What To Do If Your Steering Wheel Gets Locked

Have you ever driven a car and while driving, you realise that you cannot move the steering wheel anymore? Sound familiar? What happened is that the steering wheel got locked and this can occur for a number of reasons. Keep reading to find out more.

1. Problem with power steering system: Your power steering pump can get stuck or jammed with debris, or your vehicle may leak power steering fluid, which can cause the wheel to seize up. Either of these issues can make steering extremely difficult.
2. Steering rack/column or suspension issue: Very rarely, a failure in your vehicle’s suspension, or in its steering rack or column, will cause your steering wheel to lock up.
3. Car ignition lockup: A vehicle’s ignition system can sometimes suffer a fatigue failure, which means your car key won’t turn the ignition on or off. If your vehicle is already in motion, this can cause your steering wheel to lock.
4. Sharp turns: Yup, if you like to pretend you’re driving on Formula One, all those sharp turns can take a toll on your vehicle’s steering system, and your wheel can lock up as a consequence.

How To Fix A Locked Steering Wheel

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Insert the key into the ignition. Your steering wheel is likely locked because there was a bit of force on the wheel as you turned the car off last. Unlocking it will require using the ignition key in the same way you would when starting the vehicle.

• Insert the key into the ignition and see if it will turn.
• If the key turns and starts the vehicle, the wheel will unlock with the ignition cylinder.

Turn the key gently. If the key and wheel both remain locked in place, you will need to apply pressure to the key in the direction you would usually turn it. Be careful not to apply the pressure too high up on the body of the key, as that may cause the key to twist or even break while inside the keyhole. Instead, apply firm but gentle pressure until the ignition comes unlocked.

Apply pressure to the steering wheel. The steering wheel is locked in place using a pin on one side. When locked, the wheel will not be able to move in either direction freely, but one side will not allow any movement whatsoever (the side with the locking pin). Determine which direction the wheel cannot move, then apply pressure in the other direction while turning the key with your other hand

Do not shake or rock the wheel. You may be tempted to shake the wheel back and forth while attempting to unlock it, but doing so will actually decrease your chances of successfully unlocking the wheel. Instead, apply steady pressure in one direction on the wheel until it unlocks

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Turn the wheel and the key at once to unlock it. It may take a few tries, but if you apply pressure to the wheel in the right direction while simultaneously turning the key, it will unlock both, allowing the wheel to move freely and the vehicle to start. While it may take a fair amount of pressure, do not force either the wheel or the ignition to turn if they seem like they won’t. It may result in breaking the steering pin, your key, or other internal components

CONCLUSION

Steering wheel lockup is a rare occurrence, but it could put you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road in real danger. If you notice any issues with your steering wheel, take your car to a trusted and qualified mechanic in order to have the problem diagnosed and fixed.