5 Causes of a Steering Wheel That’s Hard to Turn (at Low and High Speeds)
One of the most important systems in your vehicle is the steering system. If there is a problem with the steering system, the loss of control can have fatal consequences. This is especially true when driving at high speeds.
If your steering is not working properly or is hard to turn, you can quickly run into problems. You could hit a tree, a car, or even someone on the road. There are a number of issues related to steering in a car. The most common is a steering wheel that is slow and hard to turn. This is often the first symptom you notice when you have problems with steering.
5 Reasons Why Your Steering Wheel Is Hard to Turn There are a number of reasons why your steering wheel is hard to turn, especially at slow speeds. Below are some of the most common causes that can help you pinpoint the root cause:
1) Damaged Belt
One of the most common reasons why it takes a lot of force to turn the steering wheel at low speeds is a broken or damaged PTO belt. V-belts wear out over time; they loosen up, to the point where the steering wheel becomes a little harder to turn.
If the belt is left damaged, it will eventually snap, making steering more and more difficult. It is important to replace the belt before it breaks.
2) Low power steering fluid level
Power steering requires oil to function smoothly. The purpose of power steering fluid is to lubricate the power steering so that the whole system works smoothly and without resistance.
Over time, the fluid becomes contaminated and thickens and must be replaced. If you haven’t changed the fluid for years, your power steering will feel very sluggish at low speeds. Check your car’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended interval for changing the power steering fluid.
Your power steering fluid may be low. This can make it difficult to turn the steering wheel and is one of the main causes. If you feel that your steering is stiff at low speeds, you should check the power steering fluid level immediately. If the level is low, top off with the proper fluid. In many cases, this will fix the problem.
But adding fluid won’t fix a power steering fluid leak. If the fluid level drops again, it means you have a leak somewhere. You need to find and fix it. First, check for loose or cracked hoses.
3) Pump failure
The power steering system is equipped with a pump that generates pressure so that the steering wheel turns easily and smoothly.
If the power steering pump fails, it will be very difficult to turn the steering wheel. Power steering pumps usually do not fail completely, but rather fail early, so a defective pump will not prevent steering. If you have difficulty turning the steering wheel at low speeds, you should have it repaired as soon as possible, as driving with this steering wheel can cause serious problems on the road.
4) Caster angle is too steep
Caster is a type of “dynamic camber.” This means that the further you turn the steering wheel, the more camber the front wheels will have.
The more camber there is in the corner, the more the steering wheel will try to return to center and move in a straight line. If you have manual rack-and-pinion steering, you’ll notice a significant increase in steering force as you turn the steering wheel, especially in high-G corners on a race track. If you have manual or power rack-and-pinion steering, try reducing the caster angle to see if that improves steering effort. To do this, you will probably need to have a professional make the adjustment.
5) Rack Issues
If you have a high-mileage vehicle, you may only need to adjust or replace the steering rack due to normal wear and use.
The steering rack is made up of several internal components. If these components become worn or misaligned, it can become very difficult to turn the steering wheel.
