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A stiff steering wheel is a problematic issue for any driver. It can cause severe accidents or unexpected collisions. The steering wheel is an integral part of a vehicle. It actually controls the working of a steering wheel. Do you ever imagine a situation where you want to take sudden and quick turns, but your steering wheel becomes stuck and moves slowly? It is a dangerous situation if you are driving on uneven and mountainous roads. That is why we are going to discuss common causes of stiff steering wheel and how to resolve them.
However, car owners should drive carefully and implement essential maintenance tips to improve the car’s speed and efficiency. There are different types of steering wheels, and each has different functioning mechanisms. Car owners should be aware of maintaining the one they have. Furthermore, this article will shed light on common causes of stiff steering wheels and discuss tips to prevent them efficiently. So, let’s delve into it.
Causes Of Rough Steering Wheel
The car owners can’t drive with a stiff steering wheel. It actually affects your ability to control your vehicle efficiently. The car riding mechanism will need to be more efficient. Additionally, it can put the owners and other people at risk while driving on the roads. Some of the common causes of stiff steering wheels include low power steering fluid, faulty power steering pump, leakage of tyre pressure, and misaligned wheels. Moreover, this article will discuss each of them in detail.
Problematic Steering Rack
Bad steering racks are also one of the major issues drivers can face. The rack actually connects the steering wheel to the car tyres. In addition, the rack and its parts can be damaged due to everyday driving. The stiffness in the steering wheel indicates that lubricants are not settled in the steering rack. Moreover, the car will feel an issue when starting, but as the owner continues to drive, the steering rack will move slowly.
However, it indicates that the rack is deteriorating due to the car engine’s overheating. Car owners should avoid ignoring it, as it can lead to severe issues and problems. However, the delay in repairing can lead to expensive repairs afterward.
Misaligned Wheels
Incorrect wheel alignment can cause the steering wheel to deteriorate and become rough. Uneven tyre wear is another issue that causes the vehicle to move only on one side during driving. The misaligned wheels can exert pressure on the steering wheel that actually hardens it. As a result, the drivers lose their grip on it while driving.
Power Steering Fluid Issues
Inadequate power steering fluid is among the common causes of stiff steering wheel. The liquid can leak or become contaminated over time. A bad power steering pump sometimes does not deliver the same amount of fluid to the sterling system. Even when the proper lubrication is delivered, a car steering wheel becomes stiff.
Fluid leakage occurs when the pressurized hose is unable to develop balanced pressure. In this way, the leakage occurs through the cracks, losing the pressure. It ultimately dries out the pump, which can create toughness in the steering wheel.
The power steering fluid can also get dirt and debris. It becomes thick, loosens its ability to flow, and provides lubrication to all moving parts of the vehicle. It can affect steering wheel and the stiffness can be generated in it. Therefore, the best way is to flush out the fluid and refill it again.
Defective Serpentine Belt
A serpentine belt is a belt along the car’s engine that provides power to the steering pump, alternator, and air conditioning. However, this belt can wear out with the time when you drive the car. Car owners should not delay the repair process as it can cause the belt to erode and eventually break.
Worn Ball Joints
Ball joints are the major part of a vehicle’s suspension and steering system. They allow the vehicle to move up and down and provide the flexibility for the wheels to work properly. However, worn-out ball joints can cause the steering wheel to become tough and produce unusual sounds. They can wear out due to natural driving habits and rust and corrode due to minerals and road salt.
How To Prevent Stiff Steering Wheels?
A stiff steering wheel can negatively affect the quality of the vehicle’s overall performance. There are several ways to avoid the common causes of stiff steering wheel. They include changing the power steering fluid, checking the tyre pressure, and ensuring the proper wheel alignment. Let’s examine them.
Change the Power Steering Fluid
The contaminated power steering fluid can cause toughness in the steering wheels. Therefore, car owners should flush the power steering fluid once every two years or after every 40,000-80,000 miles to avoid this problem. It can keep the steering wheel working smoothly with lubrication.
Check Tyre Pressure
The tyre pressure of the car should be checked. It can cause the steering wheel to stiffen. Therefore, it is important to measure whether the pressure range is suitable or not. The small cars have a tyre pressure of 30 PSI. Medium-sized cars have 36 PSI, and large vehicles have 42 PSI tyre pressure.
Ensure Proper Wheel Alignment
The wheels should be aligned properly and inspected once in a while. When the car wheels are in the correct place, they usually reduce the pressure on the steering wheels. Additionally, they balance the vehicle’s weight and reduce the load on the car wheels.
Final Note
This blog has discussed some common causes of stiff steering wheel in cars. Car owners can try to avoid such issues by checking the tyre pressure regularly and ensuring the wheels are aligned properly. They should also drive carefully to have stable control over the steering, which can, in turn, save them from road accidents.
Additionally, they should consider buying car steering wheels from PakWheels. However, their price ranges from PKR 380 to PKR 37,000. We have car steering covers to prevent any dirt and debris from accumulating there. For this, car owners should implement regular maintenance and useful tips for cleaning the steering wheel.
