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Reasons Behind Hard Steering in Your Car and How to Fix It

Finding it difficult to drive your car as the car steering suddenly hardened? Driving a car is an experience, but this experience gets very harrowing when the car steering hardens. A loose steering helps you stride through your journey with ease, whereas a hardened steering makes it very difficult to move and take the required turns. There are multiple factors behind the hard steering of your vehicle, which if not addressed on time, might create severe driving problems.

Numerous factors contribute towards the hard steering of your vehicle, out of which there are three major causes behind the hard steering of your car. It is crucial to understand the underlying causes and take the necessary actions to avoid mishaps while driving.

Key Highlights

Hard steering in the car can be due to improper steering fluid, a damaged steering pump and rack, or inaccurate wheels or tyres
The quality and quantity of the steering fluid should be checked regularly to avoid hard steering
Any damage or wear and tear caused to the steering pump and rack must be addressed immediately
The recommended PSI levels must be maintained at all times for smooth and hassle-free driving

What are the Three Things That Can Cause Hard Steering in Cars?

The three things that cause hard steering in cars are as follows:

Improper Power Steering Fluid

A power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid that is responsible for the smooth functioning of your steering wheel. You must maintain the quality and quantity of the power steering fluid at all times to avoid hard steering. Improper steering fluid leading to hard steering arises out of two situations and they are as follows:

Low-power steering fluid

This is a major reason behind the hard steering of your vehicle. A low-power steering fluid situation happens when there is a leakage of the fluid from the pressurised hose region. This problem can be resolved temporarily by topping up the liquid in the power steering tank. However, it is advisable to keep a check on fuel leakage and try and avoid it as much as possible.

Old and thick power steering fluid

Another reason associated with improper steering fluid is the quality of the fluid. The power steering fluid tends to thicken with time owing to the accumulation of debris in it. This thickening of the fluid hinders the smooth functioning of the steering wheel and causes it to harden. So, it is important to keep changing your steering fluid regularly to ensure safe driving.

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Damaged Steering Pump and Steering Rack

A power steering unit consists of a power steering pump and a steering rack-and-pinion unit. A malfunction of either of the two causes the hard steering of your vehicle in the following manner:

Power steering pump

This carries the fluid to the rack-and-pinion unit and also maintains the required pressure in the steering system. It helps the driver take smooth turns while driving, without applying too much force. Malfunctioning of the pump leads to disruptions in the smooth flow of the fluid, causing hassles while taking turns during driving.

Damaged steering rack

The steering rack is connected to the steering wheel through various U-joints and shafts. Steering racks connect the steering wheel to the car navigation system in a manner that enables you to turn the car in any direction you wish to. Any kind of damage or wear and tear of the steering rack system disrupts the connection between the steering wheel and the system and affects the smooth functioning of the car steering.

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Inaccurate Wheels/Tyre

Another major reason behind the hard steering of your vehicle is the amount of pressure in the tyre and the wheel alignment of your car. Here's how they affect the steering:

Inaccurate Tyre Pressure

Every car manufacturer recommends a certain PSI (pounds per square inch), depending upon the vehicle, which needs to be maintained by the driver at all times. Maintenance of the required PSI ensures proper air pressure in the tyre. If you fail to maintain the required PSI levels, the air pressure in your tyre drops, causing hard steering of your vehicle.

Wheel alignment

The wheel alignment of your car affects the steering of your vehicle. For instance, if the front alignment of your car is distorted, it will cause an uneven tear on your front tyres, forcing the vehicle to pull towards the side, thereby, creating heavy steering of your car.

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Fixing Hard Steering For a Smooth Drive

The steering wheel is the main force behind driving a vehicle. Only when you can steer easily, can you drive easily and safely. So it is of utmost importance that you understand the functioning of your steering wheel, and the various factors affecting it. You must take appropriate measures to avoid any kind of mishaps on the road. Keep a regular check and get your car serviced at regular intervals to make your driving experience better.

Your car also needs a valid motor insurance policy to drive legally on Indian roads. So, buy a comprehensive car insurance plan from Reliance General Insurance and drive worry-free.

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FAQs

Q1 - What are the major reasons behind the hard steering of your car?

Some of the reasons behind a hard steering wheel are:

Low-power steering fluid
Old and thick power steering fluid
The power steering pump malfunction
Distorted steering rack
The damaged serpentine belt, and
Inaccurate tyre pressure

Q2 - What effect does the quality and quantity of the steering fluid have on the car steering?

The quality and quantity of the steering fluid harm your car steering. They cause the steering to harden, making it difficult for you to take required turns while driving.

Q3 - How does a damaged serpentine belt cause hard steering?

A serpentine belt helps in the smooth functioning of the power steering pump and the engine. Any damage done to the belt disrupts its functioning and causes the steering to harden.

Q4 - How can I avoid hard steering wheels?

To avoid the hardening of your steering wheels, you must:

Check your tyre pressure regularly.
Check the alignment of your wheels.
Maintain the appropriate fluid levels in your car
Replace old steering fluids as and when required
Change the serpentine belt immediately, if found damaged.
Get your car serviced regularly.

Q5 - What are the risks associated with hard steering?

While driving a car, ensure that the steering movement is smooth and easy. Hardened steering has many risks associated with it. For instance, if your steering is hard, you might not be able to take turns as and when required, or, you might have to apply a lot of force to turn your car, which might lead to serious accidents or damage to the car. So, you must avoid hard steering at all costs.

Reasons Behind Hard Steering in Your Car and How to Fix It

Key Highlights