Why Is My Steering Wheel So Hard to Turn?

How Does My Power Steering System Work?

Well, most newer model vehicles come with a rack and pinion type of steering setup. This system has two main parts: the rack and pinion unit and the power steering pump. The power steering pump is what provides your steering system with fluid to the rack and pinion unit. When you are navigating and moving your steering wheel, the steering wheel control valve in the system lets the fluid flow into the pinion, offering the ability to turn the wheel smoothly. When the wheel turns, the pinion moves against the rack, forcing it to the direction that you are navigating.

Before the introduction of the power steering, this process took a lot more force and driver input to get the vehicle to turn. It was a more strenuous ride since most of the power relied on the driver controlling the turns. With a power steering system, the process is much more improved, making it a lot easier for the driver to navigate the vehicle in all conditions, especially when you need to make a split-second decision.

Loose of Damaged Power Steering Belt

Another cause for a stiff steering wheel could be that your serpentine belt is loose or broken. This effect causes the power steering system to become inactive. When this happens, other components attached to the system will also stop working, such as the alternator and the air conditioner. Over extensive use, the belt material begins to wear out and will need replacing, if ignored, it will get loose, forcing it to fail. A faulty belt will also cause damage to the pulley as well.

Related Article: Is It Time To Replace Your Alternator?

Power Steering Pump Failure

A Power steering pump’s construct allows it to last for thousands of miles; however, under certain circumstances, it will prematurely fail. Before failing, the power steering noise will become noisy, especially during a sharp turn. A rule of thumb is to have the power steering pump checked at the initial sign of a problem.

Faulty Steering Rack

Your steering rack is a vital component of your power steering system and is also part of the rack and pinion make-up. Together with the power steering system, the steering rack gets damaged over extensive usage. In case your steering wheel is hard to turn when you first turn your vehicle but gets better progressively, it could be a sign that your steering rack is faulty.

What Can AAMCO Do for You?

When your vehicle lacks a proper functioning steering system, navigating your vehicle becomes extremely hard. This impact will not only put the occupants of your car in danger but also risk the lives of other road users, including pedestrians. The best way to prevent these incidents from occurring is to prevent them altogether. AAMCO Minnesota auto repair center specializes in power steering system maintenance, repair, and replacement. Our qualified mechanics will inspect your power steering system, determine the problem, and advise whether it will need maintenance service or replacement.