Why is My Steering Wheel Hard to Turn? Six Common

A hard-to-turn steering wheel is usually caused by a lack of maintenance, putting off service, or the gradual wear and tear of some parts. You should know what causes your car’s steering wheel to feel stiff so you can spot warning signs sooner and either fix the problem yourself or take the car in for maintenance. If you choose to ignore it and wait for the situation to get even worse, you could find yourself in a lot of trouble.

You would be unable to make turns or change lanes if your vehicle did not have a steering system because you would only be able to drive in a straight line. A problem with your steering wheel can not only make your car less efficient, but it can also put you and other people in danger.

The following is a list of some of the most common reasons for why is my steering wheel hard to turn:

1. Faulty Power Steering Pump

The power steering pump applies the right amount of pressure so that the steering wheel can be turned without the driver having to make much effort. In the event that there is a problem with the pump, it may become difficult to turn the steering wheel, particularly when traveling at a slow speed. 

In addition, if the steering pump is malfunctioning, you may hear a buzzing sound whenever you turn the steering wheel of your vehicle. This is one indication that the problem lies with the pump. If you see any of these signs, you should have a qualified mechanic look at the pump right away.

2. Thick Power Steering Fluid

The power steering fluid in a car can break down over time, just like any other kind of fluid. It can get too thick or lose its ability to lubricate. When it comes to changing your power steering fluid, you should follow the recommendation that the manufacturer of your vehicle gives you. If you are traveling at low speeds, the thickening of the liquid will make it difficult for you to turn the steering wheel. The only way to fix the problem is to remove the contaminated fluid and replace it with new fluid.

3. Low Power Steering Fluid

The most common reason for a steering wheel that is difficult to turn is that there is insufficient power steering fluid in the system. This could happen if fluid leaks from the part of the hose that is under pressure. Adding more fluid to the power steering tank will fix the problem temporarily, but the leak must be found and fixed.

4. Defective Steering Rack
   

Your car’s steering rack breaks down after being exposed to high temperatures and road debris for a long time. Inner bushings that have been damaged can cause the system to develop a leak.  After the leak, dirt builds up, which destroys the steering rack and gear.

In addition to these causes, there are a number of other reasons that can cause your steering wheel to become stiff. Taking your car in for regular maintenance is in your best interest, and you should never ignore these warnings.

5. Damaged Serpentine Belt

A serpentine belt that has cracked or broken is yet another common cause of a steering wheel that is too stiff to turn. When the belt first starts to wear down and become slack, the wheel will show signs of becoming stiff. It is very important to fix or replace the belt as soon as possible because if you wait too long, the belt could break, which would make the steering wheel useless.

6. Tire Pressure

Surprisingly, if the steering wheel is hard to turn, it may be because the air pressure is too low. This issue can be brought on by improper tire pressure, particularly tires that are underinflated. The recommended pounds per square inch (PSI) that the manufacturer provides should have been used to inflate each of your vehicle’s tires.

The front end of the car needs to be aligned, which is another important thing to think about. If the tread on your front tires is wearing unevenly, you may notice that your vehicle pulls to one side when you are driving or turning. When turning on the road, having uneven tire tread can cause the wheels to become misaligned, which can be one of the causes of difficult and unresponsive steering.

How to Fix a Hard-to-turn Steering Wheel?

The following are some potential solutions to the problem of “why is my steering wheel hard to turn”:

1. Check Air Pressure of Your Car Tires

If you find that it is difficult to turn the steering wheel when traveling at low speeds, the first thing you need to examine is the air pressure in each of your tires. In order to prevent improper air amounts in tires, which lead to stiff steering, it is important that all of a car’s tires be filled with the same amount of air and that the PSI (pounds per square inch) be maintained at the level that is recommended by the automaker.

2. Check Power Steering Condition and Fluid Level

Problems with the level and condition of the power steering fluid can cause the steering wheel to be hard to turn when the vehicle is moving at low speeds. So, if this happens, you should check both the condition of the power steering system and the fluid level.

The lack of sufficient fluid is the cause of the hard and stiff steering. As a result, you need to ensure that the fluid is always at its correct full level, and the color ought to be a deep red. If you notice that the color of the fluid has become too dark and has an aged appearance, it is time to change the fluid.

3. Check the Pulley on the Power Steering Unit

If you find that it is difficult to turn the steering wheel, you should check the pulley that is located on the power steering unit. Notice that you only check the pulley when the engine of your car is off to ensure safety. In most cases, the correct amount of tension does not exceed one inch of play, also known as three quarters.

Simply pressing your thumb down on the belt and checking the tension is all that is required. Check to see that the condition of the pulley belt is satisfactory, ensuring that there are no cracks or frayed edges.

In addition to this, while the engine is running, you should perform a visual inspection of the pulley belt to ensure that it is operating correctly. If you notice that the belt is beginning to slip, you may experience steering that is sluggish and erratic.

4. Check the Power Steering Unit

The next step is to conduct an examination of the power steering unit. Since a leak caused by improperly connecting pressure hoses will cause your pressure to drop, this will result in hard steering. As a result, here is where you should perform a visual check for any fluid leaks.

5. Check the Front End Parts

Examine the front-end components, such as the ball joints and tie rod ends, for wear and lubricate as necessary. An excessive amount of wear on the ball joints or tie rod ends is extremely dangerous and can also cause the steering wheel to turn.

Examining these components to ensure that the front end of your vehicle is aligned correctly is a priority. If your front tires are wearing unevenly and your vehicle pulls to one side when you drive it, these are both potential warning signs. If the wheels on your car are not precisely aligned with one another, you may experience stiff steering, particularly when you are attempting to turn.

In Conclusion

The best way to make sure your car doesn’t have this problem is to keep up with regular maintenance and go to all the recommended service appointments. You should make it a habit to check the level of the fluid at regular intervals. When you take your vehicle in for its regularly scheduled maintenance check, you should also make it a point to inquire about the condition of the power steering system there.