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Why Your Car Suddenly Got Hard to Steer

Turn the wheel and it feels like arm day at the gym? Hard steering means your power assist — hydraulic or electric — just clocked out.

Why It Happens

Modern cars use two types of power steering:

  • Hydraulic (older style): pump driven by the serpentine belt pushes fluid to help you turn.
  • Electric (newer style): an electric motor does the heavy lifting, controlled by sensors and the ECU.

When either system fails, the wheel goes heavy. You can still steer, but it’s harder, especially at low speeds. Causes range from low fluid to dead pumps, bad motors, or electrical gremlins.

Most Common Causes

  • Low or leaking power steering fluid (hydraulic).
  • Broken serpentine belt (hydraulic).
  • Failing power steering pump (hydraulic).
  • Dead steering motor or control unit (electric).
  • Bad steering angle or torque sensor (electric).
  • Seized suspension/steering components (both).

What You Can Check

  • Pop the hood — if it’s hydraulic, check the fluid reservoir. Low or foamy fluid? Leak somewhere.
  • Inspect the serpentine belt. If it’s missing or shredded, no pump = no assist.
  • Electric steering? Look for warning lights (often a steering wheel icon). Cycling the ignition can sometimes reset a glitch.
  • Check tire pressures — underinflated fronts can make steering feel heavy.

What a Mechanic Will Check

  • For hydraulic: inspect hoses, pump, rack, and fluid pressure.
  • For electric: scan for steering module fault codes.
  • Test steering angle and torque sensors.
  • Inspect suspension/steering joints for binding.

Ballpark Repair Costs

  • Fluid top-up/flush: $80–$150.
  • Power steering pump: $400–$800.
  • Electric steering motor/module: $700–$1,500+.
  • Serpentine belt: $60–$120 installed.
  • Steering rack replacement: $1,000–$2,000+.

When to Call It Quits

If the wheel goes suddenly heavy, don’t ignore it. Could be as small as fluid, could be a dead rack. Either way, fighting the wheel in an emergency is a bad plan. Get it fixed before your arms give out.