Here's What Makes Your Audi's Steering Wheel Hard To Turn

Does your Audi's steering wheel seem difficult to turn? We know how uncomfortable and frustrating such a problem can be. That's why to help you diagnose the issue, we have compiled a list of issues that can cause your car's steering wheel hard to turn. You will find solutions to the following queries when you read this blog post;

• Why do steering wheels become hard to turn?
• Is there anything you can do to prevent the steering wheel from getting harder to turn?

Let's start by discussing some interesting facts about car steering systems.

Car’s Steering System- an Overview

• The steering wheel enables the driver to steer a vehicle in his desired direction. But, have you ever wondered who gave it the shape of a wheel? Well, the credit goes to Alfred Vacheron—who entered the famous Paris-Rouen race (1894) with a Volant or steering wheel-equipped Panhard. This prompted car manufacturers to introduce steering wheels in all car models.
• Steering wheels were made of wood in the early days. Wood was eventually replaced by metal, which was then replaced by plastic.
• Modern-day cars come equipped with power steering systems—which are more efficient and advanced than conventional steering systems. In case you didn't know, power steering systems at the most basic level are of three different types; hydraulic power steering system, electric power hydraulic steering system, and fully electric power steering system.
• In the coming days, it is almost certain that there will be self-driving cars on the roads. And, guess what… the steering wheel may become a thing of the past.

Things That Can Make a Car’s Steering System Hard & Stiff

If your Audi’s steering wheel is hard to turn, you could be dealing with one of the following problems;

Problem #1- You are low on steering fluid

Often declined power steering fluid is the problem behind an uncooperative steering system. Because this fluid plays a critical role in reducing the steering effort required to turn a vehicle. But if there is not enough of this fluid, the steering system will become less responsive. As a result, you will find your car steering system hard to turn.

So, if you suspect a power steering fluid leak in your car, reach out to an experienced mechanic right away. Because this is something that should always be left to well-trained car mechanics.

Problem #2- Crooked power steering pump

The pump is the central hub of a vehicle's power steering system. This is the part that pressurizes the hydraulic fluid for an effortless and smooth steering experience. At the most basic level, you will find two different types of power steering pump; an electric-powered steering pump that relies on electricity to operate and a conventional power steering pump that depends on the engine power to do its job.

In the event that the power steering pump (whether it is electric or conventional) malfunctions, the steering system will become stiff and very hard to use.

Problem #3- Problem in the steering rack assembly

The steering rack assembly experiences normal wear and tear over time, like other car parts. Eventually, it may develop a mechanical problem- which if left unaddressed can make the steering system of a vehicle inefficient and hard to control. So, if your Audi’s steering system is hard and stiff, have someone check on its steering rack assembly. Because if you do nothing about it you may wind up with surprise breakdowns and costly repairs.

Problem #4- Loose or cracked serpentine belt

A loosened or torn serpentine belt is one possibility if your power steering system is not working the way it is supposed to. In addition to steering wheel-related problems, a defective serpentine belt can contribute to problems related to the vehicle’s air conditioning system, cooling system and other key systems. Replace the defective serpentine belt if you want to get the issue resolved.

In A Nutshell…

Driving a vehicle with an inefficient steering system can be incredibly frustrating. Fortunately, dealing with a malfunctioning steering system is that big of a deal. All you have to do is to find out what’s wrong with your vehicle’s steering system. If you don’t know how to do that, reach out to a reputed car service center in your locale so that the issue can be diagnosed and repaired in time.

We at Carotech Automotive and Tires located in Los Angeles, CA have years of experience in looking after Domestic, Asian and European cars. All our technicians are highly experienced, certified and are passionate about cars.