7 Signs It’s Time to Invest in a New Hyundai Steering Wheel
As automobile technology has gotten more advanced, cars have gotten better at forewarning us about internal mechanical issues.
Need an oil change? A light will ping on. Low tire pressure? You’ll know which tire and by exactly how much.
However, something our vehicles still can’t properly warn us about– and many drivers forget to even think about– is the steering wheel.
If you’re driving any Hyundai model, keeping an eye on the performance of your steering wheel is something you should be doing.
Below, we’ll walk you through the seven most common warning signs for a Hyundai steering wheel and give you some pointers on what to do if it looks like yours is on the downslope.
1. Difficulty In Turning the Wheel
Most Hyundai models nowadays come with power steering, a common feature in many modern automobiles. But if you’re feeling resistance or having difficulty turning your car’s steering wheel, this could indicate the system has a problem.
Hyundai famously recalled over 200,000 vehicles in 2015 over concerns with the power steering system. If this system were to fail, it would not mean that the driver could not steer their vehicle.
It would mean that it would take a much larger amount of effort, especially at lower speeds. If you’ve been feeling this resistance, there’s a chance the system is failing. For more info on the power steering system, you should refer to your specific Hyundai models’ manual.
2. Leaks on the Driveway
If you notice a wet spot on your driveway or garage after pulling out your vehicle, it should always be a cause for concern.
More often than not, these small leaks are caused by an overflow of fluids that were filled. But sometimes they can mean bad news for your steering system.
If you find wet leaks, you should check see if the reservoir for your steering wheel fluid is full. If you fill it up and find that it has gone down again later, you may have leakage problem with your Hyundai steering wheel fluid.
3. Frequent Wheel Vibrations
More often than not, frequently occurring vibrations of the steering wheel indicate issues with wheel alignment of your vehicle.
But sometimes they can also point to issues with your power steering system. A build-up of foreign objects in the system can cause issues turning the wheel fully in one direction or the other.
If you’re feeling a pulsating feeling when turning, this may be the case with your vehicle. It is advised that you attempt a power steering flush to clear up this issue. You should refer to your vehicle’s manual for the recommended power flush schedule.
4. Steering Wheel Slippage
One of the most obvious signs that you may need to invest in a new Hyundai steering wheel is if it begins to fight you during turns.
If a steering wheel slips when you attempt to hold it in a turned position it can mean great danger on the road. It is another sign that your power turning system may be failing.
There could be a variety of causes to a power steering failure, including but not limited to: worn steering rack mounts, worn steering belts, or even faulty pumps in the system.
5. Vehicle Wandering
If your Hyundai vehicle has an issue driving in a straight line, it can be a huge red flag for the state of your steering wheel.
Wandering from side to side is usually a sign of steering gear issues. Lack of steering fluid can cause these gears to wear quickly.
You should always check and replenish steering fluid and keep an eye out for any leaks to ensure the continued quality of your steering system.
6. Grinding Or Screeching Noises
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that excessive noise from a steering wheel is probably not a good sign for its condition.
If you’re hearing grinding or screeching while attempting to turn your vehicle’s wheel, it may be due to a loose or worn power steering belt. It may also be due, again, to a lack of steering fluid causing stress on the gears of the vehicle.
If you hear these noises emitting from your Hyundai steering wheel, you should cease driving immediately and try to locate the source of the problem. Continuing to drive can threaten to cause even more damage to your steering system.
7. Foamy or Discolored Steering Fluid
Many of the potential signs we discussed above cite steering fluid (or lack thereof!) as a possible cause of faulty steering wheel symptoms.
Taking a closer look at the steering fluid itself may also be a good tip-off to the health of your steering system.
If the steering wheel fluid under your hood is either foamy or discolored then you have trouble with your car. These affectations mean that either water or air has gotten deeply into your steering system and causing the fluid to not properly lubricate and care for the gears of your car.
Finding the source of this error can be extremely difficult. You should reference your vehicle’s manual or talk to a trained mechanic professional.
Listening to Your Hyundai Steering Wheel
Your vehicle’s steering wheel may not alert you to issues in the same way the rest of your car does– but if you pay attention, it is communicating with you.
Many steering wheel related issues can be avoided by taking proper precautionary care and following the recommended maintenance practices from your vehicle’s manual.
If you’re beginning to notice one or many of the above telltale signs, it may be time to invest in a new Hyundai steering wheel for your vehicle.
You should follow up on these red flags immediately for the safety of your vehicle and anyone who may ride in it.
Have more questions about your vehicle? We’re here to help. Whether it be a broken windshield or an old battery, we have all the advice you need to take the best care of your personal vehicle.
Feel free to contact us with any additional questions about your Hyundai steering wheel.