Why does my steering wheel feel loose? If you’re driving your car, and you notice your steering feels loose, it means something is wrong with your vehicle’s drivability, though this is not a usual occurrence it can sometimes happen. A loose steering wheel can be caused by several reasons and should be addressed immediately. Everything you need to know about handling situations like this will be explained in detail in this article.
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Causes of a loose steering wheel
A loose steering wheel is an urgent issue that requires immediate attention, various things can go wrong in your vehicle and lead to a faulty wheel, the causes of issues like this are explained below.
Worn tie rods
Tie rods are a primary part of your car’s steering system, this vital component links the steering rack to the steering knuckle.
Tie rods enable you to turn your car and move anywhere you want, they also aid wheel movement during steering. Without these bad boys, it would be impossible to steer your car and drive anywhere you want.
If you have worn or faulty tire rods, it might lead to a loose steering wheel.
Tie rods are used every time you steer your car so like any other frequently used component, they are prone to wear and damage, they can get damaged from normal wear or road hazards such as potholes and collisions. I found that the impact of a broken tie rod can vary from minor issues like a reduction in tire durability to a serious situation like losing control over your car.
One of the most common signs of tie rod issues is uneven wear in either your rear or front wheels. To confirm if this is the case you should examine your rear and front wheels, if you notice that one side has more wear than the other, it might be an indication that it has developed faults.
Bad tie rods may sometimes cause weird and frustrating sounds coming from the front of the car when turning at low speeds. The unusual noises you’re hearing can be caused by loose tie rods rattling about at the joints.
Worn ball joint
Ball joints are another underrated component of your vehicle, they link your wheel hubs to the control arms, and they guarantee an even movement between these two components to ensure your ride is smooth and faultless. Some automobiles have upper and lower ball joints, while others just have lower ball joints.
A worn ball joint is one of the most likely culprits if your steering is acting up, if the joint is faulty you will notice imperfections in your steering wheel.
If you discover that something is off with your vehicle’s ball joint, I recommend addressing it as fast as you can to avoid complicating the problem and making the situation worse. If a situation like this is not taken care of fast, the stud can separate from the housing, which would make you lose control of the car.
Control arm issue
The control arms guarantee that there is no uncontrollable displacement of the tires. Faulty control arms will cause reduced stability, especially while traveling very fast. A damaged control arm might make the car seem sticky or hesitant when turning, I found that this makes the driving experience feel frustrating and uncomfortable.
The control arm is regarded as a safety element in an automobile, since safety is a top priority for car manufacturers, it is unusual for the car’s control arms to be used before it becomes damaged.
Rough terrains or bumpy roads may expose the control arms to excessive force, this might lead to deformation of the control arm and damage other components.
Bad power steering belt
The major function of the power steering belt is to send power from the engine’s pulley to the power steering pump.
I found that a damaged power steering belt is a common culprit if your steering wheel feels loose, in some vehicles this particular belt also drives other components, if the belt develops a fault the components will be affected too. And in some extreme cases, it’s not the belt that is bad but the power steering pump that has issues.
Worn steering gear box
The steering gear box is one of the most vital components in the steering system, and just like every other component, this vital part can develop issues sometimes.
Your steering box is continually moving when you drive, and all moving parts have a maximum number of cycles they can endure before wearing out and failing.
The box is moving and getting closer to its spoilage with each tiny adjustment or turn you make with the steering wheel.
Worn steering rack mounts
Steering rack mounts are one of the most overlooked parts of a vehicle, these component enables the vehicle to turn easily and accurately, and they help to improve stability and absorb shocks. I found that an issue with the steering rack mounts is a possible cause of steering wheel issues.
When you turn the steering wheel, you might hear a popping sound when the bushings start to break. This results from components becoming misaligned and the bushings failing to maintain the steering rack firmly in place.
Suspension damage
The steering and suspension systems of your car are carefully linked, and if any of these components develop issues, it might make your steering wheel loose.
The chassis and suspension operate together to protect you from the severe vibrations caused by bad terrains.
After all, no road is completely smooth and even. The suspension system is an important part that you should get examined if all of a sudden you are feeling more bumps than usual.
What if I have a loose steering wheel?
First, you have to know it is too dangerous to drive with a loose steering wheel, secondly, you should be aware that you cannot repair a bad steering yourself as steering issues are usually more complicated than they appear.
If your steering wheel feels loose, simply park your car. I recommend contacting an expert as fast as you can. Even if you have some automobile experience and you have been fixing simple car issues yourself, some issues are just above you, steering problems are one of these issues.
FAQ
How do you fix a loose steering wheel?
To fix a loose steering wheel, you will need a professional to replace the rods, steering belt, or any other damaged component.
Why does my steering wheel feel loose when I drive?
Your steering wheel feeling weird or loose is most likely due to damaged steering column or suspension system damage.
Is it safe to drive with a loose steering wheel?
No, you should not drive with a loose steering wheel, as this can be very dangerous for both you and your vehicle.
Why does my steering wheel feel wobbly?
Your steering wheel acting weird or wobbly is most likely due to a bad steering belt or a worn steering column.
Wrapping it up
A faulty steering wheel is a common issue and several things can occur in your vehicle that can be the cause of this scenario. If you notice you are in this kind of situation, you should not attempt to drive your vehicle, and you should not attempt to address the issue yourself, simply leave the car and seek help from an expert as fast as you can.
