Driving your car for extended periods without power steering fluid can damage the pump. If you need to drive your car with no power steering fluid, try to avoid extreme turns to the left or right, and replace your fluid as soon as possible.

Turn ignition switch OFF, and turn ignition switch ON. The EPS indicator comes on for about 6 seconds. Within 4 seconds of turning the switch ON, while the EPS indicator is on, turn the steering wheel 45° to left from straight ahead driving position, and hold steering wheel in position until EPS indicator goes off.

This problem can be fixed on your own, but if you’re not sure how to fix electric power steering problems, take it to a certified mechanic. Damaged Power Steering Belt: If your power steering belt becomes slack or worn out, your steering wheel will begin to feel heavy or seem to jerk.

The most common cause of a stiff steering wheel is the lack of enough power steering fluid in the system. This condition can arise if there’s fluid leakage from the pressurized hose area. Refilling the liquid in the power steering tank will fix the problem for the time being, but the leak must be taken care of.

Other causes of power steering failure apart from leakage include faulty pumps, worn steering rack mounts and loose or worn steering belts. Looseness in steering wheel. This is usually caused by worn steering racks and tie rods. Excessive play in the steering wheel can also point to a worn or faulty steering gear.

Low power steering fluid The power steering system requires this fluid to both pressurize and lubricate. If a hose in the power steering system becomes damaged or loose, the fluid can leak out, causing the steering wheel to become hard to turn.

Some of the most common reasons behind why your steering feels heavy can include: Tyre pressure – often, if your tyres are not pumped up to the recommended air pressure, this can cause heavy steering. Lack of fluid oil – lack of fluid oil in your vehicle, or a fluid leakage, can lead to heavy steering.

#5 – Old Thick Power Steering Fluid Like other fluids in your car, power steering fluid can become thick over time. This will cause your steering to be tight and more difficult to turn at low speeds.

Overfilling your car’s PS fluid can cause leakage which can reach the reservoir. This can then cause foaming of the hydraulic fluid, that can shorten the life of the system. Also, when the fluid gets hot, it expands and it may force its way out of the reservoir.