9 Causes of a Steering Wheel That’s Hard to Turn All of a Sudden
A steering wheel that’s hard to turn can make driving highly unenjoyable and potentially dangerous. This issue is most noticeable at low speeds, when drivers typically do most of their turning.
But why does this happen? Let’s look at some of the most common reasons why your steering wheel might suddenly become difficult to turn.
Related: 9 Causes of a Steering Wheel That Makes Noise When Turning
Reasons Your Steering Wheel Is Hard to Turn
It’s important to understand the possible causes of a hard to turn steering wheel. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to identify and fix the actual issue quicker than without this information.
#1 – Low Power Steering Fluid
Perhaps the most common cause of a stiff steering wheel when turning is when you don’t have enough power steering fluid in the system. This usually happens due to a leak in the pressurized hose area. The hose may crack or become loose, allowing fluid to escape.
Power steering fluid is essential for pressurizing the system and lubricating the pump. As the fluid level drops, your steering wheel becomes harder to turn.
While you can still drive your car, it’s important to fix the leak quickly. If ignored for too long, it can eventually lead to the power steering pump overheating and failing, which is an expensive repair.
If a quick check shows your power steering fluid is full, consider the next possible cause.
#2 – Underinflated Tires
Low tire pressure can significantly affect your car’s steering, especially at low speeds. When your tires lack proper air pressure, they create more resistance against the road, making the steering wheel harder to turn.
While a small air pressure drop (1-3 PSI) might not feel much different, a larger drop (e.g. 5-10 PSI or more under the recommended tire pressure) will cause a noticeable difference in steering difficulty.
For example, if the sticker on the inside of the driver’s door frame lists the recommended tire pressure at 34 PSI, steering problems may become apparent when the pressure drops to around 24-29 PSI.
Remember, even smaller pressure drops will affect fuel efficiency and tire wear, so do your best to maintain proper tire pressure ALL the time.
#3 – Bad Steering Rack
The steering rack, consisting of the pinion and rack, is connected to the steering wheel through U-joints and shafts. Over time, regular driving can cause wear and damage to the steering rack.
A common sign of a failing steering rack is a steering wheel that’s stiff right after starting up your car. Along with that, you may hear a whine or squeal when turning the wheel all the way to one side or the other.
As the engine runs and warms up, the lubricant in the steering rack spreads more evenly, which may temporarily reduce stiffness.
Related: 4 Symptoms of a Leaking Rack and Pinion
#4 – Wheel Alignment Problems
Misaligned wheels can make your steering wheel harder to turn. While several alignment factors exist, toe alignment is the most likely to affect steering effort.
Toe alignment refers to how much your tires turn inward or outward when viewed from above. Excessive toe-in (where tires point inward) is the most common alignment issue that can cause hard steering.
#5 – Power Steering Pump Failure
The power steering pump is what produces the pressure needed for normal low-effort steering wheel operation. When this pump starts to fail, turning the steering wheel becomes much more difficult, especially at low speeds.
While a complete pump failure won’t entirely prevent the steering wheel from moving, it will require significantly more force to turn, particularly in heavier vehicles.
But before assuming the pump is bad, be sure to check the wiring harness that connects to the pump is securely attached (wiggle it) and has no visible signs up damage. This connection point is a common cause of misdiagnosis.
#6 – Thick or Contaminated Power Steering Fluid
Like other fluids in your car, power steering fluid can degrade over time. If not changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, it can become thick or contaminated, reducing its ability to lubricate the system effectively.
Signs of problematic power steering fluid include:
- Dark, dirty appearance (new power steering fluid is typically clear or light amber)
- Thick, sludgy consistency
- Burning smell
- Squealing noise when turning the wheel
#7 – Damaged or Worn Serpentine Belt
The serpentine belt in many vehicles works hard by powering various components in your car, including the power steering pump. When this belt becomes damaged, cracked, or loose, it can affect your steering.
The most common signs of a problematic serpentine belt include:
- Loud squealing noise from the engine area, especially when starting the car or turning
- Steering becomes progressively harder as you drive
It’s better to replace a worn belt before it breaks completely, as a broken belt can leave you unable to steer properly and potentially strand you.
#8 – Faulty Power Steering Control Module
In modern vehicles with electric power steering, the control module manages the amount of steering assist. If this module fails, it can cause steering difficulties.
Signs of a faulty power steering control module include:
- Intermittent loss of power steering assist
- Warning light on the dashboard (usually a steering wheel icon or EPS, TCS, or Check Engine light)
- Steering that’s sometimes fine and sometimes difficult
While you can use an OBD2 scanner to check for specific error codes, diagnosing and repairing issues with the power steering control module is usually best left for the professionals.
Read Also: Why Does My Steering Wheel Turn Spin Freely?
#9 – Damaged Ball Joints
Ball joints are important components of your car’s suspension system that connect the steering knuckles to the control arms. When they wear out or become damaged, they not only make it harder to steer, but they can also be dangerous in the event of complete failure.
Signs of bad ball joints include:
- Clunking noise when turning or going over bumps
- Car pulling to one side
- Steering wheel vibration
- Uneven tire wear
Preventive Maintenance Tips for Your Steering System
Tip #1: Regularly Check Fluid Levels
Inspect your power steering fluid level monthly. Top up if necessary, using the type of fluid recommended in your owner’s manual.
Tip #2: Check Tire Pressure Monthly
Check tire pressure at least once a month, adjusting to the recommended PSI. Try to do this in the morning before driving for best accuracy.
Tip #3: Get Regular Alignment Checks
Have your wheel alignment checked annually or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. If your area has particularly rough roads, you may need to have it checked more frequently. Keep in mind that this is only to “check” alignment; not necessarily having it adjustment as part of alignment service.
Tip #4: Listen for Unusual Noises
Pay attention to any new squealing, grinding, or clunking sounds when turning. If you hear anything unusual, have it checked promptly.
Tip #5: Follow Fluid Change Schedule
Replace your power steering fluid according to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule, typically every 50k – 80k miles. With some vehicles, there is no set replacement schedule but the fluid should still be visually inspected from time to time. If it looks very dark, dirty, or a thick consistency, it’s time to replace it.
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I have a matrix 03 and I had a had time turning the wheel when I checked it had a full thing of power steering fluid it does make that sound when I turn the wheels also I notice it was oily up top where the power steering fluid goes. What do I need to replace?
I don’t know. It would be best for someone to take a look at the vehicle in person to correctly diagnose the issue.
I drive a 2014 ford explorer. I noticed steering wheel was hard and stiff to turn when I was in muddy grounds. I thought it was due to traction, I put it in reverse and pressed the gas , the vehicle moved but the steering did not become loose right away until I was on pavement. However it did the same another day when starting up on pavement; the steering felt stiff (locked) and unmovable. Again, I shifted to drive and it became drivable. About two weeks later it started making a noise when turning at low speeds. I thought it needed power steering. The auto parts worker informed me that the vehicle did not use hydraulic power steering ( it’s assisted- hydraulic). Any suggestions???
I don’t understand the bit the auto parts worker told you, and I also wouldn’t trust their word for it because they’re not mechanics. I’d have a local shop take a look to diagnose the issue. I’m guessing it’s something with the power steering system.
Hello
I drive a Honda civic 2007 model. Lately I have been seeing leakages and I give it to my mechanic to check it. He replaced some holes and flushed out all the fluids and replaced it. But I have been experiencing stiffness at low speed after he worked on the leakage. How is the problem
I don’t know that the two problems are related. Do you have an exact list of things your mechanic did?
Hallow!
I’m using Honda Cr-v. It started with hard steering on starting but later soft when car starts moving. The pump got stuck and was replaced. However this time steering is hard throughout.
A mechanic recommended replacing steering rack which I’m yet to buy. Other causes of hard steering have been checked and perfect.
Could be the steering rack or the power steering pump. Check your power steering fluid to make sure it’s topped off and the system is bled, but I’m guessing your mechanic already did that.
I used toyota matrix 2004 model when the car is hot my steering got hard stiff and when i press brake it got stiff again but in the morning when i initially starts the car it will be soft….
Sounds like a power steering issue. Those cars have hydraulic power steering pumps, right? I would check to make sure there is no air in the lines by turning the wheel from lock to lock (fully from one side to the other) several times and see if conditions improve.
If you hear any groaning in the power steering while you’re doing this, it might be best to take it to a mechanic to have them take a look.
I have a mitsubishi galant, my mechanic repaired the power steering pump because there was a leakage, after repairing and fixing it back, there were no leakage at all but stiffness and hard to turn I experience when turning at a low speed, and also a sound coming. but at high speed I cannot feel the sound and a hard turns. please advise
There could be residual air in the power steering system. While parked, try turning the steering wheel from side to side, as far as it will go. Do this several times and see if the steering feel improves.
I tried it already several times, there is a little progress, but do you think, it is time to change my steering pump as the mechanic only repaired it, or I will keep on turning the steering wheel from side to side and wait for a while until there is a better improvement?
I don’t know. That might be a good question for the mechanic who repaired it though.
When you say turn the steering wheel to lock position do you mean just turn the steering wheel all the way to a certain direction until it’s stopped and can’t turn anymore then repeat the other direction?
Yes, that’s correct. Full lock means to turn the steering wheel to one side until it won’t turn any farther.
2004 Ford Freestar we replace the power steering pump the high pressure line high pressure sensor the rack and pinion blot it out when it’s up jacked up we can turn the wheel when it’s on the ground we cannot
Have you tried bleeding the power steering system? Maybe the problem is fixed, but there is still air in the lines.
I have a Mazda 6 antenza
What is troubling me is that when driving the steering wheel becomes stiff and it displays lights on the dash board such as ABS hand brakes….morover the lighting on the board become dim….and when I open the trunk and take out a terminal the engine cuts off. ..the car fails to start
Please anyone help
Can you describe “when I open the trunk and take out a terminal” in a bit more detail? Are you unplugging something?
I would check the power steering system to see why the steering is becoming stiff, but the fact that the dash lights are going dim makes me wonder if you have a bad ground or maybe a poor connection to the battery or alternator.
I own a toyota camry 2000. The steering gets stiff and difficult to turn when i hold down d brakes and gets free when on motion. Please kindly advise.
Check your power steering fluid to make sure you have enough fluid. If it’s low, fill the power steering reservoir and then move the steering wheel from lock to lock several times while the car is idling.
I recently had the power steering pump and fluid flushed/replaced due to pump failure. I’ve just started experiencing stiff turning at low RPMs so I had the rack replaced. I’m still expecting that issue intermittently but not as much as before and now am having RPM/shifting/reving issues above 2 RPMs just 1 hour after getting it back. Thoughts? Related?
Hi, i have a 2011 kia cerato koup i just changed a steering coupler and after assembling it back the steering become so hard. please help
Does this model have hydraulic power steering? If so, you may need to bleed the power steering system.
How do u bleed the steering pump
Fill the power steering reservoir and turn the steering lock to lock many times. Top off as needed. Don’t hold the wheel fully locked to one side. This is best done with the front wheels off the ground.
I have a 2004 suburban and I was having hard troubles turning the steering wheel whether its going in reverse or trying to turn and I put fluid in the power steering liquid and it worked instantly this morning and turned like it was nothing and now I’m having issues right now with the same problem, my guess is there is a leakage.
Hi Sean!
I’m using a Toyota Highlander. I noticed a Consistent leaking of the steering fluid. So I took it to the mechanic and had the hose changed. Since then the leakage has stopped significantly, but the steering wheel gets a bit hard to turn on a spot when the engine is hot. Any ideas on what to do pls?
Wild guess, but perhaps the power steering pump was starved of fluid due to the leak and this damaged the pump. Sounds like your mechanic knows what he is doing, I would take the car back to the shop and tell him about the heavy steering feel.
Hi Sean
Audi A5 2014 , the steering just became so hard to turn. It happenned while driving. Please help.
Sounds like you may be having power steering issues. You’ll probably have to bring it by an Audi shop to have it looked at to learn what caused the problem.