Imagine trying to change lanes in heavy traffic, but you notice your steering is hard to turn to the right but not left. Besides being a scary issue, a steering wheel that’s difficult to turn can be potentially dangerous. Usually, there are some early warning signs to help you know your steering system is failing.
But what should you do if you encounter this issue while driving? More importantly, what can you do if your steering is hard to turn right but not left?
I discuss the causes of a steering wheel hard to turn right but not left and effective solutions. I’ll also include the signs of a malfunctioning steering wheel to let you prevent this issue before it occurs.
Answer: Causes of Steering Wheel Not Turning to the Right
Your steering wheel is hard to turn to the right but not to the left due to the following reasons:
- Insufficient power steering fluid
- Faulty power steering pump
- Defective rack and pinion
- Loose serpentine belt
- Improper front-end alignment
- Low tire pressure
Insufficient Power Steering Fluid
Most steering system problems stem from insufficient power steering fluid. This fluid allows power transfer from the steering wheel to the front wheels. Moreover, it lubricates various moving parts within the system to allow optimal performance.
Low power steering fluid causes resistance when turning the steering wheel due to low pressure. It will also create lubrication issues, leading to a stiff steering wheel.
A leak in the system can cause the fluid to disappear from the system. Before topping up with fresh fluid, check the source of the leak. Broken or worn hoses, seals, connectors, or a steering rack could be to blame. You must have these parts repaired or replaced before refilling the fluid.
Contaminated fluid can also prevent the steering wheel from turning to the right. Inspect the fluid’s condition in the reservoir. Flush the fluid if it looks foamy, black, or dark brown. Then, refill with fresh power steering fluid.
Faulty Power Steering Pump
A faulty steering pump is another possible cause of the steering wheel failing to turn right but not left. This component within the steering system generates the pressure needed to pressurize steering fluid. With the correct pressure, you can turn the steering freely.
If your car has a broken or clogged pump, you may experience difficulties turning the steering to the right. A malfunctioning steering pump presents symptoms like unusual noises, increased steering wheel vibrations, and an unresponsive steering wheel.
Diagnosing and fixing issues with this pump requires mechanical skills and tools. Let a professional diagnose the steering pump problem if you can’t fix it. The professional will determine whether to clean, repair, or replace the pump.
Defective Rack and Pinion
When turning the front wheels, the steering system requires a component to convert the steering wheel’s rotational motion into linear motion. And this is where the rack and pinion steering come in. As you turn the steering wheel, these parts allow the wheel to move from left to right.
Over time, extreme temperatures and road debris can damage the rack and pinion, making them inoperable. Other parts within this assembly, including seals, connections, and bushings, can also malfunction. Damage to these parts may result in a steering wheel hard to turn right but not left.
If you suspect the steering system’s rack and pinion are defective, hire a professional to examine them. Repairing or replacing these parts can be costly but will improve steering performance.
Damaged or Loose Serpentine Belt
A loose, worn, or broken serpentine belt could be the reason your steering wheel won’t turn to the right. This belt powers the steering pump, alternator, and A/C compressor. Over time, this belt may wear out or become loose due to age, high temperature, humidity, misalignment, or fluid leaks.
A damaged or loose serpentine belt won’t power the steering pump as expected. Consequently, the steering wheel may feel stiff and fail to turn to the right. If you ignore this issue, the belt may break, making the steering wheel inoperable.
Locate this belt in the engine bay and inspect it for signs of damage. You can adjust the tensioner to tighten it. Replace your serpentine belt if it appears frayed, worn, or glazed.
Improper Front-End Alignment
Wheel alignment is an essential part of your car’s routine maintenance you shouldn’t overlook. The goal is to prevent steering problems, vehicle vibrations, and tire wear due to improper wheel alignment.
Since the front wheels steer your car, they must point in the same direction as your car’s frame to ensure optimal steering. Improper front-end alignment puts the wheels off balance, causing the vehicle to pull to one side. As a result, your steering wheel might be hard to turn to one side or the other.
Have your car hauled or towed to an auto repair shop for a front-end alignment service. The mechanic should also diagnose the causes of wheel misalignment and fix them.
Low Tire Pressure
Issues with the tire pressure can also cause the steering wheel hard to turn right but not left. Low tire pressure in one of the front tires can cause difficulties turning the steering wheel. The car might pull to one side and prove hard to steer.
Low tire pressure can delay the response time when you turn the steering wheel. If you’re steering around a tight corner, this issue can increase the risk of an accident.
Improper tire pressure can cause premature tire wear, alignment problems, poor handling, and excessive vibrations.
When you face this issue, check all the tires and ensure they have the manufacturer-recommended PSI. Inflate or deflate the tires until you get the correct tire pressure.
Answer: Symptoms of a Failing Steering Wheel
Always be attentive to the early warning signs indicating your steering system is going bad. Spotting these signs earlier will give you ample time to troubleshoot the problem. That means preventing the steering from failing to turn while driving.
- Vibrations while turning: If your steering wheel vibrates when turning left or right, the problem could be worn components or low steering fluid.
- Excessive play in your steering wheel: A loose steering wheel will wander from side to side, making steering difficult. This play may result from loose or worn parts.
- Noises while turning: Does your steering wheel make loud whining, screeching, or creaking sounds while turning? If so, those are signs of insufficient power steering fluid, broken components, or a failing steering pump.
- The smell of burning oil: If the steering system leaks, the steering fluid may land on overheated parts. Steering fluid leaking onto heated parts will smell like burning oil.
- Car pulling or wandering to one side: If your car pulls or wanders to the left or right while driving, it indicates issues with the tire pressure, wheel alignment, or tie rods. This problem will exacerbate with time, making it hard to turn the steering wheel left or right.
Wrapping Up
Several issues can cause your steering wheel hard to turn right but not left. If you encounter this problem, check for insufficient power steering fluid, defective rack and pinion, or a faulty steering pump.
Other issues outside the steering system could also be to blame. For example, the car might have a bad serpentine belt, improper front-end alignment, or unequal tire pressure. No matter the cause, address this problem as soon as you spot the early warning signs.