Understand The Core: How Does A Steering Wheel Lock Work?

A locked steering wheel prevents you from controlling and navigating your car, making it extremely dangerous on the street. In the worst case, fatal accidents might occur. To avoid these tragic consequences, you need to grasp the basics of “how does a steering wheel lock work?” and the associated causes of a locked wheel.

In today’s article, Driverevolve will explain the systemic basics, the 5 most common reasons for a locked wheel, and what to do in such a case.

How Does A Steering Wheel Lock Work?

A steering wheel lock secures it in its position with a telescopic rod that must be removed to control and navigate the wheel. There is also a brake pedal locking device on some vehicles.

Why Do Steering Wheels Lock?

Steering Wheel Locked Up While Parked

The ignitions of many vehicles today have a locking function. After turning the key out of the ignition, you can access this function by turning the steering wheel. A locking mechanism will be activated, preventing the steering wheel from getting adjusted without the key.

As a theft deterrent, this is an excellent addition. Even if the thieves managed to start up the car, they would be unable to navigate the vehicle because it is locked.

If you’re not used to using the steering wheel lock and accidentally unlocking it, you might find yourself in a very troubling scenario. You can open the door by turning the key inside the ignition, but keep in mind that there will probably be a lot of pressure on your lock cylinder, and it might not turn easily.

Reduce that pressure by making a slight turn of the wheel. A tiny bit of movement in one way is necessary. With the lock’s stress relieved, you can turn the key easily to unlock the cylinders.

If you employ the steering wheel as a footrest to get in or out of the car, you should know that doing so could trigger the steering wheel lock.

Steering Wheel Lock Up While Driving

Steering lockup is extremely unlikely to occur due to anything other than a sudden malfunction in the car’s drive shaft or steering knuckles. Take reasonable precautions to stop the automobile safely, then arrange a tow to the nearest approved repair facility.

On the other hand, a sudden absence of directional reaction is rarely total. You can still navigate the vehicle when the power steering fails, but with significant difficulty.

Steering Wheel Binds While Driving

Insufficient or filthy power steering liquid may be to blame if your steering wheel freezes up while driving. 

You might not notice a problem while driving, but the vehicle could be more challenging to redirect at lower revs if this mechanism fails. Damage to the system could trigger a fluid loss, reducing the liquid’s pressure inside.

If the power steering liquid is also contaminated, it should be replaced. You might need replacement power steering pumps if the liquid isn’t flowing through the unit or there are red fluids leaking from car.

Steering Wheel Binds In One Direction

Another sign that you’re dealing with power steering issues is if the steering wheel seizes when you try to drive in a particular direction or position.

Now that the machine is operating in reverse, it’s possible that the power steering liquid isn’t the problem. The power steering setup itself could be mechanically faulty. A congested power steering rod or a defective grill could be to blame.

Although a specialist might recommend changing your power steering liquid before changing a faulty power steering grill, the latter is a more involved procedure. When the components of the power steering mechanism become locked, a fresh supply of power steering liquid is often the key to unlocking them.

Engine Control Unit (ECU) Problems

The steering may become unresponsive if there is a malfunction in the engine control unit (ECU), as it manages the power steering. Issues with the ECU can result in erroneous signals transmitted to the power steering mechanism, resulting in the steering wheel locking up.

All sorts of issues can arise if the ECU in your vehicle is broken; steering lockup is also a common issue.

In this case, the engine could suddenly shut off, the car could start then die, or the brake pads could fail. If you suspect a problem with your ECU, you should get it examined as promptly as possible.

What To Do In Case Of Power Steering Failure

This malfunction will make cruise control very tricky, whether due to power steering troubles or a technical fault with the racks. However, it is reversible, and quick action can prevent an adverse event.

In case your steering becomes quite stiff, proceed as the followings:

• Position both hands securely on the steering wheel: You can still handle the vehicle, despite the extra effort.
• Pull over on the sideway and activate the emergency flashing light: Adrenaline may be coursing through your veins, so keep a cool head.
• Request assistance: If the vehicle is in a reasonably safe area, request a tow truck to transport it to a service center. If you are in a dangerous scenario, calling 911 will send a police car. The police car parked behind you on the side with its lights blinking lends security to your circumstance.

What To Do In Case Of Complete Steering Wheel Lockup

It is uncommon for the steering to lock up instantly due to a malfunctioning steering column locking mechanism, but it can happen. In such a breakdown, controlling the vehicle will become immediately impossible.

It is possible for the steering to lock up in either the straight-ahead or the turn positions. If your vehicle’s steering shaft has a locking mechanism, its design will determine how it works.

If this occurs, do the following:

• Quickly bring the vehicle to a stop: Activate the hazard lights immediately if you need to stop in the middle of the road.
• Don’t freak out: Stay in your vehicle and call 911 if you cannot get out onto the side of the roadway. Describe your current location and scenario to the call taker and ask for help immediately. Wearing seatbelts maximizes protection in the event of a collision with another automobile.
• When it’s safe to do so, get out of the car. You should get out of the automobile and sprint to the nearest sideway if incoming traffic goes quiet. If you have any young passengers with you, please take extra precautions.

FAQs 

Wrapping Up 

Hopefully, now you’ve grasped “how does a steering wheel lock work?” and understood 5 possible issues that lead to this fatal phenomenon. Although the situation could be highly nervous, keep calm and proceed as instructed above in case of a locked steering wheel!  

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