5 Reasons My Car's Steering Wheel Gets Tight When Turning

The most common cause of stiff steering is insufficient power steering fluid in the system. This can be caused by a leak in the system or fluid that is too thick and does not circulate properly.

The steering wheel is a very important element of your vehicle and is essential to ensure that all vehicles operate properly.

Good and safe driving is very important to avoid any type of accident. Driving a car with misalignment, wobble, or malfunctions that prevent the steering wheel from working properly is uncomfortable and puts many people's lives at risk.

The steering wheel is one of the most important parts for driving a car.This is the one who is responsible for driving the vehicle.

Your car's steering wheel stiffness is a steering wheel issue that doesn't provide many early warning signs. Therefore, it is very important to know what malfunctions can cause the steering wheel to become stiff so that you can check everything and make sure that it does not suddenly fail while driving.

In this way, Here we've rounded up five of the most common reasons why my car's steering wheel feels stiff when turning.

1.- Steering fluid leak

Electric power steering, which uses an electric motor to generate steering power, is used in most new cars sold in the US. However, hydraulic power steering systems are still used in most vehicles on the roads today.

At the heart of the system is the power steering pump, which uses hydraulic power steering fluid to power the process. Practically, if the power steering fluid level is low, it will not work properly and you may even damage the power steering pump.

The most common cause of hard steering is insufficient power steering fluid in the system. This is most likely to happen when fluid leaks out of a crack in a pressurized area of ​​the hose or if the area is weakening.

2.- Steering fluid thickness 

If you find when checking the steering fluid that the power steering fluid is full but still difficult to turn, it may be because the power steering fluid is too thick. 

Like all other fluids in a car, power steering fluid does not have an infinite lifespan and also accumulates dirt and debris over time. Therefore, it is very important to periodically change it according to the intervals recommended by the manufacturer. 

If you do not replace it within the specified period, the fluid will thicken and lose its ability to properly lubricate the system.

3.- Faulty power steering pump.

The power steering pump is responsible for pumping fluid from the steering system to the rack and pinion. When you turn the flywheel, the system's control valve allows fluid to flow to the gear, allowing you to turn the flywheel without much physical effort.

A faulty pump will not completely lock the wheel, but it will require much more force, which can be dangerous if you need to make a sharp turn or in an emergency.

4.- Faulty steering rack

The function of the steering rack is to connect the steering wheel to the mechanisms that turn the wheels in the direction you are driving.

If you feel that the steering wheel is difficult to turn after starting the car, but the steering wheel gradually turns more smoothly while driving, the problem is definitely related to the steering rack. In this case, the rail heats up while the motor is running, allowing the lubricant to work. 

5.- Tire pressure 

Insufficient tire pressure can cause this problem. All tires on your vehicle should be inflated to the manufacturer's recommended PSI pressure.