Reasons Your Vehicle's Steering Wheel May Be Hard to Turn

Causes of a Hard-to-Turn Steering Wheel

What does it mean when you get into your car and your steering wheel doesn’t turn easily? It can mean a lot of things, but discovering why can be a challenge. A computer diagnostic may provide the answers you seek. If you need to have your steering checked out and you live in or around Longview, Tyler, or Mount Pleasant, bring your car, truck, SUV, or minivan to Stanley Ford Gilmer for a diagnostic and let our expert technicians advise you on what you need to do to correct the problem.

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Potential Problems with Steering

As you learn why your steering wheel may be hard to turn, it is good to know some of the general issues that can arise with your steering wheel. There are several things that can lead to a hard-to-turn steering wheel. For example:

Problems with fuses or other electrical issues.
Problems with the steering system.
A belt that is misaligned or worn out.
A problem with your power steering pump.
Improper power steering fluid level.

What do these issues mean? Let’s find out more.

Common Factors That Cause Issues with Your Steering:

1. Low Fluid Level

This is the most common problem with steering. The fluid in your steering system is what makes steering easier. Your power steering system operates from hydraulic principles that allow you to turn your steering wheel with little effort. If your power steering fluid is low, the hydraulics won’t work correctly, and you must use more effort to turn your wheel.

Your power steering fluid is easily checked by locating the reservoir under the hood. It should be labelled and should also have a dipstick with marking that indicate fluid levels. If it’s low, you need to add fluid to allow your steering to work easily again.

2. Improper Function of Power Steering Pump

Your power steering pump pressurizes your power steering fluid to make steering easier and less work. If the pump is not doing its job, then steering becomes more difficult. Even if your fluid level is correct, the pump failing causes a lack of pressure needed to make turning easier.

Problems with the pump can manifest symptoms like whining or groaning noises when you turn the wheel. Increased effort is needed to turn the wheel and you may hear squealing when turning the wheel.

3. Belt Issues

In your engine, belts are needed for many functions, including your power steering. If the belt that drives your pump is faulty, it cannot spin the pump at a high enough speed to provide steering assistance. Regular maintenance and inspections will help avert issues like cracking, glazing and missing pieces.

4. Issues with Steering System

These problems include missing or worn-out parts like tie rods, steering racks, struts, and even misaligned wheels. You need to check these components for wear and tear.

5. Fuse and Electrical Issues

If you have bad fuse or electrical problems, the power steering pump and system cannot get the power it needs to work properly. If this is the issue, replacing the fuses and checking on electrical wires may solve the problem.

If you believe you are having any of these problems, contact us at Stanley Ford Gilmer and set up an appointment online or call for an appointment with our Service Center.

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Hard-to-Turn Steering Wheel Causes