If your steering wheel turns but wheels don’t, it seems that it’ll yield no harm at first glance. But things are more complicated than you think.
This might be okay in the short term, yet to bring safe journeys, you should find out why wont my steering wheel turn as soon as possible. Follow us now to get details.
What Are The Reasons For Steering Wheel Turns But Wheels Don’t?
There is a wide range of roots why the steering wheel turns but tires dont.
We can see some parts causing the issue on the steering wheel: damaged steering shaft, steering rack, pump, ball joints, tie rods, wrong PSI, worn serpentine belt, intermediate shaft, and more.
Get to the details now!
Steering Wheel Lock Is Unavailable
The first reason for the issue we would like to mention is related to the car’s steering lock.
If the steering wheel is not working and the engine doesn’t have any signs of running, it might just be that the steering wheel lock is unavailable.
Recently, most latest cars have been furnished with a specific lock. The part requires you to have the ignition-aimed key to run the vehicle’s steering wheel.
You can not run the steering wheel properly if you don’t own one.
Faulty Steering Shaft
There is a link between the gearbox with the steering shaft (steering box output shaft).
In case the car wheel won t turn, comes loose, or turns unstable, the steering shaft is most likely the component that has been stripped.
Also, it isn’t hard for you to notice it when you catch some snapping noise during your driving.
Inappropriate Tire Pressure
The right tire pressure plays a key role in your steering wheel’s proper function.
If the car’s steering wheel turns right or left without ceasing, chances are that the PSI level on your tires is subpar or excessive.
A key rule is tires that manifest tread wear in their center consist of too much pressure. And if the wear appears on the edges (outer ones), the tires do not come with sufficient PSI.
Faulty Intermediate Shaft
The intermediate shaft’s main issue is on the bad U-joints on the ends. In case one of these parts is faulty, the car’s steering wheel might not operate properly.
Broken Steering Rack
The connection between the wheel and the steering rack forms thanks to different joints and shafts.
Regular driving might trigger stress on these joints and shafts, resulting in wear and tear on the steering rack over time.
Then, the drive wheel could get hard when you start the engine at first, but it will run normally later. Yet, this does not mean you can turn a blind eye to this issue.
Lousy Power Steering Pulley or Pump
The power steering pulley or pump bearings get some troubles if they come loose and lose the combination in a harmonious manner.
Then, it renders the steering wheel too stiff to turn and operate properly.
Low Power Steering Fluid
Each steering wheel needs its specific fluid to run smoothly as the users want. However, the part will work as it should if the level of this grease is getting down.
When this happens, your vehicle will generate some unpleasant sound, and you also can’t turn steering wheel at all.
Worn Drive/Serpentine Belt
The serpentine belt belongs to the easiest part of getting damaged in a car, especially getting worn down easily.
This kind of fault might make turning the car’s steering wheel harder. In other words, the steering wheel won t turn properly when the belt has worn out.
Poor Tie Rods or Ball Joints
Once tie rods or ball joints are defective or misplaced, it will prevent your steering wheel and rack from working properly.
These specific joints are especially easy to be misplaced after long use, or your vehicle’s tie rods might be worn down too.
How To Fix Steering Wheel Turns But Wheel Won’t Move
Correct The Tire Pressure
Inflating your vehicle’s tires to the correct pressure will address the trouble here.
Have an inspection for some holes in the tires and ensure that there is no leakage in this part. Then, your steering wheel will run if this is the key root of the problem.
Check Steering Shaft
The problem is complicated, so you should ask for help from an experienced mechanic.
The shaft might also break the vehicle’s (clock) spring when it gets stripped. You can run roughly $400 to $500 on your budget to tackle the problem.
Equal Wheel Alignment
Ask a mechanic to handle the wheel alignment. Then, don’t forget to check whether the steering wheel is locked.
If your car’s brakes have trouble, you should also tell him to check the stuck calipers and address it for you.
Check Steering Connection
Attempt to visually determine which of these components might be triggering the problem.
Have a replacement if you find any wear and tear with your naked eyes. Otherwise, you should ask an expert to check whether you can not find any hints related to defective parts.
Refill Power Steering Fluid
If your car’s steering fluid runs low, refill it with the right level. Also, don’t forget to regularly check the fluid level to prevent some annoying issues like this for your next journey.
Watch Out for Tie Rods or Ball Joints
For this root cause, you should take your vehicle to a garage to verify what exactly goes on with the car. If the tie rods or ball joints are not broken, you are really lucky.
In this case, the mechanic just needs to adjust them back to their right places. Yet, it might cost quite an amount for this fix.
Final Thoughts
Once you are still here with us, we bet you are clear about why your steering wheel turns but wheels don’t.
When you are stuck with a problem with your vehicle, pay attention to its tire pressure, steering shaft, a broken belt, steering connection, fluid, and tie rods.
Also, you should put more consideration into the routine maintenance of your car to handle these problems in time from now on.