Why do I feel pull on my steering wheel?
This type of steering system problem is referred to as feedback because you can feel road imperfections through the steering wheel. Underinflated tires and bad wheel alignment are two sources of steering wheel pull. Photo courtesy of Mike Peel on Wikimedia.
What to do if you have a hard steering problem?
Low tire pressure is a common source of hard steering issues. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Check the recommended inflation pressure in your car owner’s manual, repair manual, or the placard located on the driver’s door jamb. Low fluid, possibly a power steering system leak
What to do if your rack and pinion steering is loose?
If shaking the tire shows that the wheel is loose, the first thing to check is that the lug nuts are all tight. If any of the lug nuts turn out to be loose, it’s a good idea to remove the wheel and take a good look at the wheel studs to see if they’ve been damaged or cross-threaded.
How to diagnose a power steering problem?
Depending on the particular issue, always start your diagnosis by checking for the most obvious, like low system fluid, a loose or worn drive belt or serpentine belt, and underinflated tires.
What should I do if my steering gear is not equal?
If the right-to-left and left-to-right assist isn’t equal, the steering gear’s control valve system could be at fault. If there’s excessive play in the steering wheel, inspect the steering shaft universal joint, steering gear, steering gear mounts and steering linkage for looseness and wear.
What causes steering gear to feel heavy and unresponsive?
If the fluid level is low, check for leaks at the pump, hoses or the steering gear or rack oil seals. If the belt is worn or glazed, it should be replaced. Binding strut support bearings or seized ball joints can cause the steering to feel heavy and unresponsive.
What causes a steady pull on the steering wheel?
A steady pull is present at all times. This is different from bump steer (caused by a bump in the road) or memory steer (caused by a binding steering component) after a turn. It’s a constant pull to one side and can be caused by a variety of situations, depending on the vehicle and type of steering/suspension.
What should I do if my power steering is not working?
Next, check for a smooth power assist. If the assist is uneven or jerky, inspect the power steering pump fluid level and check the drive belt condition and adjustment. If the fluid level is low, check for leaks at the pump, hoses or the steering gear or rack oil seals. If the belt is worn or glazed, it should be replaced.