Orlando Car Maintenance: Difficulty Steering

The steering wheel is your main source of control when driving. Without a functioning steering wheel, you could only drive in a straight line, and obviously, that driving experience would be very short-lived. That being said, the quality of your Orlando Toyota’s steering system is a car maintenance issue that should never be overlooked. So today, we’re going to go over some of the most probable causes of power steering failure. 

The most common car maintenance problem drivers experience with steering wheels is a difficulty turning. If you drive correctly and safely, you take turns slower than when you are on a straight road. Turning at a slower speed makes it easy for you to notice when your wheel is sticking. The power steering system of your vehicle is made up of many different components – the serpentine belt, the pump, and the hydraulic fluid, to name a few. It is essential that these parts be kept in good condition and replaced when necessary to keep your power steering system in check.

What’s causing the car maintenance issue?

Knowing how important your power steering is, our Orlando auto service techs want to educate you on some of the most common causes of a steering problem. If you ever experience a hard-to-turn steering wheel, then you can look into this car maintenance issue and narrow down if the problem is due to one of these causes: 

• Broken Serpentine Belt: Deemed as one of the most common causes of a sticky steering wheel is the broken serpentine belt. Since the serpentine belt is in constant use it has a shorter shelf life than other important car parts. When this belt suffers damages or cracks, you will not be able to move the steering wheel with the ease you’re used to. If you put off a replacement, the belt will break and any movement your wheel had left will be gone. 
• Pump Failure: The job of the pump is to provide the pressure necessary for smooth turning. That being said, if the pump is broken it will become very difficult to steer. Fortunately, a broken pump will not cause your wheel to not move at all. However, you will have to use significant force to operate it, putting you and others at a greater risk of an accident. 
• Worn Steering Rack: Made up of the pinion and rack and attached to the steering wheel, your steering rack is used every time you drive. Therefore, the steering rack also has a limited shelf life. You will know when your steering rack has done its time if your steering wheel is only hard to handle after starting your vehicle. When you’re suffering from a bad steering rack the stiffness of the wheel may lessen as the car stays on, but don’t be fooled, this type of repair needs to be taken to an Orlando service center right away. 
• Fluid Leak: In order for you to be able to easily turn your wheel, the hydraulic steering fluid component of the system pushes against the piston. Since this fluid acts a lubricant to the pump and a pressurizer to the entire steering system, an inadequate amount will cause a stiff wheel. It is common to find fluid leaking from the system’s hose due to a crack or it becoming loose. When this happens your car needs to be taken to a professional immediately. 

Trust Toyota of Orlando to help you

Toyota of Orlando is dedicated to helping you take care of your ride and performing at its best. Whatever your car maintenance need, make sure to come down to our Orlando dealership and we’ll get the job done. We are open seven days a week and located at 3575 Vineland Rd. We're always running auto service specials to give you quality service at a price you deserve. See you soon!