Common Causes of Hard Car Steering Wheels

Steering wheels which are harder to turn not only cause inconvenience to drivers, but also pose a serious safety threat to them. The steering wheel depends on the power steering system and several mechanical parts within the system to turn smoothly. 

Hence, even if one part malfunctions, it can significantly affect the steering ease and vehicle control. Several reasons contribute to a hard car steering wheel, but the underlying cause remains the same. It’s when the system loses the support it needs to guide the vehicle effortlessly. 

If you want complete control over your car’s steering wheel, you must be aware of the typical causes of hard steering. This awareness will help you identify the correct issue early, so you can fix it at the right time. It’s the best way to gain complete control while driving on roads and avoid costly repairs. 

So, let’s explore the common causes behind a steering wheel’s stiffness listed below.

• Low Power Steering Fluid

Steering wheels cannot function without adequate hydraulic pressure, which is supplied by the power steering fluid. Hence, if the level of this fluid drops, the steering wheel cannot get the required pressure. 

Low power steering fluid makes steering feel heavier, especially when you’re driving at low speeds or taking sharp turns. The fluid levels can drop for several reasons, but leaks in hoses are the most common. At times, the low power steering fluid can also be the result of skipped maintenance. 

Hence, if your car’s steering wheel has suddenly become stiff, consider checking the fluid level and getting it topped off by a mechanic (if low levels are detected).  

• Thick or Contaminated Power Steering Fluid

Power steering fluid becomes thicker and contaminated over time because it continues to collect debris, moisture, and metal particles every time you drive your car. Once the fluid becomes contaminated, it cannot flow smoothly through the system. 

It will gradually reduce the hydraulic assistance a steering wheel needs to make smooth turns. Hence, drivers end up putting in more effort to turn the wheel. The easiest way to avoid such situations is to get the fluid checked every few months by an experienced mechanic. 

If the oil looks dark or feels too sticky, they will flush the contaminated oil and refill the system with fresh oil. Simple oil replacement can instantly improve the steering performance.  

• Faulty Power Steering Pump

Steering wheels get the hydraulic pressure needed for smooth steering from a power steering pump. If the pump fails or malfunctions for any reason, it will be unable to generate the pressure required for smooth steering. 

You can easily identify when this pump becomes faulty, as it leads to whining and groaning noises when turning the wheel. Uneven steering assist or a wheel feeling stiff only at particular angles also indicates power steering issues. A faulty pump usually worsens over time and eventually requires replacement.

• Serpentine Belt Issues

The serpentine belt is designed to directly drive the power steering pump. If the belt gets loose or broken due to age-related wear and tear, the pump won’t be able to spin at the required speed, weakening the steering assistance.  

You can identify if the power steering issues are due to the serpentine belts because if these belts slip, they create a screeching sound. Hence, drivers should pay attention to any noise coming from the system. 

You can also conduct frequent inspections to help catch any belt issues at an early stage. This early identification will lead to a timely fix, so drivers can turn the steering wheel without any challenges.

• Tyre Pressure and Wheel Alignment

The tyres’ pressure and wheel alignment can also make the car’s steering wheel harder to turn. Tyres with low pressure increase friction between the tyres and the road, making the steering feel heavier and less responsive.

Similarly, misaligned wheels create uneven resistance when turning because each tyre is not pointing in the correct direction. These issues can collectively make a healthy steering system feel difficult to operate. 

If you cannot turn your car’s steering wheel with ease, inspect the tyre pressure and wheel alignment. You can also call a mechanic to restore the tyre pressure to optimal levels and fix the misalignment issues, which can instantly improve both steering ease and fuel efficiency.

• Mechanical Problems in Steering Components

Besides hydraulic issues, mechanical issues are equally responsible for a steering wheel’s stiffness. If the system has damaged steering racks, worn ball joints, or seized bearings, you will need to exert additional effort to turn the steering wheel. 

Mechanical components like these are responsible for translating steering wheel input into wheel movement. Hence, once they become worn or stuck, the steering naturally stiffens. Mechanical issues worsen with time and may create uneven steering or knocking sounds.
 

Conclusion

A hard car steering wheel can make driving distracting and inconvenient. If the wheel has become excessively stiff, it can also pose serious safety challenges to the driver and passengers. Thankfully, you can resolve this problem by identifying the precise cause of the steering wheel’s stiffness.

You can keep coming back to this blog and refer to the common causes discussed above. It will provide a good starting point for identifying causes in the right direction. Since stiff wheels caused by severe mechanical issues usually require expensive repairs and replacements, it’s wise to protect yourself financially by investing in the right Car Insurance. 

We recommend exploring the Shriram Car Insurance if you’re looking for generous coverage at affordable premiums. You can also personalise the coverage with our wide range of add-on covers.
 

FAQs

1.What causes a steering wheel to become hard?

There is no ‘one’ reason behind a hard steering wheel. Your car’s steering wheel may become stiff due to low power steering fluid, low tyre pressure, serpentine belt issues, and more.
 

2.How does low power steering fluid affect steering?

A lower power steering fluid reduces the hydraulic pressure, which steering wheels need to turn smoothly. As the fluid levels drop, steering naturally becomes heavier and requires extra effort.
 

3.When should I replace the power steering pump?

Replacement is only necessary in case of a pump failure.
 

4.Can tyre pressure influence steering difficulty?

Yes, low tyre pressures can make the steering difficult. They increase the friction between the tyre and the road, which makes steering heavier and less responsive. You can notice it when driving at lower speeds or taking sharp turns.
 

5.How do mechanical failures affect steering?

Mechanical failures create physical resistance in the steering system, resulting in a stiff steering wheel. It also causes uneven steering movements.