The steering wheel gives the driver directional control over the vehicle. It is one of a car’s most important safety features, and it must be in good working order. If your steering wheel is sticking, it could be a sign of a severe problem.
- Causes Of A Sticking Steering Wheel
- How To Fix A Sticking Steering Wheel
- Symptoms Of A Sticking Steering Wheel
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Sticking Steering Wheel?
- How Do I Prevent My Steering Wheel From Sticking?
- Why Does My Steering Feel Heavy?
- Why Is My Steering Wheel Vibrating?
- How Do I Know if My Steering Rack Needs Replacing?
- How Often Should I Flush My Power Steering Fluid?
- What Are the Warning Signs of a Bad Power Steering Pump?
- Conclusion
There are several reasons why your steering wheel might be sticking. One possibility is a low-power steering fluid. Others include wrong power steering fluid, faulty steering wheel pump, damaged serpentine belt, and a defective steering rack.
A sticking steering wheel is very dangerous and should be fixed as soon as possible. If you are having this problem, take your car to a mechanic and have it checked out. Do not try to fix it yourself if you don’t have the required skill and tools, as you could worsen the problem.
Causes Of A Sticking Steering Wheel
Let’s dive right in and explore why your steering wheel may be sticking when you turn.
Low Power Steering Fluid
One of the primary causes of a sticking steering wheel is low-power steering fluid. The power steering system uses hydraulic fluid to assist in turning the wheels. If there is insufficient fluid, the system will not work correctly, and the steering wheel will be hard to turn.
Wrong Power Steering Fluid
Another possible cause of a sticking steering wheel is using the wrong type of power steering fluid. There are different types of fluids for different vehicles. When you use the wrong type, it can cause problems with the system. Always consult your owner’s manual to find out what kind of fluid to use.
Faulty Steering Wheel Pump
The steering wheel pump is responsible for pumping the hydraulic fluid into the system. If it is not working properly, it will result in a sticking steering wheel.
Damaged Serpentine Belt
The serpentine belt is responsible for powering the steering wheel pump. If it is damaged or broken, the pump will not work, and the steering wheel will be hard to turn.
Defective Steering Rack
A defective steering rack is the final possible cause of a sticking steering wheel. The steering rack is what the wheels are attached to. If it is damaged, it can cause the steering wheel to stick.
These are just some of the possible causes of a sticking steering wheel. If you are having this problem, take your car to a mechanic and have it checked out.
Related content: Steering Assist Is Reduced Drive With Care – Explained
How To Fix A Sticking Steering Wheel
Once you have determined the cause of the sticking steering wheel, you can begin to fix the problem. Here are some of the possible fixes to the problems we listed above.
- The fix for low-power steering fluid is simply adding more fluid to the system. You can do this by yourself if you know how. If you are not sure, take it to a mechanic. If you are using the wrong power steering fluid, the fix is to flush out the system and then refill it with the correct fluid. Again, you can do this yourself if you know how, but it is best to take it to a mechanic.
- A broken serpentine belt will need to be replaced. This is something that you can do yourself if you are mechanically inclined. If not, take it to a mechanic. A defective steering rack will need to be replaced. This is a job for a mechanic.
- When you use the wrong type of power steering fluid, you will have to flash out the system and then refill it with the correct fluid. Again, you can do this yourself if you know how but it is best to take it to a mechanic.
- You can also have your faulty steering pump replaced with a new after-market pump.
Symptoms Of A Sticking Steering Wheel
There are several symptoms of a sticking steering wheel. If you notice any of these, take your car to a mechanic to have it checked out.
Hard to Turn
One symptom is that the steering wheel will be hard to turn. This is usually the first symptom that people notice.
Car Pulling to One Side
Another symptom is that the car will pull to one side while driving. This is because the power steering system is not working properly, and the vehicle is not turning as it should.
Steering Noise
Another symptom is that the steering wheel will make a noise when you turn it. This is usually a grinding noise caused by the wheels not turning as they should.
Related content: Can You Drive With a Bent Frame?
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Sticking Steering Wheel?
The cost of fixing a sticking steering wheel will depend on the cause of the problem. If you need to replace the power steering fluid, that will be about $100. If you need to replace the power steering pump, that will be about $200. If you need to replace the serpentine belt, that will be about $50. And if you need to replace the steering rack, that will be about $1,000.
How Do I Prevent My Steering Wheel From Sticking?
You can prevent your steering wheel from sticking by making sure you use the correct power steering fluid and keep an eye on the fluid level in the system. You should also have your serpentine belt checked regularly and replaced if necessary.
Why Does My Steering Feel Heavy?
Several things can cause a heavy steering feel, but the most common cause is low power steering fluid. If the fluid level is low, that will make the steering feel heavy. However, some older versions of cars have a heavy steering feel.
Why Is My Steering Wheel Vibrating?
A vibrating steering wheel is usually caused by a problem with the tires or wheels. It can also be caused by a problem with the power steering system. If you notice that your steering wheel is vibrating, take your car to a mechanic and have it checked out.
How Do I Know if My Steering Rack Needs Replacing?
Determining whether or not your steering rack needs replacing can be difficult. The best way to know for sure is to take your car to a mechanic and have it checked out. When it completely fails, it is very noticeable.
How Often Should I Flush My Power Steering Fluid?
It is recommended to flush your power steering fluid every 30,000 miles or so. This will help to keep the system clean and free of debris.
What Are the Warning Signs of a Bad Power Steering Pump?
There are several warning signs of a bad power steering pump. One is that the power steering fluid will be low. Another is that the power steering system will make noise. And another is that the steering wheel will be hard to turn.
Conclusion
A sticking steering wheel can be caused by several things, but the most common cause is low power steering fluid or a broken serpentine belt. If you notice any of the symptoms, take your car to a mechanic to have it checked out.
You can also prevent your steering wheel from sticking by making sure you use the correct power steering fluid and by keeping an eye on the fluid level in the system. The cost of fixing a sticking steering wheel will depend on the cause of the problem. It is more expensive to replace the steering rack than it is to replace the power steering fluid.
Mark is a senior editor for Mechanic Ask, creating tech-focused articles about diagnostics, tools, and new auto servicing methods. He attends industry shows to stay current. With a mechanical engineering degree, Mark is able to translate complex technical details into explanations understandable for shop owners and technicians. His articles help shops improve processes, reduce costs, and boost productivity.
