What Causes A Steering Wheel To Lock While Driving?

Car issues are common among owners, and if a problem arises, it’s in your best interest to get rid of it quickly. While squeaky brakes or a faulty AC aren’t exactly urgent issues, you might reconsider if it’s hard to use your steering wheel. It’s simply terrifying and might get you into a road accident if not solved. 

A locked steering wheel is a serious issue; thus, you should deal with it quickly. Knowing all possible causes could help you solve the problem, as you’ll figure out what to do immediately.

How Does Power Steering Work?

All modern vehicles have power steering systems, meaning there’s a mechanism installed that helps you turn the wheel. These can be of three types:

• Hydraulic
• Electric
• Pneumatic

Hydraulic systems use fluid to create pressure that helps you turn the wheel. In an electric one, this is done with the help of a motor, while pneumatic ones utilize air pressure to achieve that.

The steering system is connected with a steering shaft, the actual component you turn to change directions or maneuver. At the end of the shaft, a gearbox uses gears to assist in steering. 

So, whenever you turn the wheel, there’s always a system that makes controlling the vehicle not so rough. If it weren’t there, the life of a driver would become highly complicated. 

Why Does The Wheel Lock?

Before we get to the cause, it’s important to underline that modern vehicles come with a lock mechanism. It prevents the wheel from turning and comes in handy if someone decides to steal your auto. Plus, it helps if you park on a hill and don’t want your car to roll down.

For various reasons, it may fail and put you in a dangerous situation on the road. However, there are multiple possible causes for this steering difficulty, which may include any of the following:

• Malfunctioning Steering Pump. Among other things, rough steering may be caused by a malfunctioning pump. It could also start producing loud noises. It happens due to low fluid levels, making the pump overheat, or may be caused by a clogged filter preventing proper fluid circulation.

• Jammed Column. The column helps the driver control the direction of the car. If it becomes jammed, especially on the road, it’s a real hazard, and you must rush to the auto shop.

• Frozen Steering Linkage. Stiff turns or loss of steering can all be attributed to a frozen linkage. This particular component connects the steering to the wheels and, if frozen, causes you to lose control.

• The lock was engaged. Above all else, you’ve also possibly employed the steering lock and forgot about it. Look on the dashboard to see if the designated light is on.

• Ignition lock assembly failure. This issue is especially concerning and may cause your wheel to lock unexpectedly, leading to an accident. The only way to prevent it is to have a spare key and keep on top of your maintenance.

• Engine Control Unit (ECU) problems. The ECU directly handles the power steering. It does so through a set of signals. If the unit malfunctions, it can bring about a host of problems, including the wheel locking.

How Can I Solve The Issue?

If your steering wheel is locked, there’s no better solution than going to an auto shop. If you’re on the road, stop immediately and call for help. The mechanics will undoubtedly solve your case at the shop and explain what went wrong. But, it’s also possible to try a couple of things and see where this leads you. 

The things you could try include:

• Firmly gripping the wheel. Just turn the wheel back and forth. It may help loosen it up and return control to you.

• Using the power steering pump. You could try forcing the fluid into the system, which might solve the problem.

• Turn off the engine. If the wheel is locked when driving, turn off the engine. This will disable the power steering system and allow you to control the vehicle.

Summary

The steering wheel lock-up is a hazardous problem. If brushed off and not completely solved, it could lead to a fatal accident or a severe car crash. So, if you think you have a lock-up on your hands, drive to the auto shop as soon as possible. And, among other things, service your vehicle regularly so that this problem wouldn’t suddenly appear on the road.

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