Steering Wheel Locked Up While Turning: Causes & Solutions
Does it make a terrible situation if the steering wheel of your car James? Nevertheless, this issue will not prevent the steering wheel from being completely locked up and allowed to be ridden to the mechanic repair shop. After getting everything done, the hidden possible causes of the steering wheel locked up while turning did not remain a jigsaw puzzle.
A jammed steering wheel may be beneficial to you when protecting the vehicle or sometimes become the reason for encountering terrific events. The steering wheel locking is due to a low fluid level, a clogged power pump, worn-out suspensions, and other unavoidable reasons.
This article is about a quick insight into the causes of the locked steering wheel and how to avoid the situation. In addition, getting inside the mechanism of the working of the steering wheel makes it easy to comprehend the deadly faults that occur.
How Does Power Steering Work?
Different systems, such as hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic engage in power steering problems, turning the wheels left or right. Discussing the hydraulic system, the power steering fluid is used, which creates pressure to ensure the wheel movement and steering turning. The steering system mainly consists of the following parts:
- Steering wheel
- Steering shaft
- Gearbox
When you turn the steering wheel, you move the shaft. In addition, gears inside the gearbox also play their part in turning the wheels. Here comes the power steering pump that provides enough pressure to control the system. Hence, all the components work together due to the pressure and make it possible to move the wheels by jiggling the steering wheel.
Steering Wheel Locked Up while Turning | Causes
You must know the automobile steering system’s components to determine the leading causes of steering wheel failure. Locked-up steering wheels fall into two main categories, either if the vehicle is idle or in the middle of the road. The former is the deliberate locking for protection, while the latter is due to damages that need to be fixed immediately.
Steering Wheel Locked up While Parked | Safety Reasons
Do you know that often your wheel gets stuck to protect your car from thieves? If not, learn the locking mechanism to protect the car from being lost. Modern steering wheels comprise a locking system that locks the wheel when you remove the key from the ignition hole.
Doing so will engage the front wheel locking bolt to prevent the steering wheel’s movement wheel locking up without a key.
Note: Remember to turn the wheel slightly after removing the key will activate the locking feature.
How to unlock a locked steering wheel? The situation gets frightful when you unintentionally turn on the locking mechanism and do not know how to disable it. Put the spare key in the ignition, turn it, and mitigate the tension of the lock cylinder. Remember to turn the steering wheel locked slightly in one direction and deactivate the steering lock.
Steering Wheel Locks Up While Driving | Steering Linkage
The denial of a steering wheel not moving is a situation to attend to. Steering linkage makes up the movement of the steering gear to the steering arms, helping turn the wheel in various directions.
Steering linkage failure often occurs during driving due to damage in the steering column or arms. Sometimes, total steering lock-up is not monitored, and you can turn it in with great effort. In this case, a ride to the nearest car curing shop is recommended.
Check the lubrication of the gears, joints, bearings, and steering column to run the wheel smoothly. Avoid debris getting into the components and causing further problems like binding the steering column.
Power Steering System Problem
As you all know, different car systems are assigned to perform their particular functions. Similarly, a power steering system facilitates you to decide on the direction you want to move.
This system makes a community of steering columns, shafts, or power pumps that combine to turn the steering wheel and provide the output of tire movement.
Improper Functioning of the Suspensions
The power steering system failed due to improper functioning of the suspensions, steering rack, and column. Suspension helps absorb all the bumps your ride bears. Similarly, the steering rack or shaft is responsible for delivering enough pressure to turn the wheels with the assistance of power fluid effortlessly.
Without getting help from the steering system, you cannot move an inch of the steering wheel. Moreover, any malfunction in the steering power pump, such as being jammed or contaminated with debris, does not allow the wheel to move smoothly.
Sharp Turns
Locking the steering wheel depends on the way you treat the lock while driving it. Taking sharp turns while putting a lot or small amount of pressure not only on the steering wheel but also on the suspensions, wheel bearings, or tires; will result in the steering wheel’s locking. It means you cannot turn them in either way because the transmission system is damaged or the power pump is stuck.
Low Fluid Levels
Noticing your wheel is locked up and does not turn your desired way, there are chances that the steering fluid level needs to be higher, which provides a significant amount of pressure for proper functioning. Failure in the power system due to low fluid levels will result in the binding of the steering wheel.
Slipping of Power Steering Pump Belt
A steering belt is used to turn the shaft; however, breakage or slipping would freeze the action. Moreover, low speeds make the effort of turning the steering wheel lockup increase, and you have to put more pressure to make the steering wheel movement possible.
Cracked Steering Hydraulic Hose
Hydraulic fluid leaks when the fluid reservoir faces a rupture. With a significant loss of fluid, the steering wheel either binds in one direction or stops doing its job correctly.
Warning Signs of Steering Problems
The power steering belt is used to operate the steering system. Slippage of the belt will make it difficult to turn the wheel in either direction. Also, generates a squealing sound as the engine turns on. Other essential warning signs are:
- The steering wheel becomes hard to move.
- The audible vibration when turning the steering wheel.
- Vehicle pulling at one side
- The car feels like it is floating on a bumpy road.
Any leakage in the hydraulic hose gives rise to leakage problems. Low-level fluid cannot turn the wheel smoothly, let you hear whining noises, and is detrimental to other components.
How to Fix the Steering Wheel Lock-Up?
There are specific tips you need to follow in case of a partial power steering failure.
- Firmly hold the steering wheel tightly, and try to ride it to the nearest mechanics.
- Press the emergency button to alert the other drivers.
- Also, call the emergency help of a tow truck if the situation goes out of control.
Whenever you encounter the steering wheel seizing, the first and foremost fix is to help yourself and ensure the lubrication of the parts that help turn the wheel. At the same time, avoid dirt and debris from accumulating in the power pump.
Replace Old Fluid with Fresh One
You can check the fluid level or estimate its condition by locating the fluid’s plastic reservoir tank. Ensure to look for the color of the condition and estimate when it requires the change. If you observe the fluid is contaminated, thick, foamy, and appears red or brown, replace it with a fresh one.
Whatever your response in troubleshooting the root cause of the locked steering wheel, I recommend you consult the expert. Also, follow the instructions and react when replacing particular parts as all the causes find their solution after getting a repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens if Power Steering Fluid is Not Full?
If there’s insufficient fluid, you cannot turn the steering wheel. Hence, filling the fluid is easy, and you can do it yourself. Open the reservoir cap, insert the dipstick, and then clean it with a cloth. Reinsert it into the tank; fill it with a funnel upon finding the lower markings.
What Would Cause Power Steering to Stop Working?
Power steering stopped working due to main reasons. Among them is a problem with the ignition lock, malfunctioning power steering system, or jammed steering pump.
How to Disable the Steering Wheel Lock?
You can only deactivate the locking mechanism. As the mechanism is anti-theft, you cannot disable it. You must lessen the lock cylinder tension by wiggling the wheel at a certain angle while putting the key into the ignition hole.
How Do You Find a Power Steering Pump Problem?
The steering pump is vital in providing power to the steering system to turn the wheel. If damaged due to low fluid levels, the steering wheel becomes stiff and requires more effort in its movement. You can find the problem by lifting the car with a jack and checking for leakage around the rack and pinion. Inspect the condition of the belts from becoming loose.
Summing Up
The car’s whole transmission system relies on the movement of the steering wheel. So, it does not matter whether you are on the road and parked the car with its engine off. Steering wheel failure is not a healthy sign to leave unattended. In this article, I have mentioned all the prominent reasons for the steering wheel to fail or be locked up while turning. Moreover, you can take care of the possible symptoms before reaching the edge.
