Stiff or heavy steering almost always points to low power-steering fluid, a worn pump or belt, or a failing electric assist motor. Catch it early before it turns into a tow.
A leak at the rack, hoses, or pump drops fluid and makes steering heavy especially at low speed. Check the reservoir - if low, look for red or amber fluid under the car.
On hydraulic systems, a slipping belt fails to drive the pump. You may hear a squeal during turns. Quick visual inspection confirms.
A whine or growl that gets worse during turns means the pump impellers are wearing. Common on cars over 100k miles.
On newer cars without hydraulic fluid, the EPS motor or its module fails. Often comes with a power steering warning light.
Significantly underinflated tires drag against pavement and feel like steering failure. Check all four with a gauge first.
The wheel becomes nearly unmovable, you hear loud metallic grinding from the front end, or you see fluid streaming out of the engine bay. Loss of steering at speed is a serious safety risk.
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Adding fluid is $10. A belt is $80-$180. A pump replacement is $400-$900. An electric power steering motor or module is $800-$2,000.
Short distances at low speed yes, but it is unsafe at highway speed and stresses other steering components. Fix within a few days.
Power assist does the most work at low speed. As speed increases, less assist is needed, so a partially failed pump still feels OK on the highway.
No. Power steering rack leaks always get worse. Stop-leak additives are a temporary patch at best.
Most older cars use ATF or dedicated PS fluid (Pentosin, Honda PSF, Dexron). Check the cap or owners manual - using the wrong fluid causes seal failure.