When Your Steering Wheel Fights Back: The Truth About Power Steering Failure
You’re pulling out of your driveway, and suddenly the steering wheel feels like it weighs 1,000 pounds. Turning takes effort. Everything feels off. That, my friend, is what driving without power steering feels like—and it’s not something we recommend.
At Gappa Automotive, we’ve seen it all when it comes to steering issues. Whether it’s a failing power steering pump, low fluid, or a snapped belt, one thing’s for sure: ignoring it isn’t worth the risk.
Let’s break down what happens when your power steering goes out, what causes it, and what to do if it happens to you.
What Is Power Steering, Anyway?
Power steering is a system that helps you turn your vehicle’s wheels with ease—especially at low speeds or while parking. Most vehicles today use hydraulic power steering or electric power steering (EPS).
Without it, you’re relying on pure muscle to steer, especially in heavier vehicles or trucks. That’s not only uncomfortable—it can also be dangerous.
What Happens When It Fails?
If you lose power steering, you’ll likely notice:
- A stiff or heavy steering wheel
- Squealing noises when turning
- Fluid leaking under your vehicle (for hydraulic systems)
- A power steering warning light on the dash
- Jerky or unresponsive steering
Sudden loss of steering assistance can make your car extremely difficult to control, especially during sharp turns or emergency maneuvers.
Why Driving Without Power Steering Is a Bad Idea
Sure, your car may technically still move without power steering—but here’s why you shouldn’t try to drive it far:
1. Loss of Control
Without steering assistance, turning becomes a workout—and in emergencies, you may not react quickly enough.
2. Increased Risk of Accidents
In traffic or on curves, a slower response time can be dangerous. You need to be able to turn quickly and accurately.
3. Damage to Other Components
If the failure is caused by a broken belt or low fluid, continuing to drive can damage the power steering pump or other engine accessories.
4. Increased Driver Fatigue
Steering without help takes physical effort, especially in city driving or during long trips.
What Causes Power Steering Failure?
Here are some of the most common culprits we see at our shop:
- Low or leaking power steering fluid
- Worn-out or slipping drive belt
- Faulty power steering pump
- Broken steering rack
- Electronic failure (for EPS systems)
If you’re hearing whining noises or feel resistance in your steering wheel, don’t ignore it. These are early signs that your system may be in trouble.
What to Do If Your Power Steering Goes Out
If you’re behind the wheel and your steering suddenly becomes hard to turn:
- Stay calm and keep both hands on the wheel
- Slow down gradually
- Turn on your hazards if you need to pull over
- Avoid sudden turns
- Get to a safe location and call a professional
Don’t try to “tough it out” or hope it fixes itself—it won’t. Driving with a power steering issue is not only difficult, it’s unsafe.
Let Gappa Automotive Handle It
If your steering feels off, let us take a look. At Gappa Automotive in Austin, MN, we can:
- Check your power steering fluid levels
- Inspect belts and pumps
- Diagnose electronic steering systems
- Repair or replace components as needed
We’ll get you safely back on the road—with a steering wheel that doesn’t fight back.
Christian Brothers Automotive – The Top Five Causes of Power Steering Failure
https://www.cbac.com/media-center/blog/2020/march/the-top-five-causes-of-power-steering-failure/
Rislone – The Top Causes of Power Steering System Problems
https://rislone.com/blog/power-steering/the-top-causes-of-power-steering-system-problems/
Car From Japan – An Instant Look At The Consequences Of Driving Without Power Steering
https://carfromjapan.com/article/driving-tips/driving-without-power-steering/
Hogan & Sons Inc – 8 Warning Signs of Steering Problems
https://hoganandsonsinc.com/8-warning-signs-of-steering-problems/
Wikipedia – Power Steering
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_steering