There are several reasons why the steering wheel is difficult to turn, especially at low speeds. Some of the most common causes will be discussed below to help you get to the root of the problem. The following information has been quoted by Otodiva.com from Oards.com, among them namely:
1. Broken Belt
One of the most common reasons for a steering wheel requiring more effort to turn at low speeds is a damaged accessory belt or a damaged serpentine belt that wears out over time.. It gets loose and that's when the steering wheel starts to get a little harder to turn.
If left to break, eventually the belt will break and steering will become more difficult. It is very important to replace the serpentine belt before it breaks. When the belt starts to wear out and starts to loosen, The belt must be replaced immediately, if not, You'll run the risk of being without power steering at the worst possible time.
2. Low Power Steering Fluid
The power steering system needs oil to work smoothly. The purpose of power steering fluid is to keep the entire system working smoothly without obstacles by lubricating the power steering system. over time, the fluid becomes contaminated and needs to be replaced. If you haven't changed your oil for a long time, Your power steering will feel very heavy at low speeds. Consult your car's manual to see the manufacturer's recommended power steering fluid change interval.
There may be times when the power steering fluid level becomes low. This makes turning your steering wheel more difficult and is thought to be one of the main causes. Even, once you feel the steering tighten at low speeds, check the power steering fluid level. If low, fill with the correct fluid. That's often enough to fix the problem.
But topping off fluid will not solve a power steering fluid leak. If the fluid level drops again, that means there is a leak somewhere. You have to find it and fix it. Check for loose or cracked hoses as a starting point.
3. Pump Failure
The power steering system has a pump that is responsible for generating pressure to allow smooth and easy turning of the steering wheel. A damaged power steering pump will make it much more difficult to turn the steering wheel. Usually, the power steering pump did not fail completely, but failed prematurely, so that even a failed pump will not jam the steering wheel. The idea is to check the pump and repair or replace it if it fails.
If you have a steering wheel that is difficult to turn at low speeds, You should get it repaired as soon as possible because driving your car with it can result in serious problems down the road.
4. Caster Angle Too Steep
Caster is kind of “dynamic camber”. It means, the more you turn the steering wheel, the more camber you get on the front wheel. The greater your camber in turns, more and more the wheels want to force themselves back to center and drive in a straight line. If you have a manual steering rack, You will notice the steering effort increases greatly as you turn the wheel, especially at high G revs on a race track. If you have a manual or non-powered steering rack, try reducing your caster angle and see if that helps your steering effort. But you need coordination, probably from someone professional.
5. Steering Rack Problem
If you have a vehicle with high mileage, Your steering rack may require adjustment or replacement simply due to normal wear and tear. The steering rack consists of several internal components. If this component is worn or cannot be adjusted, they can make the steering wheel much more difficult to turn.
Read Also, 4 Benefits of Taking Car Driving Courses
