Is the Car Steering Heavy? Here are the Causes and How to Overcome It

Currently, many car manufacturers have started using power steering in their cars. This is intentionally done so that the steering wheel can be controlled easily and the car's steering becomes lighter when turned. Although power steering has been installed, sometimes drivers still experience heavy steering issues. 

So why can this happen? Let's find out the causes and how to overcome them by paying attention to the following review.

Causes of Heavy Steering and How to Overcome It

There are several factors that cause the car's steering to feel heavy when turned and ways to address them that need to be known. Here are the complete causes and how to overcome them.

1. The power steering fluid is running low

When the fluid in the power steering system leaks, the amount of fluid will automatically decrease or even run out. This can cause the car's steering to feel heavy when turned due to reduced lubrication.

This condition can reduce the pressure of the piston located inside the pinion and rack. To address this, you can refill the power steering fluid according to the required capacity. 

2. Damage to the power steering belt

Inside the power steering, there is a belt component that functions to regulate the rotation of the steering wheel. Thus, the car's steering can be turned and stopped as needed. If the belt is damaged or broken, the steering will automatically feel heavy when turned.

To resolve this, you need to visit a Daihatsu dealer to replace the belt. Here, you will receive a belt of the best quality and original. You will also receive service from trained mechanics.

Read Also: How to Lighten Manual Car Steering

3. Issues with the rack steer

The next cause is usually due to problems with the rack steer. As you know, the rack steer functions to connect the car's suspension to the steering. To address this issue, you need to replace all the seals in the rack steer.

4. Oil pump in the power steering is jammed

When the power steering oil pump gets jammed, the distribution of oil to the car's steering components is also hindered. This jam can be caused by the pump being used for too long.

A jammed oil pump can cause the power steering pressure to weaken, making the car's steering heavy to control. To resolve this, you need to replace the damaged oil pump with a new power steering oil pump.

5. The long tie rod component is worn out

The next cause of heavy steering is due to the tie rod component being worn out. In this part, there is a connecting rod for the steering knuckle that connects to the rack steer. Damage to the tie rod component is usually caused by the car frequently passing over damaged roads. To address this, you need the help of an expert mechanic to replace the component.

6. Issues with the front wheels

To lighten the car's steering system, drivers usually apply front wheel alignment (placing both front wheels in parallel position). However, heavy steering issues can still occur. This is because the positions of the two front tires are not aligned. To resolve this, you need to visit an expert workshop for alignment and balancing.

7. Reduced tire pressure

Flat tires due to reduced air pressure can also cause the car's steering to feel heavy when driving. To resolve this, you need to inflate the tires to the required air capacity. 

To ensure the car's steering always feels light, you need to check all components of the car's steering system. If there are any issues, promptly perform maintenance at the nearest Daihatsu dealer.