Steering Wheel Locking Up while Driving [Causes & How to Fix]

Have you ever been driving and suddenly realized that your steering wheel won’t turn or feels stiff?

This can be a scary and dangerous situation, and it’s known as your steering wheel locking up while driving. It’s crucial to understand what causes this problem, the symptoms, and most importantly, how to address it safely and promptly.

In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about your steering wheel locking up while driving – from the causes and symptoms to the safety concerns and prevention tips.

Causes of Steering Wheel Locking Up While Driving

1. Malfunctioning Steering Column Lock

First up, we have a malfunctioning steering column lock. This is a security feature that prevents someone from stealing your car by locking the steering wheel in place when the key is removed from the ignition.

However, if this feature malfunctions, it can cause the steering wheel to lock up while you’re driving. This can happen if there is a problem with the mechanical or electrical components of the lock, or if there is a problem with the key itself.

2. Problems with the Power Steering System

Next, we have problems with the power steering system. Power steering makes it easier to turn the steering wheel, especially at low speeds or when parking.

If there’s a problem with the power steering system, such as a leak in the power steering fluid, it can cause the steering wheel to become difficult to turn or even lock up while driving.

3. Issues with Steering Linkage

Lastly, issues with the steering linkage can also cause the steering wheel to lock up. The steering linkage is the system of parts that connects the steering wheel to the wheels of the car.

If there’s a problem with any of these parts, such as a worn out or loose ball joint, it can cause the steering wheel to become difficult to turn or lock up while driving.

Symptoms of Steering Wheel Locking Up While Driving

1. Difficulty Turning the Steering Wheel While Driving

If you are experiencing difficulty turning the steering wheel while driving, it can be a sign that something is not right with your steering system.

This can range from slight stiffness to complete inability to turn the wheel. It’s important to pay attention to this symptom and not ignore it, as it can indicate a serious problem with the steering system.

If you notice this symptom, it’s important to pull over as soon as possible and not drive the vehicle until the problem has been repaired.

2. Steering Wheel Feels Stiff or Locked

Another symptom to be aware of is a steering wheel that feels stiff or locked. This can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a malfunctioning steering column lock or problems with the power steering system.

When the steering wheel feels stiff or locked, it’s important to not force it and to pull over and not drive the vehicle until the problem has been repaired.

3. Unusual Noises Coming From the Steering Wheel

You may hear unusual noises coming from the steering wheel. These noises can be caused by a variety of issues, such as worn-out or loose parts in the steering linkage.

These noises can include clicking, popping, or grinding sounds. They can be a sign of a problem with the steering system and should not be ignored.

If you hear any unusual noises coming from the steering wheel, it’s important to have the vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.

It’s important to pay attention to these symptoms and not ignore them, as they can indicate a serious problem with the steering system that can put your safety at risk.

The best course of action is to have your vehicle inspected and fixed as soon as possible to avoid worse issues.

How to Fix Steering Wheel Locking Up While Driving

1. Pull Over and Stop the Vehicle

As soon as you notice a problem with your steering wheel, pull over and stop the vehicle in a safe location. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle further until the problem has been repaired. You don’t want to risk crashing or causing an accident because of this problem.

2. Have the Vehicle Inspected by a Professional Mechanic

Take your vehicle to a professional mechanic as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose the problem and determine the cause of the steering wheel locking up.

Once they figure out what is wrong with your vehicle, they can provide you with a repair estimate and let you know how long it will take to fix the problem. This will help you plan for any unexpected expenses that may come up.

3. Replace the Power Steering Pump

If your vehicle has an electric power steering pump, it’s possible that this is what is causing the locking up of your steering wheel.

If the power steering pump is faulty, it may not be able to provide enough power to properly steer your vehicle. This can cause your steering wheel to lock up and make it extremely difficult to control your car.

If you have an electric power steering pump, it’s a good idea to replace it as soon as possible if this happens.

4. Replace the Steering Wheel

If it is determined that your steering wheel locking up is caused by a problem with the steering mechanism itself, then it may need to be replaced.

This is a more expensive option than replacing the power steering pump or flushing out your reservoir, but it’s also more effective.

If you’ve been experiencing problems with your steering wheel locking up, then this is something that you should consider doing.

5. Replacing Worn-Out or Loose Parts in the Steering Linkage

If you’re experiencing problems with your steering wheel locking up, then it could be that there’s something wrong with the linkage between the steering wheel and the wheels themselves.

If this is the case, then you may need to replace some of these parts such as worn-out bushings or ball joints.

If you have diagnosed that your steering wheel locking up is caused by worn-out or loose parts in the steering linkage, then it’s best to replace these parts.

This can be done by taking apart the entire steering column and replacing everything that needs to be replaced. This option is usually only recommended for those who are mechanically inclined, however.

6. Replace Your Power Steering Fluid

If none of these steps works for you, then it’s time to replace your power steering fluid with fresh new stuff! If you have determined that your power steering is locking up, then there are a couple of things that you can do.

First, check the fluid level in your car’s reservoir and make sure that it is full. If it isn’t, then top off your fluid until it reaches the maximum line on the reservoir.

Remove the cap from your car’s reservoir, but do not remove any lines from the pump or reservoir. Next, pour in about a half cup of power steering fluid until it reaches the top line on your reservoir.

Replace the cap and turn your car on for a few seconds so that the new fluid circulates throughout everything.

Next, check for any leaks around the pump or lines and fix them accordingly.

If you have determined that your power steering fluid is full and has not been leaking, then you might need to replace the power steering pump.

7. Get a Proper Diagnosis

If the cause of the problem is not immediately obvious, the mechanic may need to perform further diagnostic tests.

This could include taking a test drive, checking the power steering fluid levels and pressure, or checking for any worn-out or damaged parts.

8. Replace any Worn-out Parts

If any worn-out parts are identified they should be replaced. This could include the power steering pump, hoses, or any other components which are necessary for the proper operation of the system.

Safety Concerns of Steering Wheel Locking Up While Driving

It’s important to understand that the steering wheel locking up while driving is a serious safety issue that should be addressed immediately.

When the steering wheel locks up, it can make it difficult or impossible to control the vehicle, which can lead to accidents and injuries.

If the steering wheel locks up while driving, there is a risk of you losing control of the vehicle and crashing, particularly at high speeds. This can cause serious injuries or even death to the driver and passengers, as well as other drivers and pedestrians.

Even at low speeds, a locked steering wheel can make it difficult to maneuver the vehicle, which can lead to collisions with other vehicles or objects.

Additionally, if the steering wheel locks up, it can cause the vehicle to veer off the road and into oncoming traffic, potentially causing a head-on collision. This can be particularly dangerous on busy roads or highways.

In the event of the steering wheel locking up while driving, it’s important you pull over as soon as possible, and not drive the vehicle again until the problem has been repaired.

How to Prevent Steering Wheel Locking Up While Driving

1. Regular Maintenance

One of the best ways to prevent issues with your steering system is to have regular maintenance and inspections performed on your vehicle.

This includes things like getting regular oil changes and tune-ups, as well as checking and topping off power steering fluid levels, and having the steering linkage inspected.

This can help catch potential issues before they become serious problems.

2. Prompt Repairs

If you do experience any issues with your steering system, it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible. Even small problems can turn into bigger ones if they’re not addressed promptly.

3. Paying Attention to Your Car

It’s also important to pay attention to your car and how it’s driving. If you notice any unusual noises coming from the steering wheel, or if the steering wheel feels stiff or locked, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.

Read: Warning Red Circle Light on Dashboard

Conclusion

Steering wheel locking up while driving is a serious safety issue that should be addressed as soon as possible.

As we’ve discussed, there are several possible causes for a steering wheel locking up, including a malfunctioning steering column lock, a problem with the power steering system, or an issue with the steering linkage.

It’s important to pay attention to the symptoms of the steering wheel locking up, such as difficulty turning the steering wheel, a steering wheel that feels stiff or locked, and unusual noises coming from the steering wheel.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to pull over and not drive the vehicle until the problem has been repaired.

Preventing steering wheel locking up while driving is crucial for ensuring your safety on the road.

This includes regular maintenance and inspections, prompt repairs when issues are identified, and paying attention to your vehicle and how it’s driving.