What Causes Your BMW Steering Wheel Lock up in Louisville?

The most terrifying thing arising in your car while driving it on the road is the locking up steering wheel or the steering wheel stops responding suddenly. When it happens, within a short period you are unable to control your car.

Many people thought that the steering wheel only locks up while driving, but in reality, it can lock up even if you are parking the car and the engine is off. Due to numerous reasons, the steering wheel of the BMW is locking up while driving on the road.

In this case, before taking your car out on the road, figure out the causes behind it immediately because driving the car in these conditions is always unsafe and dangerous. Moreover, it is the most common and serious problem found in your BMW that needs immediate attention from a mechanic for further assistance.

What do you mean by steering wheel locks up?

Thus, the steering wheel in your BMW is designed in such a way as to lock up under certain conditions. When the steering wheel locks up, no one moves the car until they have the actual key to ignite it. Throughout the procedure, the steering wheel is unlocked by inserting the key into the ignition keyhole and turning it on.

For many reasons, you will notice that the steering wheel of the car won't unlock even if you are turning the key in the ignition. Moreover, it is a red signal that you need to consult with a reputed mechanic as soon as you can for inspecting the steering wheel and fix the lock-up issues.

Causes behind the steering wheel lock up

Several reasons are responsible for the lock-up steering wheel in your BMW. The following points define the causes behind your steering wheel locking up in the middle of the road.

Damaged power steering pump

When the power steering pump of your car is damaged, you will notice that the steering wheel is locked up instantly while driving. Thus, the main function of the power steering pump is to pressurize the hydraulic fluid to help the driver to turn the steering wheel easily and conveniently.

If the power steering pump is failed, then you don’t have the steering assist, so you have to put more force on the steering wheel to move. Driving the car in this condition for longer will lock up the steering wheel when driving.

Lack of power steering fluid

Thus, the main causes behind the locking steering wheel in your BMW are the lack of power steering fluid or the contaminated power steering fluid. Moreover, the power steering system is using the power steering fluid for turning the wheels with ease. When the power steering system is damaged, it will cause fluid leakage that could reduce the pressure in the system.

If the steering fluid is lowering down, you could face difficulties while steering the car at lower speeds and eventually lock the steering wheel. So, when the steering fluid is getting dirty, you have to change it right away to prevent the locking up steering wheel issues.

Ignition lock

Now modern cars like BMW are equipped with an ignition lock which is an anti-theft feature in which you have to turn the wheels after removing the key from the ignition. Moreover, it will engage the locking bolt to prevent the moving of the car without its original key. If anyone moves the steering wheel inadvertently, then it will create an alarming situation.

For deactivating the steering lock, the key can be turned in the ignition. If the ignition lock is damaged suddenly, then you are unable to unlock the locked steering wheel which is always frustrating and dangerous.

Sharp turns

Making frequent sharp turns on the road is not only affecting the functions of the transmission system but also affects the engine operations which can lead to locking up the steering wheel while driving. Throughout the process, you will also notice that the power steering pump gets stuck. To prevent the problem, you have to take turns slowly on the road.

Failed steering linkage

When the steering mechanics like the steering column or the steering arms are breaking down suddenly, it could cause the steering wheel to lock up immediately. In this case, you have to bring your car to a local auto repair shop immediately.

What to do when the steering wheel locks up

If the steering wheel in your BMW is locking up, then you have to consider the below procedures to prevent sudden accidents on the road.

1. Get the car stopped immediately and turn on the emergency flashers.
2. Don’t panic and call your nearest auto repair center for immediate help.
3. Then exit the car and quickly move to the nearest safe place. Call a towing truck to bring it to a mechanic for proper diagnosis and repair.

If the steering lock of your BMW is locked up while driving on the streets of Louisville, then consult with your local qualified and professional mechanic for diagnosing the causes behind the problem and fixing it as soon as possible.

Turning Wrenches located in Louisville, KY have years of experience in dealing with European cars. At turning Wrenches, we are committed to preserving the performance of your car.