The steering wheel of each model is different, some are very light, can be turned with just one finger, and some are heavy, requiring a little force to do so. As the vehicle's usage time increases, the steering wheel will undergo many changes, becoming heavier or lighter, some normal and some abnormal. Today, let's talk about the problem of the steering wheel becoming heavier or lighter, divided into the following situations.

        1. The direction of driving in place is relatively heavy, but it becomes lighter when driving at high speeds. For vehicles with hydraulic assistance, this is a normal phenomenon. When the vehicle is stationary, the friction force that the wheels need to overcome to rotate is the greatest, so it is normal to have a heavier direction. Previously, cars did not have a directional assist system, and it took a lot of force to move in place. When driving, it would be much lighter. Why does the direction become lighter at high speeds? It is formed by the superposition of several reasons. Firstly, the engine speed is fast, and the speed of the booster pump is also fast, providing sufficient assistance. Secondly, due to the driving speed of the car, the faster the driving speed, the greater the lift exerted by the air on the car, reducing the pressure on the ground by the wheels and the friction force. Therefore, the direction of rotation will be more lightweight. This phenomenon is particularly evident in vehicles with hydraulic assistance. Nowadays, many cars with electronic power assistance will add a feature that automatically increases the direction when the speed is high, reducing the feeling of vehicle lightness.

      2. Originally, the assistance was relatively light, but over time, the assistance became heavier. This is mostly due to the lifespan of the steering power oil, which needs to be replaced. Usually, the direction is relatively light because there is assistance. As we turn the direction, the assistance system helps us exert force. The transmission of this force is through the booster oil, which is rotated by the booster pump to establish pressure on the booster oil and push the gear rack inside the steering gear to move. If the booster oil deteriorates, it will not be able to establish sufficient pressure, and the transmission of force will become smaller or uneven, causing us to hit in a heavier direction. Generally, the booster oil should be replaced after three years or 60000 kilometers. If it deteriorates, it will not only affect the transmission of influence, but also affect the lifespan of the booster pump and steering gear. If it is an electronically assisted vehicle, there is no need to consider the issue of changing the oil.

  3. When the car is cold, the assistance becomes light, but when the car is hot, the assistance becomes heavier. There are two possibilities, one is that the booster pump is broken, and the other is that the booster oil needs to be replaced. The reason for the deterioration of the booster oil is the same as the above, and it cannot establish a sufficiently high pressure, resulting in a heavy direction. Why is cool car assistance light? Because when the temperature of the booster oil is low, its viscosity is relatively high, and it can also establish a certain amount of pressure. After the oil is hot, it becomes very thin and cannot establish pressure, resulting in a light and heavy cold booster. The reason why the booster pump is broken is the same. When the car is cold, the internal gap of the booster pump is not large, which can establish pressure. After the booster pump heats up, the internal gap increases, and many of the booster oil leaks, unable to establish pressure, resulting in a heavier direction. If this situation occurs, the booster oil should be replaced first, as most vehicles can solve it. If the fault persists, consider the issue with the booster pump again.

    Many people have encountered such a problem. After changing the booster oil, the direction feels heavier. What's the matter? Most of the reasons are due to the incorrect model of the booster oil, which is too thin in viscosity or poor in quality, resulting in a decrease in oil pressure. Just change the oil again and replace it with the correct model and qualified oil to solve the problem. The change in direction is most closely related to the power oil and booster pump, but there may also be other reasons, such as high or low tire pressure, incorrect positioning data, changes in tire size, internal faults in the steering machine, etc., which can all affect the direction of direction. If there is a significant change in direction, it is necessary to systematically inspect the vehicle.

From: WONDEE Autoparts 2023-8-23