What Are the Causes on Why Steering Wheel Is Difficult to Turn? (Part 2)
In What Are the Causes on Why Steering Wheel Is Difficult to Turn? (Part 1), I discussed a few causes why the steering wheel is hard to turn. I talked about some of the reasons such as tire pressure, terrible steering rack, broken serpentine belt, and fluid leak as some of the culprits. Perhaps, now is the right time to continue the discussion.
PUMP FAILURE
It is not only the fluid supply, but the pump also has a significant role in making the quantity of pressure in your power steering system. The result of which is trouble in turning the steering wheel. A damaged pump will not stop the steering wheel fully. You can still drive your car with a lot of patience and with a big amount of toil. What is more alarming is the danger it entails. You cannot turn where you should and that could cause a bad collision.
DIFFICULTY IN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AT A LOW SPEED
When you drive at a lower speed while doing a turn, you will really detect how hard it is to turn the steering wheel. When this happens, you will know for sure that is a malfunction in your power steering system. Either there is something wrong with the fluid, serpentine belt, or pump. These all contributed to the decrease of the steering wheel when you were turning. Any of these things malfunctioning will definitely result to a stiff steering wheel.
SOLUTIONS FOR HARD TO TURN STEERING WHEEL
- Take a look at the air pressure of your tires
If you notice that turning of your steering wheel is hard when you are running in low speed, then you should take a look at the air pressure of your tires. You have to make sure that all your tires has the same pressure that was suggested by PSI to hinder inappropriate amount of air in your tires, which can lead to stiff steering.
- Take a look at the power steering wheel’s state and its fluid level
Another problem of experiencing stiff steering is the fluid level and its state. This means that you have to make sure that the fluid is at a precise fluid level the color is dark red. If you find that your liquid is much too dark and old, you need to replace the fluid.
3. Investigate the power steering unit’s pulley
One thing to check when you have a difficult time turning your steering wheel is the pulley on the power steering unit. To be safe, take a look at it when your car’s engine is off. Usually, the correct tension does not go beyond one inch of play or at least 3 quarters. To check its tension, push your thumb on the belt. Make certain that the state of your pulley belt is great and has no breaks or worn sides.
Besides those, you should likewise consider a visual examination while the car is on to see if the pulley belt is running properly. If it is sliding then, you know what you are up against.
- Take a look at the power steering unit
Take a look at the power steering unit because it might just have a leak in the linking pressure hoses. This will lessen the pressure that results to stiff steering.
5. Inspect the front end portions
Find out if the front end parts such as the tie rod ends and ball joints for any signs or damage and lubrication. It is not safe because it results to the steering wheel to turn. Inspection of these parts is smart to make certain that you have the correct front end alignment. A sure indication is when there is an abnormal front tire damage. Your vehicle will likewise drag to a side while driving.
Make sure that you have a routine maintenance and appointed servicing to avoid problems with your steering well or any other car problem. Always have your steering system checked.
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Let Chaney’s Collision Center look into your car problems. The professionally trained repair experts at Chaney’s Collision Center will take care of all your car concerns. To schedule repairs, you can call Chaney’s Collision Center at (623) 915-2886.
