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A Quick Guide to Diagnosing 10 Common Steering Issues

Sloppy steering giving you fits?

Before you curse your steering system, you need to pinpoint the actual cause of problem. Poor steering may actually be the result of suspension system issues, worn tires, or other non-steering system inadequacies.

Then again, maybe it is your steering system.

Bottom line is, you need to track down the root cause of the problem before you begin to fix poor steering performance.  We’ve covered oversteer and understeer as separate issues , but we’ve included 10 other common steering problems and their likely causes below. By identifying possible trouble spots, you can stop cursing, and start curing, your steering woes.

How to Diagnose a Hard-Turning Steering Wheel

Description: Hard steering is a condition in which you must exert excessive effort to turn the steering wheel.

• Possible Cause #1: Friction or too little clearance in the steering gear, steering linkage or ball joints.
• Possible Cause #2: Low or uneven tire pressure.
• Possible Cause #3: Excessive positive caster on wheels/tires, which also causes the steering wheel to return too fast.
• Possible Cause #4: Power steering is inoperative; however, you can eliminate power steering as the culprit by raising the front end of your vehicle off the floor and starting the engine. If the steering wheel still turns easily, the steering is not at fault.
• Possible Cause #5: Body or frame is bent or misaligned.

Why Does My Steering Wheel Seem Loose?

Excessive play occurs when there is extra movement in the steering wheel without response or movement in the front wheels. Too much play can reduce your ability to steer accurately, or even control the vehicle.

• Possible Cause #1: Looseness in steering gear.
• Possible Cause #2 : Looseness in steering linkage.
• Possible Cause #3: Worn ball joints or steering knuckle.
• Possible Cause #4: Loose wheel bearing.

What is Steering Wander and How Do I Fix It?

Wander is a vehicle’s tendency to to drift from one side of the road to the other.

• Possible Cause #1: Mismatched tires or uneven tire pressure.
• Possible Cause #2: Linkage binding or insufficiently lubricated.
• Possible Cause #3: Steering gear binding or insufficiently lubricated.
• Possible Cause #4: Excessive wheel toe-out.
• Possible Cause #5: Looseness in steering gear or linkage.
• Possible Cause #6: Chassis/suspension issues, specifically loose ball joints or leaf springs.
• Possible Cause #7: Uneven load in vehicle.

Why Does My Vehicle Pull to One Side?

In this scenario, you’ll notice your vehicle always pulling to one side during normal driving.

• Possible Cause #1:  The most common cause is uneven tire pressure.
• Possible Cause #2:  Vehicle out of alignment, typically uneven caster or camber.
• Possible Cause #3:  Tire wheel bearing.
• Possible Cause #4:  Uneven, sagging, or broken springs.
• Possible Cause #5:  Uneven torsion bar adjustment.
• Possible Cause #6:  Brakes dragging.

What Makes My Vehicle Pull to One Side While Braking ?

If your vehicle swerves to one side while braking, look at one of these possible causes:

• Possible Cause #1:  Uneven tire pressure.
• Possible Cause #3:  Brakes grabbing.

How to Get Rid of Steering Shimmy

Shimmy is basically the wobbling of your front wheel on its steering axis, leading to a distinctive side-to-side shake at the front end of your vehicle.

• Possible Cause #1:  Uneven or low tire pressure.
• Possible Cause #2:  Loose steering gear or linkage.
• Possible Cause #3:  Loose ball joints.
• Possible Cause #4:  Front springs are too soft.
• Possible Cause #5:  Incorrect or uneven camber.
• Possible Cause #6:  Wheel imbalance.
• Possible Cause #7: Worn tires or irregular tire tread.

What is Wheel Tramp ?

Wheel tramp is the hopping up and down of your wheel at higher speeds. In addition to any of the possible causes listed under shimmy, here are a few more possible contributing factors:

• Possible Cause #1:  Wheels out of balance.
• Possible Cause #2:  Excessive wheel runout.
• Possible Cause #3:  Defective shocks.

Steering Kickback : What it Is and How to Fix it

Kickback is a sharp or rapid movement by the steering wheel everytime the front tires hit a hole or bump in the road. Although some kickback are normal and unavoidable, excessive kickback can be caused by:

• Possible Cause #1:  Low or uneven tire pressure.
• Possible Cause #2:  Sagging springs.
• Possible Cause #4: Looseness in steering gear or linkage.

How to Diagnose Poor Steering Returnability

The phrase “poor returnability” is used to describes a condition in which the steering wheel returns slowly to the straight-ahead position after a turn. Typically, the wheel will return to center position once the driver releases it. If return is slow, or requires you to manually move the steering wheel back to center, you should focus on these areas:

• Possible Cause #1:  Friction in your steering system — steering gear, linkage, etc.
• Possible Cause #2:  Friction in suspension system requiring lubrication or replacement of components.
• Possible Cause #3:  Excessive negative camber.
• Possible Cause #4:  Issues within power steering system.

Why Do My Tires Squeal on Turns?

This self-explanatory problem is usually caused by taking turns at excessively high speeds. Sound like anyone you know? Sinner.

If, for some reason, this doesn’t sound like you, here are a few more possible causes:

• Possible Cause #2:  Improper wheel alignment.
• Possible Cause #3:  Worn tires.

Source: Automotive Mechanics, Tenth Edition.

David Fuller is OnAllCylinders' managing editor. During his 20-year career in the auto industry, he has covered a variety of races, shows, and industry events and has authored articles for multiple magazines. He has also partnered with mainstream and trade publications on a wide range of editorial projects. In 2012, he helped establish OnAllCylinders, where he enjoys covering all facets of hot rodding and racing.

41 responses to “A Quick Guide to Diagnosing 10 Common Steering Issues”

Tire Tramp. This condition is almost an exclusive imbalance situation. In a fully balanced state the rotating action of the tire will not produce any displacement in any direction. The off center addition of weight now has the potential to induce vibration in a rotational environment. The density of the added mass and it’s distance from the center of designed rotation and rotational speed will determine the severity of the imbalance. The addition of a shock absorber will only attempt to limit the severity of the wheels’ movement. Good, bad or no shock, the imbalance must be corrected.

The cause of big accidents is sometimes the rough and unpaired alignment. this is an important factor to over all balancing and well performance for your vehicle. Please don’t compromise if you feel bit uncomfortable to handle your staring and tire balancing. Visit the nearest mechanic to repair ASAP.

I am having this problem now. Turning any corner is hard to steer and just plain driving straight is hard also. The engine has shut down too when this happens. I was lucky as I was able to complete the turn and steer on to the side of the road and out of traffic. Will take to mechanic ASAP.

I have a 2013 Ford E350 Class C motorhome I have put upper and lower ball all bushings and front end parts heavy duty damper with spring lined up tires have proper air everything I know of I’ve done check steering shaft U-joint seem to be working properly someone said to drop my can you give me Caster back as far as I can get it and then someone said to just my worm gear in my gearbox which I have never worked on that before the problem is it drifts and it’s not very comfortable to drive it does Wonder a bit

I drove 1 ton Ford’s in a fleet. The era of your motor home chassis. Quite a lot to handle in high wind and slickery. It was systemic and Ford made lots of repairs. Skip Cruise control for circumstances.

Maybe change to model with heavy duty king pin suspension and lots of greased, pivots and ball joints? Then that’s 700 dollars a tire. Detroit and or Chalmers or New process then maybe Fuel vs.least bad frowns per state or province. I saw median strip bridge hazard of posts unzip a aluminum motor home right between the seats. At 75 it was a mortal toothpick explosion

Since you sound like a do it yourself. Get a friend and put him on the side the drivers side front tire and place his hands at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock spots on the tires. Tell him to say stop the second he feels the tire start to move! Start the vehicle in park or neutral with the parking brake on and very slowly turn the steering wheel counterclockwise till he says “stop”. Hold the wheel right there and look at the steering wheel position and place you left hand so one finger is at 12 o’clock spot and then slowly turn the wheel clockwise till your friend says “stop” again. look where that left finger is now, the spot like the time on a clock. Then repeat the same procedure on the passenger side. Note your finger position is again. If the left finger goes from 12 o’clock past 1 o’clock there is excessive play in the steering. If the your left hand goes further on the second test for the passenger side the play is in the steering linkage springs, or axel. If it is the same for both sides but travels from 12 ‘o’clock past 1 o’clock there is play in the steering box, rag joint, tilt column or frame flex at the box. Ford was common for that! Broken welds, cracks at the steering box mounts or even loose, rusted front bumpers can cause that! You can see the box and frame flex when someone turns the wheel back and forth. Just be careful! Block the wheels so the vehicle can’t move! good luck and reply if you have Questions!

I have a 2009 Dodge Diesel Ram 2500. When the recall work (N49) Left outer tie rod was done mileage 67,800. (a error was made) : Drag link ends were very far off being aligned to each other, they were 90+ degrees rotated away from each other, Error found at 82,500 mileage. In the interim of this, at mileage 71,054 steering complaint, result was told due to tires needing replaced, at 79,680 steering complaint, at 80,147 inner and outter drag links, outter drag link bracket, adjuster tubes & Steering gear replaced. 80,920 steering stabilizer, trac bar – mopar parts & carli ball joints installed. ( It was recommended after market ball joints would correct the issues.) 81,315 Steering gear replaced again.(82,500 error found) at 82,655 performed a new N49 recall. 83,237 left tie rod replaced from N49 recall again drag link and brackets. During this time my truck would not fall in specification on the front end alignment, so forth I took it to a shop that was equipped with the equipment that the others didn’t have for an alignment. It’s better than what it’s been, on a nice road it goes straight down the road, but on an uneven road it feels like a bouncing ball and the left front end feels weak. Prior to the recall work I had no issues.

Drag link R and R, always needs a new pitman arm on the steering gearbox. And spot on center on the splines.

I remember when I was about 19y.o. in the Late 1970’s, there were [Bear]chassis/alignment companies. The machine even had a cuddly little cub For the logo. Some modern suspensions with transverse[side mounted]Engine/transmissions can shift offcenter from violent side deflections like large potholes or curbs causing bent steer wheels or tie rod shafts and strut rod bend of a few degrees. Then attempts and repeated steering and suspension parts being guessing at the problem. I had a former circle track chassis guy align my 60’s GM coupe after complete front end repair following icy Monday morning and no stop into a 18 wheeler at a very red light. Frame repair and all new after this man’s Help and the car handle like new on the 10am vacant interstate with the Speedo wound up around 15mph. I tell you that was eerie without new window deltas and rubber trim. Please be honest about those bumps that did not seem to bad, just because it still rolled to your destination.

[Deltas?]well the 64 A body GMs Did have wing windows. She was a sweetheart that paid for my wife kids and her parents to move to Texas. Her buyer eliminated the freeway Stability she had by installing hair shocks. All that improved trw/moog out the [window]. : (

And that knowledgeable chassis guy did Let on that when John Delorean approached GM corporate, the 64 had been drafting board for an inline 6. Repairing the stress crack in common, facilitated correct geometry for my Reduced 9 to 1, LT1. 250 ponies is pretty snazzy at the rear, for sure.

I drive an 08 GMC Sierra and when I turn the wheel either direction while driving it acts like it’s pushing a break and it gets difficult to move forward or reverse I don’t know what the problem is maybe the hub assembly?

I’m having the same problem on my truck right now, please let me know if you figure it out

If the truck is equipped with a Posi traction rear end this could be the cause if the posi is not working properly also if the truck is 4 wheel drive and the front end is engaged could cause the problem.

what about a toyota yaris 2007 that feels like it wanders or maybe more correctly “shifts” only when turning at a faster speed on large radius turns like a on ramp, most of the time when it goes over a bump like a joint in the road?

hello this is brandi, im having a few problems with my 2004 chevy aveo. 1ST problem longest problem ive had- when I back up in reverse and turn at a certain angle it pops when I stop to hard it pops…. 2ND when im COASTING meaning im not touching the brakes or gas pedal there is a loud RATTILING under the front end sound like its coming from the front driver side. (could be wrong)… 3RD when im driving at high speeds of 50-70 mph I get this shimmy shake in the steering wheel itll come go come go then when I HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP IT WILL (JERK) TO THE LEFT WHEN I LET OFF OF THE BRAKE PEDAL IT JERKS TO THE RIGHT AND ITS EVERYTIME I HIT AND COME OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL. PLEASE IM IN NEED OF SOME ANSWERS. IVE HAD MY CAR SINCE MARCH 9TH 2018 IT HAD 100,043 MILES ON IT WHEN I LEASED IT. IT HAS 133,459 MILES ON IT NOW. IVE PUT BRAND NEW INNER & OUTER TIE RODS ON BOTH SIDES BRAND NEW ROTORS BRAKES STRUTS SWAY BARS 1 NEW CONTROL ARM. YOU CAN EMAIL ME AT [email protected] please help me.

I have a 78 chevy k20 it currently has 38.5 x 14.5 tires. The turn radius is almost non existent. Any ideas what the culprit could be? Are the tires to big or to wide?

I can only turn steering wheel 3 and a half turns right and two and a half turn right ???

I had work done last year on my steering for a really loose steering wheel – was told it was 3 of my 4 tie rods, bearings or bushings or something like that, and my steering box. I picked it up and all was fine on Feb 6, 2019. I had to drop it off again the other day because the steering has become loose again – worse than it was last year. I was told last time due to the severity that the steering box was likely the main culprit but they weren’t sure until they worked on it and they did confirm it. If my ball joints were going, they would have likely noticed wear on them last year like they did the tie rods. Now, interestingly, the last thing they did last year was the alignment. I was told to get the truck that day only to find out they had to keep it an additional week due to getting the wrong part, discovered during the alignment. I do not remember what part it was but it was not the steering box. I’m wondering if it was damaged when they did that as again – the alignment ended up being the last thing needing done before and after discovering they had installed the wrong part. I noticed the steering issue returning a couple of months after the repair but thought I was imagining it until I noticed it was getting really bad again. Also suspiciously, the repair shop has my truck right now and I was told they’d let me know what was wrong by the end of business Wednesday… I have not heard anything and it’s now Friday. I have tried calling but there was no answer, AND their voicemail box is full. They are not answering emails either. Unfortunately, because they did the original work, they have to fix it this time due to the warranties… and it’s a very highly rated repair shop for my area.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to handle this? Also, should the manufacturer be covering the labor for this second repair if it is a defective part as it’s something that must be done by a shop? I was told I’d likely have to cover the labor costs of the second repair myself if it is a defective part.

My truck has been having a hard steering problem and I almost ran over a deer the other day so I figured it’s about time I address it. I like how there are multiple possible reasons for this kind of problem and I’ll make sure to double-check each of them, especially my tire pressure since it’s kind of tricky to make that perfectly balanced. If all else fails, there’s always truck repair services.

I have a 2005 Honda Element with a steering problem that has caused it to be parked because it’s too dangerous. I can’t figure it out. When driving, it will suddenly swerve drastically to one side or the other but the steering wheel doesn’t move. Only the wheels. It is bad. Where should I be looking for the cause?

My car is having the same swerving problem but not as bad only slight.

how to get steering wheel on? trying to put this together brand new

I have a 1967 Chevy II have some play in the steering but when I come up and over a front tire start squealing and hill its drifting to the driver side to the center line until it settles down it won’t come back I’ve tried to steer it.It will also do it if I punch it from a rolling or dead stop

1994 Jeep Grand Cheokee: Turning left or right sharp noise is made, resistance to turning. Replaced bad tie rod and drivers side ball joint. While driving no problem turning for lane to lane. Excessive looseness in steering. What could be cause this?

I have a 99 Honda Civic. My steering wheel feels like it’s not catching a gear properly when turning in low gear. Any idea of what I need to fix it?

ALSO my steering wheel will turn but the wheels won’t. If that puts anything into perspective

Sounds like a steering rack problem. The good news is that replacement Honda Civic rack and pinions are available and they aren’t too expensive. The only other thing it could be (off the top of my head) would be broken tie rod(s), but that would probably be accompanied by a few more noticeable problems methinks.

2004 gmc yukon XL. There’s more play in the steering wheel than normal (loose) and everytime im on a bumpy road im all over the place (going from one side to the other), When on a level road it’s not as noticable but kinda same the problem of being all over my side of the road. Can anyone help me on where to start looking??

Hello, my vehicle (2012 SUV Suzuki Grand Vitara) feels like it’s wobbling when I make a slow sharp right turn. For instance, turning sharply onto a street from a stop sign. Making a sharp left turn doesn’t do it quite as much. Are these tire issues or something else? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[…] A slow steering response happens when you turn your steering wheel fast with little or no resistance. For example, if you’re turning a corner in neutral and you feel no resistance, there could be an issue with either your power steering pump or belt. […]

very good and clear article. Thank you

[…] to overheat and fail. Another possible reason why your steering wheel may not be turning is because the steering column is not properly aligned. If the steering column is not aligned, it can cause the steering wheel to […]

[…] If you use Electronic Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) on your vehicle, it could cause erratic or uncontrollable steering. An electronic power steering system may lose power as a result of a sensor […]

Hi! I own a 1994 Ford F-150 (6 cyl/auto). I had a leak in power steering. A mechanic told me leak was coming from steering box. We went to auto zone, purchased a replacement, and gave them my old one for core exchange. The mechanic Re assembled everything only to find turning steering wheel clockwise turned the tires to make a counter clock wise turn . So steering seems reversed. Anyone run into this problem? The solution? Thanks for any help.

I have a 2003 Cadillac escalade ext I have been loosing power steering fluid but as I was pulling in my driveway I heard a loud pop and now steering wheel turns freely put wheels don’t you can even turn steering wheel with no power on what would be the problem I can see like the pinion rod seals look bad like it needs replaced but I think maybe steering box what do you think I should check out

1966 Chevy Chevelle SS

My turning radius is very poor when turning the steering wheel to the left. I’m unable to do uturns without backing up.

Do you think this is a gearbox issue?? Please assist if you can!

97 MERCURY GRAND MARQ HAD STIFF STEERING ISSUES WITH STEERING WONDER. TURNED OUT TO BE BINDING IN THE CONTROL ARM. REPLACED THE GREESE FITTING, GREESED THE BAJEEBERS OUT OF IT AND BACKED THE CASTLE NUT OUT TO NEXT HOLE. IT SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN THE SOLUTION. THE DIAGNOSTICS OF THES WEB SITE GAVE ME THE CORRECT COURSE OF ACTION, THANKS.

My Name is Charles Woodrow Barsha Senior from Summerville South Carolina I trying to put a new cylinder in my old truck how do I replace it

Hey Charles, check out this article: Saving A Small Block Chevy Engine with Cylinder Sleeving

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How to Diagnose Steering Wheel Shake

Last Updated: March 23, 2024 Fact Checked

Common Causes of a Persistently Shaky Steering Wheel

Why does my wheel only shake when i accelerate, why does my wheel only shake at idle, is driving with a shaky wheel dangerous, expert interview, expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Hovig Manouchekian and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure . Hovig Manouchekian is an Auto Repair and Design Specialist and the Manager of Funk Brothers Auto, a family-owned business operated since 1925. With over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, Hovig specializes in the process of auto repair and maintenance. He is also very knowledgeable in common automotive issues and needs including engine repair, battery replacement, and windshield accessory and maintenance. Hovig's knowledge and hard work have contributed to Funk Brothers Auto winning Angie's List Super Service Award for five consecutive years. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 11,302 times.

It can be scary if you’re driving and your steering wheel starts to shake, but breathe easy knowing this is normally not a super serious problem. In fact, a vibrating steering wheel is one of the more common symptoms of a vehicle issue—usually pertaining to the tires or alignment. In any case, we’ll cover the common causes, their solutions, and break down a few niche cases where the vibration indicates something else.

Things You Should Know

• Check your tire pressure and refill any underinflated tires to rule out the easiest fixes. If any of the tires are worn down, replace them.
• The most common causes of a shaky steering wheel include bad wheel bearings, warped rotors, play from the steering wheel, misalignment, or a bent axle.
• It’s dangerous to drive a vehicle with a shaky steering wheel if you can’t control the car, so don’t let this problem go unfixed for too long.

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• This kind of shaking will be present at all times, but it’ll be more extreme the faster you accelerate.
• The Fix: Check your tires to see if they’re all equally inflated. If they aren’t, fill the tires that are low. Then, check the treads on your tire. If any of the tires are worn out, replace them.

• Like imbalanced tires, you’ll probably notice this shaking getting worse when you accelerate.
• What happens when you let go of the wheel on a flat, empty highway? If your car immediately pulls to one side, your alignment is off.
• The Fix: See a mechanic and ask them to check your alignment. If it’s off, they’ll throw the vehicle on an alignment rack and fix it. This a pretty cheap and quick repair!

• The Fix: See a mechanic to get the axle repaired or replaced. This can be one of the more expensive repairs for a vehicle, so get multiple quotes if you don’t like the first one.

• The Fix: Visit your mechanic and ask them to install some fresh bearings inside your wheels. It’s usually ideal to swap all of them out at the same time, since if one bearing failed it’s likely the others are close to the end of their life.

• It’s also likely that your brakes are to blame if the shaking gets worse when you slow down.
• The brakes themselves could be to blame if you also smell something burning.
• The Fix: Go back to whoever fixed your brakes and ask them to repair their work. If you didn’t get any brake work done, just visit your normal mechanic and ask them to look at your brakes.

• You’ll probably hear a scratching or whining noise coming from your engine bay if the suspension belt isn’t aligned properly, as well.
• The Fix: Either replace the belt yourself with a belt designed for your make and model, or take the vehicle to the mechanic and ask them to do it for you.

Hovig Manouchekian

Your steering wheel shaking could indicate an issue. There are several reasons why your steering wheel might be shaking. Common causes include uneven tire wear, warped brake rotors, or worn suspension components. Additionally, misaligned wheels can contribute to shaking. In severe cases, a bent axle could also be the issue.

• There are a handful of DIY repairs you might be able to make to fix this one if you know your way around a workshop, but the odds are the issue is inside of your engine, which isn’t usually a home repair.

• A slightly unattached battery will cause your vehicle to idle at an odd tempo as the electrical current struggles to provide enough juice to the engine.

• If you aren’t confident about removing and replacing your spark plugs, just ask your mechanic to do it for you.
• If one of the spark plugs isn’t firing, your engine won’t get the proper combustion it needs to idle properly.
• See a professional mechanic to get your engine mounts replaced.

If your steering wheel shakes when idle, start by looking at common issues. Check for stored or pending codes in your car's computer. Vacuum leaks and fuel pressure issues are common causes of rough idle. Inspect hoses for cracks or disconnections, and use a fuel pressure gauge to verify proper fuel pressure.

• Don’t leave this repair off for too long, especially if the shaking gets worse over time.

You Might Also Like

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about car maintenance and repair, check out our in-depth interview with Hovig Manouchekian .

• ↑ https://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/117420/JS1.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=yL
• ↑ https://mycarmakesnoise.com/wheels/alignment-symptoms-you-shouldnt-ignore/
• ↑ https://vehiclefreak.com/does-a-bent-axle-total-a-car/
• ↑ https://www.moogparts.eu/blog/how-long-wheel-bearings-last.html
• ↑ https://www.lesschwab.com/article/brakes/never-ignore-these-8-warning-signs-of-brake-problems.html
• ↑ https://www.samarins.com/glossary/serpentine_belt.html
• ↑ https://autotrends.org/car-shakes-when-accelerating/
• ↑ https://mycarmakesnoise.com/engine/car-shakes-at-idle-but-smooths-out-while-driving-solved/

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Diagnosing And Understanding The 5 Most Common Steering Issues

Posted on May 21, 2018

Car Maintenance , Tips , Used Cars

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If you’re having issues steering your car – the wheel feels “jerky”, hard to turn, or “sticks”, there could be a wide variety of problems with your steering system. In this article, we’ll take a look at 5 of the most common steering issues, and discuss how you can recognize them. Let’s get started.

1. Low Power Steering Fluid

Low power steering fluid is one of the most common issues that you’ll have as a driver. Your car will need its power steering fluid topped-up every once in a while, to ensure that the hydraulic power steering system continues to function smoothly.

Signs of low power steering fluid include difficulty moving the wheel and steering, and a sluggish response when turning. “Whining” or squeaking when turning may also be present. Luckily for you, this is a simple DIY fix.

Simply pick up some power steering fluid from your local auto parts store, locate your power steering fluid container using your owner’s manual, and check the fluid levels. If they’re low, simply top up the fluid, and you’re good to go! However, if you continue having steering issues, the problem may be deeper than a low fluid level.

2. Power Steering Fluid Leaks

If you continually add more power steering fluid to your car, but it doesn’t seem to help, you may have a power steering fluid leak. Power steering fluid is not always the same color, but is typically either clear, red, or pink.

Check underneath your car for any leaks. Chances are, if you have a power steering leak, the residue will collect beneath the front of your car. If you do find a leak, you need to take your car to a mechanic, because the leak could originate from a variety of different areas of your vehicle.

3. Failing Steering Rack Mount

Most modern cars use a “rack-and-pinion” steering system. Rack mounting bushings are attached to the steering wheel, and move side-to-side to absorb impacts from the suspension. If the steering rack begins to wear out, you may notice “jerking” of the wheel when going over bumps, inconsistent steering, or “clunking” sounds in the steering column. Clicking or popping noises may also be present.

If you notice these issues, get your car inspected by a professional mechanic right away. You will likely need to replace the bushings, and have the steering rack mount repaired.

4. Damaged Or Worn-Out Power Steering Belt

The power steering belt is turned by a pulley on the crankshaft, and it’s what drives the fluid pump that controls your hydraulic steering. If this belt is worn-down and becomes “slack”, steering may start to feel heavy or jerky,

Sometimes, the belt can be tightened up by a mechanic, but in most cases it must be replaced completely to ensure the proper functionality of your steering system.

5. Bad Strut Bearings Or Tie Rods

If your wheel is “wandering” or straying from a straight line while you drive, you could have issues with your suspension, such as bad strut bearings or tie rods. Wheel “looseness” is also a sign of suspension trouble, as is excessive tire wear, and a suspension that tends to sag and squeak when going across bumps and obstacles.

If you notice these issues, bring your car in for an inspection right away. If your suspension fails or breaks, you could be in serious danger in an emergency situation – and the longer you ignore the problem, the more dangerous it will get.

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Why Does My Steering Wheel Feeling Loose? Causes & Solutions

You hope in your car, grab the steering wheel, and feel a concerning looseness. Turning the wheel results in a delayed, wandering response from the front tires. This “loose steering” makes driving unpredictable and dangerous.

What causes the steering wheel feeling loose and how can you restore precision handling? This guide explores the common culprits behind a steering wheel feeling loose and proven fixes to tighten things up.

• Signs Your steering wheel feeling loose
• Causes of Loose Steering

Testing for Loose Steering

• FAQs on Loose Steering
• How to Tighten a Loose Steering Wheel

When to Call a Mechanic

Preventing loose steering.

Table of Contents

Signs Your Steering Wheel Feeling Loose

Detecting loose steering issues early is key. lookout for these common indicators:

• Excess Play – Turning the wheel slightly has no effect until an imaginary “dead zone” is passed.
• Delayed Response – You turn the wheel but the vehicle reacts slowly and takes too long to change direction.
• Wandering – The vehicle drifts or doesn’t track straight, requiring constant small steering corrections.
• Shimmying – The steering wheel and front end vibrate at high speeds or when hitting bumps.

Don’t ignore these symptoms. Loose steering progressively worsens and makes vehicles unpredictable in emergency maneuvers.

Causes of Steering Wheel Feeling Loose

Like a loose tooth, loose steering has several possible causes:

Worn Steering Linkage

The steering linkage connects the steering wheel to the rack and pinion or steering gearbox. As the components wear over years of use, they develop “slop”:

• Rack and pinion bushings become loose, allowing play.
• Pitman arms get bent or develop excessive wear.
• Weakened tie rods cause delayed response.

This worn linkage prevents precise wheel control, leading to a loose feel.

Faulty Power Steering

Power steering uses fluid pressure to reduce steering effort. Problems here manifest as looseness:

• Low fluid levels reduce assist, making the wheel vague.
• Leaks in the hoses and gear allow air pockets that create lag.
• A worn belt slips, intermittent assist.

Contaminated or insufficient fluid disables proper power steering operation.

Suspension Wear

The steering linkage attaches to suspension components like ball joints and control arms. If these connections get worn out, steering precision suffers:

• Worn ball joints introduce play in steering response .
• Deteriorated bushings allow wheel alignment issues.
• Broken springs shift suspension geometry.

Worn suspension linkages must be identified and replaced early.

Wheel Balance and Alignment

Out-of-balance tires and improper alignment also impact steering feel and control:

• Unbalanced tires cause wheel shimmy, especially at higher speeds .
• Misalignment leads to pulling, wandering, and uneven tire wear.
• Crashes can knock components out of alignment.

Regularly balancing tires and realigning the wheels prevents looseness.

To pinpoint what’s causing loose steering, have a mechanic conduct these tests:

• Shake the wheels to check for worn ball joints or tie rods.
• Inspect steering linkage components for excessive play.
• Verify proper power steering fluid levels and condition.
• Test drive to experience the specific symptoms.
• Check wheel balance and alignment status.

Thorough testing localizes the issue and determines necessary repairs.

FAQs on Steering Wheel Feeling Loose

Still, seeking steering wheel feeling loose answers? These common questions provide insight:

How do you fix a loose steering wheel?

Tightening worn steering linkage components or replacing damaged parts restores precise response. Power steering repairs may be needed if low fluid or component leaks are found.

Will wheel alignment fix loose steering?

If loose steering is caused by out-of-alignment wheels, then yes – an alignment will center the wheels and reduce wandering or pulling. But it won’t fix mechanical issues like worn steering or suspension components.

Why does my steering wheel feel weird?

Odd steering sensations like vibration, delayed response, intermittent tightness, and looseness indicate problems in the steering or suspension. Have the wheel thoroughly inspected to determine the cause.

What is the main cause of loose steering?

The most common cause is worn steering linkage components like rack bushings, tie rods, and ball joints. These allow slop and play to develop over time, degrading steering precision.

How do you tighten steering?

Replacing any loose linkage components will eliminate play and tighten steering response. For power steering, ensure proper fluid levels and check for leaks causing air in the system.

What are the signs of bad ball joints?

Clunking noises during turns, steering wandering, and uneven tire wear point to worn ball joints. A mechanic can verify looseness by shaking the wheels and suspension.

Can low tire pressure cause loose steering?

Yes, significantly under-inflated tires can lead to vague, loose steering feel and handling issues. Always maintain proper pressure.

What is the most common steering problem?

By far the most frequent steering issue is worn linkage components like tie rods and ball joints. Their gradual deterioration leads to looseness and play in the steering over years of driving.

How to Tighten a Steering Wheel Feeling Loose

Here are tips for eliminating loose steering:

• Replace any worn steering or suspension links causing play.
• Fill the power steering fluid if low and fix leaks.
• Replace damaged steering belts and hoses.
• Balance tires and perform a wheel alignment.
• Rotate and replace worn tires causing pull or shimmy.

Proper repairs will restore responsiveness and precision to loose steering.

See a professional if:

• You lack the tools or skills for repairs.
• The specific cause of looseness can’t be found.
• The problem persists after repairs.
• New issues like grinding arise .

For involved repairs like rack replacement or aligning complex suspension geometry, leave it to an experienced mechanic.

Practice proactive maintenance:

• Inspect suspension and steering components during routine servicing.
• Replace worn parts early before excessive looseness develops.
• Address abnormal tire wear, pulling, or vibrations quickly.
• Maintain proper power steering fluid levels.
• Balance tires and realign chassis regularly.

Staying vigilant preserves tight steering response and road control. Don’t tolerate loose steering!

The Takeaway – Steering Wheel Feeling Loose

Like a loose tooth, loose steering progressively worsens if left unchecked. Familiarize yourself with its warning signs, likely causes, and viable repairs. Addressing issues promptly maintains your steering system in its best condition for safety and driving enjoyment. With an attentive eye and prompt repairs, you can keep your steering responsiveness tight!

Knocking When Turning at Low Speed – Causes & Best Fixes

Single Clunk When Turning – 5 Critical Causes and Repairs

Got a Rear End Clunking Noise When Going Over Bumps? Here’s How to Fix It

Symptoms of Bad Lower Control Arm and When to Replace It

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3 Reasons Why Steering Wheel Can be Loose – What To Check?

Things often go wrong with vehicles, and it can be concerning if you don’t know what’s happening. For instance, what does it mean when you have a loose steering wheel?

Table of Contents

The turning of a steering wheel should correspond to the car’s turning. If the wheel is overturning, shaking, vibrating, or shifting, it could mean that the steering wheel is loose. This is caused by worn tie rods, pitman arms, and front suspension parts (among other things). 

It looks like there are a few different ways to notice your steering wheel is loose. In this article, we’ll explore what the steering wheel feels like, what causes it, and what you can do about it.

What Does a Loose Steering Wheel Feel Like?

A loose steering wheel makes you feel like you’re overturning when taking a turn, and you then need to correct the movement. This is also called “free play” and can happen in stages. This is not the same as overcorrecting a turn; instead, it feels like the steering wheel is moving too quickly.

You may also hear a knocking sound when you drive over a bump in the road. This is due to loose linkages connected to the steering box. If you’re on the highway and traveling at higher speeds, you may feel the steering wheel “shimmying” or vibrating, causing the car to move side to side more than it should.

These signs don’t need to happen all at the same time and can occur separately or individually. Contact your dealership or mechanic immediately if you experience these signs while driving. Steering can quickly deteriorate and can result in serious accidents.

Read: Why Steering Wheel Shakes at Low Speeds

Why Do Steering Wheels Become Loose?

There are three main components to any vehicle steering system. 

• The steering box/rack and pinion that’s connected to the steering wheel by the steering column
• The linkages that connect the steering box to the front wheels
• The front suspension parts that allow the wheel to pivot at the joints and hold the tires in position on the road

The most common causes of free play in your steering wheel are looseness in the steering gearbox itself and looseness in one or more of the linkages. These linkages are responsible for connecting the entire assembly, so the whole thing can begin to shake or pull apart when one becomes loose.

Within the steering gearbox/rack and pinion, the gears’ tooth contact will change as they begin to wear down from continual usage and stress. You may be able to fix your issue with a quick gear ratio adjustment. In cars with higher mileage, we recommend you replace the entire gearbox/rack and pinion.

If you know what you’re looking for under your car, check out your tie rod ends, control arm bushings, ball joints, and steering gears. You’ll be able to see visible wear or damage to these parts and then determine if they need replacing.

Uneven wear on the tires from an improper alignment can cause the steering wheel to shake, making many people believe their steering is loose. While the shaking is from a bad alignment, the uneven wear  can lead to a loosening steering system due to the extra stress placed on the tie rods and control arms.

Read: Why There Is Noise When Turning Steering Wheel While Stationary?

How Quickly Should I Contact My Mechanic?

Loose steering wheels don’t go away on their own and must be repaired. Once a ball joint or tie rod becomes loose, it will only continue to loosen further, resulting in a possible steering failure. This is a worst-case scenario, so it’s essential to contact a mechanic as soon as you notice something may be wrong.

If you take it to a shop and they tell you there’s nothing wrong, you can always get a second opinion somewhere else. You know how your car feels typically and deserve to be listened to if you think something is wrong. It’s important that you feel safe while driving your vehicle. 

Read: How Many Miles Should Tires Last?

Diagnosing Loose Steering Wheels

You or your mechanic should perform a series of tests to measure how much the wheels turn when the steering wheel turns. While the car is stationary, turn the steering wheel and check how quickly and how far the tires turn. 

Check the gearbox/rack and pinion for loose gears, worn-down teeth, or if overall maintenance is required. Each individual steering linkage throughout the entire steering system should be checked.

Check the steering box for wear and tear or leakage. You would determine a leak through low oil levels in the box. This can be its own problem and can result in gears grinding.

Read: What Is Average Wheel Alignment Cost?

What Do I Do if the Steering Fails While Driving?

No one wants to think about this, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. If your steering fails while you’re on the road, you need to stop as soon as it’s safe. If no one else is on the road, brake as quickly as possible with even brake pressure. Braking too hard too fast can result in your car fishtailing or flipping.

If road conditions are wet or icy, pump your brakes and downshift to avoid skidding. In a manual, this is accomplished by your gear stick. In an automatic, the car may try to downshift for you. There are also D1 and D2 options on automatic gear sticks that will slow your vehicle down.

If you’re in a heavily trafficked area, alert other drivers by flashing your lights, honking, or having a passenger wave their hands out the window. At night, turn your high beams on and off. It’s essential to slow down gradually, so other drivers have the opportunity to respond. If you have any steering left, try to guide the car to a shoulder or median.

Read: How To Troubleshoot Clicking Noise When Turning?

Contact your mechanic if you notice your steering wheel shaking, shifting, or overturning. These signs could indicate a loose steering system that could become a much more difficult issue. If you lose steering while driving, try to slow down as safely as possible, depending on the road conditions.

Why Does My Steering Wheel Feel Loose?

When your vehicle’s steering wheel feels loose, it can be not only annoying but also a serious safety risk. If your car is experiencing this, you should determine the reason and resolve the issue as soon as possible. So, what causes a steering wheel to feel loose?

Your steering wheel feels loose because the tie rods or ball joints are worn-out or damaged. It could also be due to pitman arm or steering wheel damage. To fix the problem, take your car to a mechanic to replace the worn-out or damaged parts. 

This post will describe the most common reasons for a loose steering wheel and how to fix them. Keep reading to learn more!

1. The tie rods are worn out or damaged

If your vehicle has a loose steering wheel, the likeliest cause is worn-out or damaged tie rods . These vital parts connect the steering rack to the wheels so that the driver can turn them. As your car ages and with normal wear and tear, the tie rods can become worn out and sometimes damaged. 

Below are some key signs that your tie rods are worn-out or broken: 

• Difficulty turning the steering.
• You hear a squealing or clicking sound when turning.
• Excessive vibration when turning your car.

If you suspect that your tie rods are damaged, it’s important to have them checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. They will evaluate them and determine if they can be repaired or need to be replaced. 

That said, be sure to check your car’s manual to ensure the new tie rods are the correct size for your vehicle.

And if you frequently drive on rough or uneven roads, consider installing new shocks and struts to prevent further damage to the tie rods.

2. The ball joints are damaged 

Another possible reason for a loose steering wheel is damaged ball joints. These essential components are a vital link between the suspension system and the wheels. They allow the wheels to move up and down while turning, which helps keep your car aligned and stable.

When they are faulty, it can feel like your steering wheel has no tension or is wobbly. In addition, your car may have trouble staying aligned or handling bumps and curves in the road.

To fix damaged ball joints, you will need to take your car to a mechanic. The mechanic will inspect the joints and, if needed, replace them or install new hardware to keep your steering wheel tight.

Additionally, adding fresh lubricant to the joints might help restore their movement and make them more flexible.

3. The pitman arm is damaged 

The pitman arm is another vital part of your steering shaft because it changes the shaft’s rotational movements into linear movements, resulting in the wheels rotating. 

If it becomes bent or broken, your steering wheel will likely feel loose.

The arm may get damaged due to an accident, but it can also happen over time if your vehicle hits a lot of bumps in the road.

If your pitman arm is damaged, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. Here’s a roundup of the typical steps involved in repairing a bent or broken pitman arm:

• First, the mechanic will inspect the arm and determine whether it can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced altogether.
• Next, the mechanic will assess the extent of damage and remove any parts that are beyond repair.
• The mechanic will then install a new pitman arm.

That being said, if you’re confident that you can replace your current pitman arm on your own, check out this KOOPOOL Pitman Arm Remover Tool Kit from Amazon.com. It features durable steel construction and is designed to make pitman arm repair less of a hassle.

4. The steering rack is damaged 

The steering rack houses all the components of the steering system, including the tie rods, ball joints, and pitman arm. It also contains hydraulic fluid that helps power the system. When the steering rack becomes damaged or is faulty, it can cause a loose steering wheel. 

Here are a few typical causes of rack damage:

• Fluid contamination: If the hydraulic fluid in your steering rack is dirty or low, it can wear away at the components of your steering system.
• Loose connections: If the steering rack isn’t properly connected to other components, it can cause a wide range of problems, including a loose steering wheel.

The following video summarizes the signs of a bad steering rack:

If your steering rack is damaged, the simplest and most effective solution is to replace it. That can be a complicated process, so it’s best to leave this job to a qualified mechanic.

To avoid future problems, make sure to get regular maintenance for your vehicle and check for any signs of damage or wear.

Conclusion 

When your steering wheel is loose, it can be concerning and also dangerous. If your steering wheel feels loose, there are several potential explanations ranging from worn-out tie rods to damage to the steering rack itself.

It’s important to have any unusual issues with your vehicle checked by a professional as soon as possible to avoid further damage or danger down the road. And if any part is damaged, the best solution is to replace it as soon as possible.

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I Lost My Mind Trying to Define Good Steering Feel

Have you ever fallen so far down a rabbit hole you can't see your way out? Have you ever done this every day for weeks? I have.

A lot of the engineering stories I write start off as questions I don't have good answers for. In this case it was two: What is good steering feel? And, how do you achieve it? After interviews with a number of experts on the subject, and much time spent reading about the myriad factors that affect steering feel, the vastness of the topic left me paralyzed and this article sat in my drafts file for months. Never before had I gone through so many starts and stops, and it took me a long time to realize that itself is part of the story.

Let's get abstract for a moment, if for no other reason than maintaining my sanity. Before we dive into all the things that affect steering feel, let’s talk simply about good steering feel.

Speaking with Gordon Murray, the brain behind the McLaren F1, still the high water mark for sports cars decades after it shook the world in its debut, I get a good example: "You're on a grippy bit of the road, and then you get to just a patch that's slightly greasy. You lose a tiny, tiny bit of weight in the steering, which tells you immediately back off, because you're about to start going sideways faster than you'd like."

"I think the nicest way that Lotus has ever summed it up, and we spend a lot of time on this, is input equals output," Lotus product attributes manager Gavan Kershaw tells Road & Track in an interview earlier this year. "So you do something, be it the smallest movement or the biggest movement you get exactly out what you expect. You approach a corner or a bend on a circuit and you intuitively know, 'I need to put 45 degrees in this and you feel this connection with the road, the minute you start to steer.'"

It's obvious why enthusiasts talk about steering feel so much: It's one of the primary ways in which we interact with our cars. "If you think about it," says Murray, "no matter how sophisticated or unsophisticated, or how fast or how slow any vehicle is, whether it's a Formula 1 car or a hot hatch, ultimately, the car only tells you what it's doing and what it's about to do… through the side of your body, your bottom, your hip, and your fingertips basically."

With these definitions of “feel” out of the way, what physically defines these characteristics? How does steering work?

The first point of contact is your hands on the steering wheel. The wheel itself affects the feel. How wide the wheel is affects your leverage: An old truck with manual steering has a giant steering wheel because it is easier to turn. Changing the size of the wheel makes the steering lighter or heavier. Changing the padding on the wheel also dampens the response through your fingers.

From there you go down the steering column. Here is where the ratio of the steering is defined, and if you have unassisted manual steering, hydraulic power steering, electric power steering, or if you have a steer-by-wire system, with no direct connection between the steering column and the wheels, as has been offered on the Infiniti Q50 for a few years now.

Next is the suspension itself, with its key points of geometry.

Camber: This is the angle of the car’s wheels when viewed front to back. More camber means the top of the wheel is angled in, the bottom of the wheel angled out. In the simplest terms, the more camber you have, the more eager a car is to turn into a corner, at the expense of wear on the tire.

Toe: This is the angle of the car’s wheels when viewed from above. Positive toe means the front of the wheel is angled in, the back of the wheel angled out. In simplest terms, the more toe you have, the more stable the car is going straight, the more it resists turning into a corner, in favor of stability.

Caster: This is the relation of the car’s suspension in relation to the wheel, and it defines how much the wheel wants to return to straight. If you think of a shopping cart, these are wheels with extreme caster, extremely negative caster, and the wheels are quickly pulled back to straight as the cart rolls forward.

Each of these elements affect the weight of the steering, the response you get back through the wheel, to say nothing of the design and weight of the suspension itself, or the height of the tire, or the width of the tire, or the compound of the tire, or the weight of the car’s wheels, or a handful of other elements of steering geometry beyond what shows up on your car’s alignment sheet.

Enthusiasts talk a lot about how a power steering system—or the absence thereof—has an effect on steering feel. Assist systems are very important, but far from the only thing that defines steering feel. Much of it has to do with the tire, the steering system itself (i.e. recirculating ball, rack and pinion, etc.) and suspension geometry. More specifically, Ackermann, kingpin inclination, kingpin offset, pneumatic trail, as well as the aforementioned camber and caster angles. It was at this point when this story started to go sideways.

Brand: Society of Automotive Engineers Inc Race Car Vehicle Dynamics

Trying to explain all these different facets of suspension geometry could take a lifetime, and it not only requires a deep understanding of automotive suspension systems, but tires as well. One of the best books on automotive handling is William and Douglas Milliken's Race Car Vehicle Dynamics. It has 68 pages dedicated to tire dynamics alone and another 55 for suspension geometry. The thought of trying to sum all of that up in a 2000-or-so-word story for this website gave me a headache so bad, I had to lie down and take a nap.

The further you go down the race-car rabbit hole, the weirder things get, too. The Ackermann principle, which dates back to the early 1800s, is a steering geometry wherein the inside tire is steered at a greater angle than the outer wheel in a corner, achieved by angling steering arms inward. This helps prevent excessive tire scrub—the distance between the steering axis and the centerline of the contact patch—and ensure more accurate steering. After all, when your car take a turn, it is the outside wheel that is always traveling a greater distance than the inside one.

A while back, Gordon Murray told me that Ackermann has a really big effect on how steering feels in the hands. In the course of my research, I discovered anti-Ackermamn, where the outside tire is steered at a greater angle than the inside tire. Some race teams use this geometry to encourage tire scrub, helping to increase cornering grip, and thus, speed. But what the hell does anti-ackermann feel like?

Pause this video of Sebastian Vettel driving the Red Bull RB8 at the 2012 Singapore Grand Prix to see anti-Ackermann geometry in practice.

My assumption is that it feels weird to any non-professional race-car driver, but the job of a race car is different than the one of a sports car. A sports car’s first goal is to be fun. A race car’s job is to be fast. The sports car’s driver is an amateur who wants, needs, and appreciates a car communicating back with them. A race car’s driver is a professional who can be expected to figure out how to make it work, good feel or not.

Here's also where power steering comes back into the equation. "Pure steering geometry for a manual steering with a wide front tire and the brake disc getting in the way of the lower wishbone ball joint is a packaging nightmare," Gordon Murray told me in a 2020 interview. "Most people, just to make their lives easier, will compromise on the elements that affect the steering feel…[I]f you know that you've got electric or hydraulic steering, as a designer, you will tend to cheat on those elements, which means that you've got corrupted steering, but it's overcome by the power assistance."

You can even take that a step further. Power steering systems, especially electric systems, allow engineers to use all sorts of weird geometries and extraordinarily wide front tires while also providing steering that feels normal to most drivers.

My father and I share an E30 325i track car, with no power assist, and it has just about the heaviest steering in any car I've ever driven. It's got huge front tires—it was built to run either 225/45R15s or 245/40R15s all around—and about 1.5 degrees of negative camber on the front. Especially with the 245s and when the tires are nice and hot, the steering takes a ton of effort. Once it kicked back at me in a corner, and my wrist hurt for the rest of the day.

Contrast this with the new C8 Z06. That car is obviously much lighter over the front axle—don't forget that the E30's six-cylinder is all-iron—but for our PCOTY testing, it sported the Z07 Package's 275/30R20 front Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, about as sticky as road tires get, but they were set with 1.8 degrees of negative camber. Obviously you feel the immediacy on turn-in ,associated with wide front tires and lots of negative camber, but the steering doesn't feel odd whatsoever.

So everything matters…until it doesn't.

I could go into an extremely long and detailed explanation on what the Z06's might feel like without the compensating effects of power assist—beyond, simply, very heavy—but what's the point? I think for everyone short of an actual vehicle dynamics engineer (or perhaps a journalist like myself), it's probably not worth getting mired in all these details. And even those whose job it is to get mired have a tough time with this. Dave Coleman, Mazda North America's vehicle dynamics manager, whose job it is to ensure Mazdas have great steering among other things, says there are no simple answers to "what is good steering feel," and "how do you achieve it?"

"The reason it's so tricky is because steering is a very much a multivariable feedback loop kind of thing," he tells Road & Track. "There's steering response, which is, essentially, how the steering system responds to a certain driver input; steering response lag, which describes the delay between input and output; and steering effort, which is fairly self explanatory but not in itself steering feel….The reason it's so complicated and kind of goes around circles is because the driver's own inputs change depending on how the car's responding."

A line from Coleman helped me realize that I was right to pursue this topic, despite the many pitfalls. "What you're trying to do when you steer a car is actually, if you think about it, pretty hairy stuff," he says. "You're trying to keep this 3000-pound thing between these lines or else you're going to die. We get so used to it we forget how stressful this is… You are making the car go in a certain place. And you're taking all this feedback from the car to figure out exactly what you need to do to make it go in that place and getting that to be a simple, smooth, natural input that doesn't have a lot of corrections and feedback in it is very, very tricky."

Ultimately, my job trying to make complex topics understandable to a fairly broad audience is tricky, but it's not life or death. Be thankful the vehicle dynamics engineer knows what they're doing.

A car enthusiast since childhood, Chris Perkins served as Road & Track's engineering nerd and Porsche apologist.

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5 Causes of a Steering Wheel That’s Hard to Turn All of a Sudden

A steering wheel that’s hard to turn can make driving highly unenjoyable at the least and even quite dangerous. Since most drivers do most of their turning at low speeds, this is when tight or stiff steering wheel will be most noticeable.

But why does this happen? Let’s look at some of the most common reasons your steering wheel is difficult to turn all of a sudden.

Related:   9 Causes of a Steering Wheel That Makes Noise When Turning

Table of Contents

Reasons Your Steering Wheel Is Hard to Turn at Low Speeds

It’s important to understand the main causes of a hard to turn steering wheel. Below are the top reasons that your steering wheel is getting more difficult to turn. You’ll want to go through this list and troubleshoot the issue as soon as possible.

#1 – Low Power Steering Fluid

Perhaps the most common cause of a stiff steering wheel when turning is when you don’t have enough power steering fluid in the system. Usually, this occurs if the fluid is leaking from the pressurized hose area. Sometimes the hose will get cracked or simply become loose, causing the fluid to leak out.

Since this fluid is needed to pressurize the system and lubricate the pump, you will have a steering wheel that gets harder to turn the less power steering fluid you have in the system.

The car may be drive-able but if you don’t fix the leak, it will eventually cause your power steering pump to fail which can be an expensive replacement. If a quick check shows that your power steering fluid is full, keep reading.

#2 – Bad Steering Rack

The steering rack is made up of the pinion and rack. A series of U-joints and shafts keep the steering rack attached to the steering wheel. The steering rack will eventually become worn out and damaged from simply driving your vehicle over the years.

You will know when this happens if your steering wheel is only stiff or tight after you’ve started your vehicle. As the engine continues to run and warms up, the steering rack will get hotter which causes the lubricant to work itself around a bit better.

Therefore, the steering wheel may become less stiff as the car continues to run. But still, you’ll need to get the steering rack replaced before the problem escalates.

Related: 4 Symptoms of a Leaking Rack and Pinion

#3 – Broken Serpentine Belt

One of the most common causes of steering wheel stiffness is when the serpentine belt is damaged or cracked. This belt is constantly being used when you drive the vehicle so over time, it gets worn down pretty quickly.

This in turn will cause it to become loose which is when the stiffness in the steering wheel will begin. If you don’t replace the belt soon, it will break altogether and then you won’t be able to drive your car at all. It’s better to replace the belt before this happens.

#4 – Power Steering Pump Failure

The pump of the power steering system is what produces the amount of pressure needed to allow you to smoothly turn the steering wheel. If this pump were to stop working, then it will become much more difficult to turn the steering wheel, especially at low speeds.

Normally, in these situations, the pump won’t prevent the steering wheel from moving completely. You will still be able to turn it, but it will require a lot more force on your end. The heavier the vehicle, the harder it will be to turn the wheels.

Before a costly power steering pump replacement , make sure the connector to the pump simply didn’t wiggle itself loose or get damaged.

See Also: Don’t Clean Your Steering Wheel Unless You Read This

#5 – Old Thick Power Steering Fluid

Like other fluids in your car, power steering fluid can become thick over time. If you don’t change your power steering fluid according to what your car manufacturer recommends, then it will eventually become too thick to lubricate the system.

This will cause your steering to be tight and more difficult to turn at low speeds. If a quick check of your fluid shows it’s dark and thick, you’ll need to flush and change your power steering fluid as soon as possible.

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132 Comments

I drive a 2014 ford explorer. I noticed steering wheel was hard and stiff to turn when I was in muddy grounds. I thought it was due to traction, I put it in reverse and pressed the gas , the vehicle moved but the steering did not become loose right away until I was on pavement. However it did the same another day when starting up on pavement; the steering felt stiff (locked) and unmovable. Again, I shifted to drive and it became drivable. About two weeks later it started making a noise when turning at low speeds. I thought it needed power steering. The auto parts worker informed me that the vehicle did not use hydraulic power steering ( it’s assisted- hydraulic). Any suggestions???

I don’t understand the bit the auto parts worker told you, and I also wouldn’t trust their word for it because they’re not mechanics. I’d have a local shop take a look to diagnose the issue. I’m guessing it’s something with the power steering system.

Hello I drive a Honda civic 2007 model. Lately I have been seeing leakages and I give it to my mechanic to check it. He replaced some holes and flushed out all the fluids and replaced it. But I have been experiencing stiffness at low speed after he worked on the leakage. How is the problem

I don’t know that the two problems are related. Do you have an exact list of things your mechanic did?

Hallow! I’m using Honda Cr-v. It started with hard steering on starting but later soft when car starts moving. The pump got stuck and was replaced. However this time steering is hard throughout. A mechanic recommended replacing steering rack which I’m yet to buy. Other causes of hard steering have been checked and perfect.

Could be the steering rack or the power steering pump. Check your power steering fluid to make sure it’s topped off and the system is bled, but I’m guessing your mechanic already did that.

I used toyota matrix 2004 model when the car is hot my steering got hard stiff and when i press brake it got stiff again but in the morning when i initially starts the car it will be soft….

Sounds like a power steering issue. Those cars have hydraulic power steering pumps, right? I would check to make sure there is no air in the lines by turning the wheel from lock to lock (fully from one side to the other) several times and see if conditions improve.

If you hear any groaning in the power steering while you’re doing this, it might be best to take it to a mechanic to have them take a look.

I have a mitsubishi galant, my mechanic repaired the power steering pump because there was a leakage, after repairing and fixing it back, there were no leakage at all but stiffness and hard to turn I experience when turning at a low speed, and also a sound coming. but at high speed I cannot feel the sound and a hard turns. please advise

There could be residual air in the power steering system. While parked, try turning the steering wheel from side to side, as far as it will go. Do this several times and see if the steering feel improves.

I tried it already several times, there is a little progress, but do you think, it is time to change my steering pump as the mechanic only repaired it, or I will keep on turning the steering wheel from side to side and wait for a while until there is a better improvement?

I don’t know. That might be a good question for the mechanic who repaired it though.

When you say turn the steering wheel to lock position do you mean just turn the steering wheel all the way to a certain direction until it’s stopped and can’t turn anymore then repeat the other direction?

Yes, that’s correct. Full lock means to turn the steering wheel to one side until it won’t turn any farther.

2004 Ford Freestar we replace the power steering pump the high pressure line high pressure sensor the rack and pinion blot it out when it’s up jacked up we can turn the wheel when it’s on the ground we cannot

Have you tried bleeding the power steering system? Maybe the problem is fixed, but there is still air in the lines.

I have a Mazda 6 antenza What is troubling me is that when driving the steering wheel becomes stiff and it displays lights on the dash board such as ABS hand brakes….morover the lighting on the board become dim….and when I open the trunk and take out a terminal the engine cuts off. ..the car fails to start Please anyone help

Can you describe “when I open the trunk and take out a terminal” in a bit more detail? Are you unplugging something?

I would check the power steering system to see why the steering is becoming stiff, but the fact that the dash lights are going dim makes me wonder if you have a bad ground or maybe a poor connection to the battery or alternator.

I own a toyota camry 2000. The steering gets stiff and difficult to turn when i hold down d brakes and gets free when on motion. Please kindly advise.

Check your power steering fluid to make sure you have enough fluid. If it’s low, fill the power steering reservoir and then move the steering wheel from lock to lock several times while the car is idling.

I recently had the power steering pump and fluid flushed/replaced due to pump failure. I’ve just started experiencing stiff turning at low RPMs so I had the rack replaced. I’m still expecting that issue intermittently but not as much as before and now am having RPM/shifting/reving issues above 2 RPMs just 1 hour after getting it back. Thoughts? Related?

Hi, i have a 2011 kia cerato koup i just changed a steering coupler and after assembling it back the steering become so hard. please help

Does this model have hydraulic power steering? If so, you may need to bleed the power steering system.

How do u bleed the steering pump

Fill the power steering reservoir and turn the steering lock to lock many times. Top off as needed. Don’t hold the wheel fully locked to one side. This is best done with the front wheels off the ground.

I have a 2004 suburban and I was having hard troubles turning the steering wheel whether its going in reverse or trying to turn and I put fluid in the power steering liquid and it worked instantly this morning and turned like it was nothing and now I’m having issues right now with the same problem, my guess is there is a leakage.

Hi Sean! I’m using a Toyota Highlander. I noticed a Consistent leaking of the steering fluid. So I took it to the mechanic and had the hose changed. Since then the leakage has stopped significantly, but the steering wheel gets a bit hard to turn on a spot when the engine is hot. Any ideas on what to do pls?

Wild guess, but perhaps the power steering pump was starved of fluid due to the leak and this damaged the pump. Sounds like your mechanic knows what he is doing, I would take the car back to the shop and tell him about the heavy steering feel.

Audi A5 2014 , the steering just became so hard to turn. It happenned while driving. Please help.

Sounds like you may be having power steering issues. You’ll probably have to bring it by an Audi shop to have it looked at to learn what caused the problem.

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Tire Products, Guides, And Advice That Make The Grade

Unbalanced Tire Symptoms

Time To Read:

• Unbalanced Front Tire Symptoms
• Rear Tire Out of Balance Symptoms
• What Does an Unbalanced Tire Feel Like?
• What Does an Unbalanced Tire Sound Like?
• What Does an Unbalanced Tire Look Like?
• What Causes Unbalanced Tires?
• How To Fix Unbalanced Tires
• Final Thoughts

Ever noticed your steering wheel vibrating while driving, or heard strange noises coming from your tires? These unsettling experiences could be signs that  your tires are unbalanced . Ignoring these symptoms can affect your car’s performance and safety.

Unbalanced Tire Symptoms Unbalanced tires can cause a range of problems, from vibrations in the steering wheel to uneven tire wear and poor fuel efficiency. Addressing this issue is essential for safe driving and extending the lifespan of your tires.

In this article, we’ll delve deep into the world of unbalanced tires, exploring the symptoms you should watch out for, what causes tires to become unbalanced, and how to fix the issue.

Let’s take a closer look.

When it comes to the tires on your vehicle, the front ones play a particularly crucial role. They’re responsible for steering and have a significant impact on how your vehicle performs. That’s why recognizing the symptoms of unbalanced front tires is so important.

Vibration in the Steering Wheel

One of the most noticeable symptoms of an unbalanced front tire is a vibration in the steering wheel. You might feel:

• Shaking : The steering wheel shakes, especially at certain speeds.
• Wobble : A less intense, more rhythmic feeling of the steering wheel moving back and forth.

This isn’t just uncomfortable; it can also make it harder to control your vehicle.

Uneven Tire Wear on Front Tires

Another symptom of front tire imbalance is uneven tire wear. Uneven tire wear can manifest as:

• Feathering : The edge of each tread rib develops a slightly rounded edge on one side and a sharp edge on the other.
• Cupping : Dips appearing around the edge of the tread.
• Flat Spots : A specific area of the tire wears down more rapidly than the rest of the tire.

You can check for these by closely inspecting the tread of your front tires regularly.

Increased Tire Noise

If your front tires are unbalanced, you may also notice an increase in tire noise, such as:

• Humming : A constant low-level noise that may get louder with speed.
• Thumping : A more intense noise that feels like something is hitting the ground.
• Roaring : A constant noise that can be distracting and is usually indicative of more severe issues.

This noise isn’t just annoying; it’s a signal that your tires need attention.

Why Front Tires Are More Sensitive to Imbalance

The front tires are generally more sensitive to imbalance issues for several reasons:

• Steering Control : Since the front tires control the direction of the vehicle, any imbalance is more noticeable.
• Weight Distribution : The engine, usually the heaviest part of a vehicle, is situated over the front tires, making them more susceptible to wear and imbalance.

While front tires often get most of the attention, rear tires play an essential role in your vehicle’s overall performance and safety too. An imbalance in your rear tires can lead to various issues, from a poor driving experience to decreased tire lifespan. In this section, we’ll look at specific symptoms that can alert you to rear tires being out of balance.

Feeling a Shake or Wobble in the Seat

Unlike front tires, where the imbalance is usually felt in the steering wheel, rear tire imbalance often manifests as:

• Seat Shaking : You may feel a noticeable shake or jiggle in your seat, particularly at certain speeds.
• Car Wobbling : The entire vehicle may seem to wobble, especially when driving at highway speeds.

Uneven Tread Wear on Rear Wheels

Just like with front tires, rear tires can exhibit uneven tread wear, which can be a sign of imbalance. The types of uneven wear you might see include:

• Patchy Wear : Random spots on the tire show more wear than other areas.
• Heel-Toe Wear : One side of the tread blocks wears down more than the other side.
• Center Wear : The middle section of the tire wears down more rapidly compared to the edges.

Regularly checking the condition of your rear tires can help you spot these issues early.

Unique Noises from the Rear

Rear tire imbalance can produce unique noises like:

• Thumping Sounds : A constant thumping noise can often be heard, becoming louder with speed.
• Humming Noise : A more subdued buzzing or humming noise may also indicate an imbalance in the rear tires.

Importance of Rear Tire Balance in Trucks

Trucks, which often carry heavy loads, are particularly susceptible to rear tire imbalances. An imbalance in a truck’s rear tires can lead to:

• Reduced Load Capacity : The imbalance can cause uneven tire wear, reducing the tire’s ability to carry weight safely.
• Decreased Fuel Efficiency : Unbalanced tires can increase rolling resistance, reducing fuel efficiency.

Driving with unbalanced tires can create a range of sensations and experiences that are far from ideal. In this section, we’ll explore the general feelings you might experience when driving a vehicle with unbalanced tires. Knowing these signs can help you take timely action to address the issue.

General Feeling of Instability

The most common experience when driving with unbalanced tires is a sense of instability or unevenness. This can manifest as:

• Jolting : The car might give you small but frequent jolts, particularly when you hit a bump.
• Wobbling : The vehicle might feel like it’s wobbling side to side, especially at higher speeds.

Steering Wheel Behavior

You may also notice that the steering wheel doesn’t seem to cooperate as it should:

• Drifting : Even on a straight road, you might feel like the car is subtly drifting to one side.
• Difficulty Steering : You might find it harder to turn the wheel, or feel like you’re fighting against it when making turns.

Speed-Specific Symptoms

The symptoms can also be speed-specific, meaning they occur or intensify at particular speeds:

• Low Speed : At low speeds, you might not notice much, but there can be a subtle feeling of roughness.
• High Speed : At highway speeds, the symptoms usually become more noticeable and may feel more intense.

While driving, we often pay attention to the sounds our vehicles make as they can be early indicators of potential issues. Unbalanced tires are no exception; they produce distinct sounds that can serve as warning signs. In this section, we’ll explore the kinds of noises you should be alert for.

Common Noises Indicative of Unbalanced Tires

Unbalanced tires can generate a variety of noises, each telling its own tale. Here are some sounds to listen for:

• Thumping : A rhythmic thumping sound that’s usually in sync with the tire rotation.
• Roaring : A constant, low-pitched roaring noise that might grow louder as you speed up.
• Humming : A more subdued noise that may come and go, often heard when driving at moderate speeds.

How Sound Varies with Speed

The sounds produced by unbalanced tires can often change depending on your speed:

• Low Speed : The noises might be quieter and less distinct, making them harder to identify.
• Moderate Speed : As you speed up, the noises will typically become clearer and more noticeable.
• High Speed : At highway speeds, the sounds can become loud and distracting, demanding immediate attention.

Positional Differences: Front vs. Rear Tires

The location of the unbalanced tire can affect the kind of noise you hear:

• Front Tires : The sound might be more audible and closer to the driver, often mistaken for engine noise.
• Rear Tires : The sound from the back may be less distinct but could reverberate throughout the vehicle.

Visual inspection is another valuable method for identifying whether you have unbalanced tires. In this section, we’ll delve into the specific visual cues that can alert you to this issue. Knowing what to look for can save you from more serious problems down the line.

Types of Uneven Tire Wear

Unbalanced tires often show specific types of wear patterns, and these can be easily spotted upon inspection. Keep an eye out for:

• Feathering : This is where the edge of the tread ribs develop a rounded edge on one side and a sharper edge on the other.
• Cupping : You’ll notice dips or scalloped edges on the tread of the tire.
• Flat Spots : A specific area of the tire may wear down much more rapidly than the rest.

Sidewall Bulges or Damage

Unbalanced tires can sometimes lead to sidewall damage. This manifests as:

• Bulges : Protruding areas on the sidewall of the tire, signaling internal damage.
• Cuts or Gashes : More severe forms of damage, often making the tire unsafe to use.

Tread Depth Differences

If you have a tire tread depth gauge, you can measure the tread depth in various parts of each tire. A significant difference in measurements can indicate an unbalanced tire.

Visual Indicators on Wheel Assembly

The wheel assembly itself can also show signs of imbalance:

• Loose Wheel Weights : These are small metal pieces attached to the wheel to help balance it. If they’re missing or loose, your tire is likely unbalanced.
• Rust or Dirt Accumulation : An uneven layer of rust or dirt on the inner surface of the wheel could be a sign of imbalance.

Understanding the root causes of unbalanced tires can help you take preventive measures and maintain a smoother, safer ride. In this section, we’ll discuss various factors that can lead to tire imbalance.

Natural Tire Wear and Tear

Tires don’t wear evenly over time due to numerous factors:

• Road Conditions : Potholes, rough roads, or obstacles can accelerate uneven tire wear.
• Driving Habits : Aggressive driving, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, can also lead to uneven wear.

Manufacturing Defects

While rare, manufacturing defects can cause a tire to be unbalanced from the get-go:

• Uneven Rubber Distribution : Sometimes, the rubber is not evenly distributed throughout the tire during the manufacturing process.
• Imperfections in the Internal Structure : Faults in the tire’s internal components can also lead to imbalance.

Impact and Collisions

A significant impact, like hitting a curb or pothole, can knock a tire out of balance:

• Shift in Wheel Weights : The small weights attached to your wheel assembly might get dislodged.
• Structural Damage : In severe cases, the wheel or tire could be damaged, causing an imbalance.

Incorrect Tire Installation

Improper installation can immediately result in unbalanced tires:

• Uneven Tightening of Lug Nuts : This can cause the wheel to sit unevenly on the wheel hub.
• Mismatched Tires : Installing mismatched tires can create imbalance issues, especially on the rear wheels.
• Wheel Weights Falling Off : If the small weights used for balancing the tire aren’t properly secured during installation, they can get knocked off or fall off over time, causing the tire to become unbalanced.

If you’re experiencing symptoms that point to an unbalanced tire, taking prompt action can prevent further issues and ensure a safe driving experience. Here are steps you should consider:

Immediate Steps

• Slow Down : Reduce your speed to minimize vibrations and increase control over your vehicle.
• Find a Safe Spot : Pull over to a safe location, away from traffic, and inspect your tires for visible damage or uneven wear.

Seek Professional Help

• Visit a Tire Shop : The most reliable way to diagnose and fix unbalanced tires is to consult the experts. A professional can perform a comprehensive inspection and properly balance your tires.
• Wheel Balancing : Expect your tires to be removed and placed on a balancing machine. This equipment identifies where the tire is unbalanced and allows for precise adjustment.

Maintenance and Follow-Up

• Regular Checks : Even after getting your tires balanced, it’s crucial to regularly check for signs of uneven wear or other symptoms of imbalance.
• Scheduled Balancing : Make it a habit to have your tires balanced at regular intervals, usually every 6,000 to 12,000 miles, or as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.

Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires

• How do I know if my tires need to be balanced? – Les Schwab
• Your guide to finding and fixing an unbalanced tire – wikiHow

From mysterious vibrations in your steering wheel to alarming sounds and visible tire wear, these signs should not be ignored. Taking the time to address these issues—whether through DIY methods or by visiting a professional tire shop—can lead to a more comfortable ride, improved fuel efficiency, and most importantly, safer driving conditions.

It’s also crucial to consider other factors like alignment or suspension issues that could mimic these symptoms, making a professional diagnosis invaluable.

Good luck and happy motoring.

About The Author

Will, the founder of TireGrades.com, is a tire expert and car enthusiast with roots in the industry dating back to his childhood next to the founder of Parrish Tire. His expertise, honed through a consulting role with Discount Tire, encompasses developing training courses and strategic planning.

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina—a hub for tire manufacturing and NASCAR—Will’s three-decade passion with all things on 4 wheels includes involvement in SCCA events and local car clubs. At TireGrades.com, he dedicates himself to providing practical solutions and reliable information for common tire-related queries, helping vehicle owners make informed decisions.

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Successful Aftermarket Steering Wheel Install

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The installation was extremely simple and only took about an hour and a half. The steering wheel I used is the Viilante “Procrastinator’s Club ‘Feels Trip’” wheel. I purchased an NRG Thin Quick Release hub and NRG SRK-131H short hub adapter . The steering wheel came with an included horn button, but I also had to buy an airbag resistor & fuse kit for a Honda S2000 AP2 (just picked it up from eBay nothing fancy). The resistor and fuse kit ensures that the airbag light is off on the instrument cluster and the remaining airbags in the car will still work.  

Aruth said: View attachment 207625 Click to expand...

On the airbag connector, clip in your resistors and fuses (instructions will come with that kit - some may vary). You’ll slip ONLY the horn wire (brown) and airbag connector with resistors and relays (yellow) through the hole in the short hub. The cruise control and volume connectors will remain inside the outer portion of the short hub (I used electrical tape to secure them in place to avoid any rattling sounds). Once you have the connectors in their correct locations, you can slip the short hub over the clock spring and into place on the splines of the steering column. For the horn, I used a large eyelet connector for the ground wire that I secured under the steering column bolt. When installing the steering column bolt, make sure that it is torqued to spec. (I don’t remember this spec of the top of my head. I’ll look it up and edit this once I get a chance.) Now you have the flying leads for the horn, a black ground wire and a brown hot wire. Follow the instructions included with your new horn or quick release to complete that wiring. And boom! A new aftermarket steering wheel is installed. I know I skipped over the removal of the OEM steering wheel. However, I found tons of info on doing that on the EOC forums and the all-mighty YouTube.  

Nice upgrade although I'm not a fan of the steering cover.  

I have been wanting a spaco wheel for my 07 SC.. Nice work!  

thank you for this write up! just got my hub in the mail today  

grilledcheese said: got it finished! ... View attachment 208351 Click to expand...

Can you provide a link to the airbag resistor kit needed.  

Hello, Hope you can help me. I ordered the NRG steering wheels adaptor but it doesn’t fit over my clock spring. On the bottom where the wires are. The hub hits that part. Can you please let me know how you make it fit? Thank you  

Completely take out the clock spring  

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Lyubertsy, Preobrazhenskaya Ulitsa 13, premise 007, 140015 Lyubertsy, Russia

Mansarda Hotel Hotel Lyubertsy , Moscow region

Set in Lyubertsy, 7.9 km from Ugresha Monastery, Mansarda Hotel offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking and a bar. Each accommodation at the 3-star hotel has city views, and guests can enjoy access to a children's playground.

Number of rooms: 17

Ulitsa Kirova 26A , 140005 Lyubertsy, Russia

Venera Inn Lyubertsy , Moscow region

Set in Lyubertsy, Venera offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi. There is a restaurant serving Italian cuisine, and free private parking is available.

Number of rooms: 7

ulitsa Elektrifikatsii 26G, 140004 Lyubertsy, Russia

8 Marta 48/1 Apartments Apartment Lyubertsy , Moscow region

A great option for family vacation: apartment «8 Marta 48/1 Apartments» is located in Lyubertsy. This apartment is located in 3 km from the city center.

ulitsa 8 Marta, 48 /1, Lyubertsy

Hostels - Lubertsy Hotel Lyubertsy , Moscow region

A very nice place to stay for a reasonable price - hotel « Hostels - Lubertsy » is located in Lyubertsy. This hotel is located nearby from the city center.

Ulitsa 65 Let Pobedy 1, Lyubertsy, 140009

La Luz Luhmanovskaya Apartments Apartment Lyubertsy , Moscow region

Looking for a home comfort: apartment «La Luz Luhmanovskaya Apartments» is located in Lyubertsy. This apartment is located in 3 km from the city center.

ulitsa YUnosti, 7, Lyubertsy

U Tamozhennoj Akademii Apartaments Hotel Lyubertsy , Moscow region

A very nice place to stay for a reasonable price - hotel « U Tamozhennoj Akademii Apartaments » is located in Lyubertsy. This hotel is located nearby from the city center.

uitsa Initiativnaya, 13, Lyubertsy, Lyubertsy

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Visit lyubertsy, check lyubertsy hotel availability, popular places to visit.

You can learn about the history of Moscow with a trip to Red Square. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theater scene.

• Moscow Kremlin

Visit the most iconic square in Russia, which is bordered by many of the city’s most famous landmarks.

• St. Basil's Cathedral

Think of Russia and you probably picture this iconic building, whose onion-shaped domes overlook the Moscow skyline.

• Bolshoi Theatre

A centerpiece of the Russian arts scene, this theater’s magnificent auditorium and top-tier productions will impress even the most jaded theatergoer.

• Lenin's Mausoleum

Mourners and curious visitors stream to the grave to see the embalmed Vladimir Lenin, the famous revolutionary and one-time leader of the Soviet Union.

• Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy

Learn about the events happening at Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy during your trip to Moscow. Wander the parks and gardens while you're in the area.

• Cities near Lyubertsy

Dzerzhinskiy

• Places of interest
• Moscow City
• State Historical Museum
• Armoury Chamber
• Moscow State University
• Arbat Street
• State Tretyakov Gallery
• Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Minin and Pozharsky Monument
• Luzhniki Stadium
• Victory Park
• New Tretyakov Gallery - Museum of Modern Art
• Ostankino TV Tower
• Russian White House
• Novodevichy Convent
• Sparrow Hills
• Triumphal Arch
• Kolomenskoye Church of the Ascension