Steering is the collection of components,linkages, e.t.c which allows any vehicle to follow the disired course.The primary purpose of the steering system is to allow the driver to guide the vehicle.If you don't have a functional steering system,then it will create all kinds of problems for you.
Driving a stiff steering can affect you physically and mentally,as you may sexperince headache or joint pains because of the force that is required to control the hard steering.But most importantly,this can cause accidents to the point where someone could be killed or injured.

So here are the 5 main causes of hard steetste and possible solutions.

1.Broken serpentine belt:This is one of the most important common causes of steering wheel stiffness.The belt simply gets worn out because the belt is being used when you drive your vehicle.
When this happens,the belt becomes loose and will eventually break if not replaced early enough.

Solutions:In the case of broken serpentine belt,you will need to replace the belt with a new one.


2.Bad steering rack:The steering rack is made up of the knockle joint and tie rod,a series of U-joint and shafts keep the steering rack attached to the steering wheel,the steering rack will become worn out and damaged from simply driving your vehicle over the years.
When this happens,you will notice the power steering fluid levels dropping,which will make the steering to become stiff.

Solutions:A bad steering rack can be repaired,but I will advise you replace it with a new one for better performance.

3.Low tire pressure: improper air pressure,expecially tire pressure that is too low can cause stiffness of the steering.

Solutions:All tires should have equal air and filled according to the manufacturers recommended PS1.


4.Clogged passageways caused by old thick power steering oil:power steering system functions well when hydraulic fluid is being pumped through it.The actual mechanism for turning high fluid pressure into motion in your tires is relatively complicated and accomplished through a variety of small pasaages.If these passages are clogged,it may cause your power steering system to malfunction,thereby leading to stiffness of the steering.

Solutions:In the case of clogged passage way,flush the steering system,replacing the old power steering oil with a new one.

5.Failed power steering pump:This is when the pump is not creating the right amount of pressure in the steering system that is needed to allow you turn your steering freely.

Solutions:The pump failure will not stall the steering wheel completely but it's important we change it,to prevent accidents on the road.

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