is responsible for making it easy to turn the steering wheel, so if it’s not working properly, you’ll notice a significant increase in steering effort. Some common power steering system issues include:

• Low power steering fluid: The power steering system relies on hydraulic fluid to operate, so if the fluid level is low, the system won’t be able to generate enough pressure to assist with steering.
• Leaking power steering hoses: If the power steering hoses are leaking, the fluid will leak out, causing the system to lose pressure and making the steering wheel hard to turn.
• Faulty power steering pump: The power steering pump is responsible for circulating the fluid through the system. If the pump fails, the system won’t be able to generate any pressure, making the steering wheel hard to turn.

Mechanical Issues

In some cases, a hard steering wheel can be caused by a mechanical issue, such as:

• Worn steering rack: The steering rack is a vital component of the steering system that allows you to turn the wheels. If the steering rack is worn, it can cause the steering wheel to become hard to turn.
• Damaged steering column: The steering column is the shaft that connects the steering wheel to the steering rack. If the steering column is damaged, it can cause the steering wheel to bind, making it hard to turn.
• Loose or worn suspension components: Loose or worn suspension components can cause the steering wheel to pull to one side or make it hard to turn.

Electrical Issues

Electrical issues can also cause the steering wheel to get hard. Some common electrical issues include:

• Faulty steering wheel position sensor: The steering wheel position sensor tells the power steering system how far the steering wheel is turned. If the sensor is faulty, the system won’t be able to provide the correct amount of assistance, making the steering wheel hard to turn.
• Electrical short in the steering system: An electrical short in the steering system can cause the system to malfunction, making the steering wheel hard to turn.

Other Causes

In some cases, a hard steering wheel can be caused by other factors, such as:

• Underinflated tires: Underinflated tires can increase the rolling resistance of the vehicle, making it harder to turn the steering wheel.
• Overloaded vehicle: An overloaded vehicle can put extra strain on the steering system, making the steering wheel hard to turn.
• Towing a heavy trailer: Towing a heavy trailer can also put extra strain on the steering system, making the steering wheel hard to turn.

Solutions

If you’re experiencing a hard steering wheel, there are a few things you can do to try to fix the problem:

• Check the power steering fluid level: If the fluid level is low, add more fluid to the reservoir.
• Inspect the power steering hoses for leaks: If you find any leaks, replace the hoses.
• Have the power steering pump tested: If the pump is faulty, it will need to be replaced.
• Have the steering rack inspected: If the steering rack is worn, it will need to be replaced.
• Have the steering column inspected: If the steering column is damaged, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
• Have the suspension components inspected: If any of the suspension components are loose or worn, they will need to be repaired or replaced.
• Have the steering wheel position sensor inspected: If the sensor is faulty, it will need to be replaced.
• Have the electrical system inspected: If there is an electrical short in the steering system, it will need to be repaired.

If you’re not comfortable performing any of these repairs yourself, it’s best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.

Wrapping Up

A hard steering wheel can be a dangerous problem, but it’s usually not difficult to fix. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can identify the cause of the problem and get your steering wheel back to normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does my steering wheel get hard when I turn?
A: There are several reasons why your steering wheel might get hard when you turn, including low power steering fluid, leaking hoses, a faulty power steering pump, worn steering rack, damaged steering column, or loose or worn suspension components.

Q: What do I do if my steering wheel gets hard to turn?
A: If your steering wheel gets hard to turn, you should first check the power steering fluid level. If the fluid level is low, add more fluid to the reservoir. If the fluid level is full, you should have the steering system inspected by a qualified mechanic.

Q: How much does it cost to fix a hard steering wheel?
A: The cost to fix a hard steering wheel will vary depending on the cause of the problem. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $1,000 for repairs.