It is obvious that you can’t drive a vehicle with a locked-up steering wheel, but if the steering is simply difficult to turn, it could be an issue with the power steering, and this is true whether the steering is electric or hydraulic.
If your steering wheel locks up when driving, it’s a serious mechanical problem and you need to do what you can to get the car off the road and call a wrecker because something serious has happened either in the steering column or in the actual steering components that turn the wheels.
If it’s just difficult to steer, there’s a good chance it’s due to a bad steering pump, low power steering fluid, or the lack of a key in the ignition. Problems with the power steering system or the steering linkage could also be the culprit.
Here are some possible causes of a steering wheel that is locked-up or difficult to steer:
An inoperative steering pump won’t be able to provide the hydraulic pressure to provide steering assist. Power steering pumps can go bad without warning and fail to produce pressure even if there’s plenty of fluid.
But there is a reservoir in the bottom of the power steering fluid reservoir (see illustration) that can starve the pump and cause it not to provide power assist. If you keep driving with a whining power steering pump that is starving for fluid, you’ll eventually need a new pump. If the belt is slipping because of oil on the belt, a bad belt, or a loose belt for whatever reason, the pump won’t be able to do its work either.
If you keep driving with a whining power steering pump that is starving for power steering fluid, you’ll eventually need a new pump. If the belt is slipping because of oil on the belt, a bad belt, or a loose belt for whatever reason, the pump won’t be able to do its work either.
–Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
Obviously, if there’s no key in the ignition, your steering wheel’s lock will engage. When the key is in the full OFF position, the steering wheel and shifter are both locked.
If your steering is very difficult when you try to turn the wheel in one specific direction but not the other, there’s likely something wrong with the power steering system. It’s a good idea to let a mechanic diagnose the problem.
Inoperative steering linkages are rare, but they can be disastrous for your vehicle if left unresolved. They can cause the steering system to lock up, among other issues. It’s a good idea to bring your vehicle to a professional for maintenance and repairs if you suspect you’re dealing with steering linkage problems.
No, you can’t. Don’t even try. But if the steering is simply difficult, you can drive if you’re strong enough to fight the steering, but It’s not advisable.
It’s best to pull over and stop your vehicle as soon as you feel any problem with the steering to minimize the risk of any accidents. Any car that cannot be controlled is not a safe car to drive.
Inserting the key into the keyhole of the lock assembly and turning it usually solves the problem. Of course, you can’t drive the car if you can’t start it, and you have to have the key to start it unless it’s a push button start. However, there are some cases where the lock will malfunction as if you’re trying to use the wrong key even though you’re using the same key you’ve always used.
Fortunately, you can free the locked steering wheel without disassembling the steering column or calling for a tow to the nearest mechanic.
Did the steering wheel lock up while driving? Firmly grip the wheel with both hands to stay in control. Steadily apply the brakes to decelerate your vehicle. Don’t forget to turn on the hazard lights to warn other drivers about your predicament.
Once you’re safe, attempt to cycle the ignition. Turning it on and off might release the locked steering wheel. You can also try jiggling the key in the ignition.
Shift the transmission into neutral gear. It might reduce the strain on the steering, allowing the steering wheel to unlock.
If the steering wheel gets stuck without the key in the ignition, ensure the parking brakes are engaged and keep the transmission in park mode.
When you insert the key, don’t start yet. Instead, shake the steering wheel back and forth to determine which direction it will turn. Don’t worry about working the wheel too hard; the part can handle some rough play.
Once you figure out which way the steering wheel can turn, push it that way with one hand. Use your other hand to turn the key and start the vehicle. The steering wheel should unlock while the engine fires up.
The steering wheel might remain stuck despite turning it and the key. Alternatively, the wheel unlocks, but the engine fails to start. In either case, turn the steering wheel in the other direction and start the vehicle. Repeat this several times until the wheel unlocks.
Follow these steps to clean your steering wheel lock.
Follow these steps to help you replace the ignition lock assembly if you’re’ savvy enough to drill out the old lock that wouldn’t turn. Note that this process is extremely complicated, so stop right here if you haven’t done this before.
If you have done this already, the procedure is different for different vehicles. Usually the electrical part of the ignition switch isn’t part of the lock cylinder. Here are some generic instructions (note again that these may not apply to your car. If possible, find a resource for your exact vehicle).
Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about steering wheel locks.
There’s a good chance you might have accidentally engaged the steering wheel lock while you were parking it. This can happen when you turn off your vehicle in the middle of turning the wheels, inadvertently locking the steering wheel.
Your vehicle’s steering wheel locks itself when your car is off to deter thieves. It’s almost impossible to drive a vehicle without a functional steering wheel, preventing thieves from making it very far with your ride.
If you lose your steering wheel lock key, contact your car dealer or manufacturer right away. There’s a good chance they can help you by providing you with a replacement key or offering you alternate methods to unlock the steering wheel lock.
Having difficulty steering makes driving a pain, and more importantly, it can be dangerous. It’s best to get off the road as soon as possible and call a tow truck or you risk losing control of your vehicle entirely in the middle of your drive. Finding exactly the right replacement parts can be a chore but not if you use CarParts.com.
CarParts.com has a large catalog of quality aftermarket parts for you to peruse at your convenience. If your mechanic tells you that you need a variety of parts for your vehicle’s steering wheel repairs, we’ve got you covered.
Our supply of steering wheel replacement parts comes from aftermarket brands you can trust. It only takes a few quick clicks to browse our site for the exact parts you need. You can also reach out to our friendly customer service team if you have questions about which of our catalog parts are right for you.
Regain control of your vehicle’s steering. Buy steering wheel repair parts like a power steering pump at CarParts.com today.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.