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Heavy Steering

Steering that suddenly feels heavy usually means the power steering has stopped assisting: low fluid or a failing pump on hydraulic systems, or a fault on electric systems.

High risk

Drive carefully and have it checked soon. Low-speed manoeuvres become very hard.

Short answer · Why is my steering heavy?

On hydraulic systems, check the fluid level and the pump belt. On electric power steering a warning light usually comes on and the system may have switched off after a fault or low voltage. Low tyre pressures and seized suspension joints also make steering heavier.

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Safe checks you can do

  1. Check the warning lightsA steering warning means a system fault.
  2. Check tyre pressuresLow front tyres make steering heavy.
  3. Check fluid and belt (hydraulic)Low fluid or a slipping belt.

Questions that narrow it down

  1. Did it happen suddenly?Assistance has failed.
  2. Only at low speed?Normal effort rises when parking, but not suddenly.
  3. Battery problems recently?Electric steering may reduce assistance at low voltage.

Possible causes

Listed without ranking. Use the questions above to see which ones fit your car.

  1. Power steering faultPump, motor or sensor.
  2. Low power steering fluidHydraulic systems.
  3. Low tyre pressureMore rolling resistance.
  4. Seized steering or suspension jointsSteering does not self-centre.

Questions about Heavy Steering

Can I drive without power steering?

Yes, but it is much harder; drive carefully to a workshop.

Does restarting help?

Sometimes electric steering recovers after a restart, but the fault should still be checked.