7 Causes of a stiff steering wheel

Stiff steering wheel problems can occur anytime and anywhere. Yes, a stiff steering wheel will greatly interfere with our comfort and safety when driving. The slow response of a heavy steering wheel can make the vehicle move wildly and not in the lane we are going.

The causes of stiff steering wheels are very diverse. To determine the cause, it's a good idea to consult with a certified technician and repair shop and then provide as clear information as possible on how a stiff steering wheel can happen.

However, the following article will provide a brief overview of the causes of the stiff steering wheel, especially if your car uses a hydraulic type of power steering. Check out the causes of a stiff steering wheel in the following information.

1. Power steering oil is lacking/out

Lack of Power Steering oil can be one of the causes of the stiff steering wheel and heavy when turning. Power steering oil serves to increase the power of the steering wheel while the engine is running. The thrust in the power steering oil is generated from the pressure of the power steering pump.

When the power steering oil is reduced/exhausted, then no hydraulic pressure is generated to help ease the rotation of the steering wheel. The effect is that the steering wheel is stiff, heavy and difficult to turn.

To find out if the power steering oil is lacking or not, you can check it through the oil reservoir tube in the engine bay.

2. Clogged power steering pump

In addition to insufficient/out of power steering oil, a stiff steering wheel can also be caused by a clogged power steering oil pump.

A clogged power steering oil pump will cause the power steering oil circulation to be disrupted. As a result, the hydraulic pressure of the oil going to the power steering rack is reduced, making the steering wheel stiff and heavy.

A common cause of clogged power steering oil pumps is because the power steering oil is dirty due to rarely being replaced, or you are using the wrong type of power steering oil, and it is not under the recommended oil usage.

3. Broken power steering belt

The next thing that can cause a stiff steering wheel is a broken fan belt (serpentine belt) for the power steering. This power steering belt functions to rotate the oil pump to produce hydraulic pressure.

When the power steering belt breaks, the power steering oil pump automatically cannot rotate so that the power steering system loses hydraulic pressure and makes the steering wheel stiff and heavy to turn.

4. Flat tires

The next thing known to be the cause of the stiff steering wheel is a flat tire. A flat tire without air pressure will burden the power steering directly due to the tire friction area with the road surface getting wider and larger. As a result, the power steering load will increase and make the steering wheel stiff and heavy.

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5. Stuck and rusty ball joints

Rusty and stuck ball joints can also cause a stiff steering wheel when turning, especially if rust and jams occur in the ball joint for the power steering system, such as the Long Tie Rod (inner tie rod) ball joint and tie rod end ball joint (outer tie rod). The two ball joints are directly related to the steering wheel and wheels.

The main cause of this rust and jam usually occurs because the rubber boot retaining dust and dirt from the ball joint has leaked and easily gets water in. In addition, some ball joints require periodic lubrication, but you never do that, so the ball joints become dry and easy to rust.

6. Steering rack problem

The steering rack serves to lighten the movement of turning the steering wheel by utilizing the hydraulic power of the power steering oil. The steering rack also functions as a link between the wheels and the steering wheel. The position of the steering rack is under the car and is connected to the wheels via a long tie rod ball joint and tie rod end.

Because of its position, the steering rack is quite vulnerable to dirt, dust, mud, and water. Moreover, if the rubbers and seals of the steering rack cover have been damaged, then problems with the steering rack will occur more often, such as rusting, leaking oil, and bending.

Problems that arise in the steering rack, in general, will impact its performance, one of which can make the steering wheel stiff and heavy.

7. The steering angle of the wheel has changed a lot

The steering wheel angle consists of camber angle, caster angle, inclination kingpin angle, and toe angle. Usually, these angles are set by the car manufacturer and can be adjusted through "wheel alignment".

These four steering angles are set for the car's wheels to provide ease of driving, such as:

The car can go straight ahead without having to hold the steering wheel constantly.
When finished turning, the wheel can return by itself to a straightforward position.

As the vehicle is used, collisions with road potholes and speed bumps and through this bumpy road at high speed can drastically change the position and angle of the steering wheel. If a huge impact happen, the driver can directly feel this drastic change in steering angle and being the cause of the stiff steering wheel.