Problems with power steering and errors in wheel alignment affect your driving comfort, your driving safety and the lifespan of your tyres. These faults can present themselves in various ways, ranging from a heavy steering wheel to a car that constantly pulls to one side. Owners of a Seat Alhambra regularly report these complaints. These issues sometimes develop gradually, so you do not notice them straight away. Even so, acting quickly is essential to prevent costly damage.
How to recognise power steering problems
Power steering problems show up in different ways. The most common symptom is a heavy or stiff steering wheel, especially at low speeds such as when parking or manoeuvring. This usually points to a low fluid level or air in the system. Another common sign is noises while steering.
Do you hear whining, squeaking or creaking when you turn the steering wheel? Then the power steering pump may be worn, or the drive belt for the pump may be damaged. These noises occur mainly when you turn the wheel while idling. Sometimes you also experience irregular steering behaviour where the steering alternates between light and heavy. This leads to unstable handling.
In more serious cases the steering assistance can fail completely or the steering wheel reacts with a delay to your inputs. Modern cars will then often show a warning light on the dashboard with a message about the steering system. Another symptom is the steering locking or the car not tracking straight accurately. This can indicate play in the track rod ends or the steering rack.
Common causes of power steering faults
The causes of power steering problems are varied. Fluid leaks from the pump, hoses or steering rack are a frequent cause. You recognise these leaks by pink or red oil patches under your car. When the system contains too little fluid, the pump becomes damaged.
A worn power steering pump or a snapped V-belt means the pump is no longer driven. Air in the system or a defective steering rack causes pressure loss. In cars with electric power steering, problems with contacts, wiring or a weak battery can be the cause. You feel play in ball joints or track rod ends as looseness in the steering.
‘ Incorrect wheel alignment typically costs you 30 per cent of normal tyre life. ’
Why tyres wear unevenly due to wheel alignment errors
Wheel alignment problems arise when the wheels are no longer at the correct angle in relation to each other and to the road surface. This has a direct effect on tyre wear. When the wheels are out of line, the tyres do not roll optimally. They partially scrub across the road surface.
This causes uneven wear patterns. You may see, for example, that the inner or outer edge of the tread is much more worn than the rest. This process speeds up considerably, especially at higher speeds. Incorrect wheel alignment typically costs you 30 per cent of normal tyre life.
In addition, fuel consumption increases because the engine has to work harder to overcome the extra resistance. Wheel alignment affects three key angles: toe determines whether the wheels point inwards or outwards, camber determines the tilt angle, and caster affects stability when driving straight ahead.
Symptoms that point to wheel alignment problems
A crooked steering wheel is the most obvious symptom of incorrect wheel alignment. Even if you let go of the steering wheel, the car will pull to one side. This can even happen after professional alignment if the steering wheel was not locked in place during the alignment procedure on the alignment ramp.
Unstable handling is another common sign. You have to make constant small corrections to keep the car going straight, especially above 100 kilometres per hour. Some cars change direction when driving over bumps or potholes. This points to worn bushes in the suspension or defective control arms.
An unpleasant steering feel can also indicate alignment problems. The steering then feels heavy or resistant. Regular checks of your tyres will show uneven wear patterns that confirm the alignment is off. Sometimes the power steering also seems less effective due to incorrect alignment.
How much does a wheel alignment cost
The cost of wheel alignment varies by workshop and region, but is on average between 50 and 100 euros for front wheel alignment. A full four-wheel alignment costs between 80 and 150 euros. These prices apply to the usual alignment check with modern laser equipment.
Some garages offer package prices if you have new tyres fitted at the same time. The investment quickly pays for itself through reduced tyre wear and lower fuel consumption. Correct alignment extends the lifespan of your tyres by thousands of kilometres.
The procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. First, the mechanic measures the current position of the wheels using laser equipment. He then adjusts the settings according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Finally, he checks that the steering wheel is straight. It is important that the steering wheel is locked in the centre position during alignment, otherwise the problems will return.
Preventive checks save money
Have the wheel alignment checked after every impact with a kerb and after replacing parts in the suspension or steering. Also have the alignment checked every year or every 20,000 kilometres during routine servicing. It is also sensible to check it after fitting new tyres.
‘ Do not ignore these signs, because driving with a defective suspension is dangerous and worsens the damage. ’
Is a crooked steering wheel a sign of a bigger problem
A crooked steering wheel or unstable handling can indeed indicate underlying problems in the suspension or steering. When an alignment does not help, other components are often the cause. If the problem returns quickly, other components are often the cause as well. Worn ball joints, defective control arms or broken anti-roll bar links cause play in the suspension.
This play makes it impossible to align the wheels correctly. It also causes the alignment to deteriorate again quickly. Damaged or worn suspension bushes also lead to instability, especially over bumps. The wheels then change position under load.
Always check the condition of the suspension first before having an expensive alignment carried out. A good mechanic will inspect the components during the alignment procedure and warn you if parts need to be replaced. Do not ignore these signs, because driving with a defective suspension is dangerous and makes the damage worse.
Practical tips for maintaining power steering and wheel alignment
Check the power steering fluid level weekly. This system helps you turn the steering wheel. Open the bonnet and look for the reservoir with the correct marking. Top it up with the type of fluid specified by the manufacturer. Low fluid levels often point to leaks, which you can recognise by pink or red patches under the front of your car.
Listen for unusual noises when steering. While stationary, turn the steering wheel fully to the left and right. Squealing or whining indicates problems with the belt or pump. On a flat, straight road, test whether the car keeps going straight when you briefly let go of the steering wheel. If the car pulls to one side, an alignment is needed.
Regularly inspect your tyres for uneven wear and check tyre pressures according to the specifications in your owner’s manual. For many passenger cars the recommended pressure is between 2.3 and 2.65 bar. For high-mileage cars it is wise to replace parts preventively – that is, in advance, to avoid problems.
- Track rod ends and ball joints after 100,000 kilometres
- Suspension bushes at the first signs of cracking or play
- Battery on electric power steering systems after five to seven years
- Replace power steering fluid every 60,000 kilometres
Do you feel vibrations in the steering wheel when driving over uneven surfaces? Then have the suspension checked. Play in components makes correct wheel alignment impossible and leads to unsafe situations. If in doubt, ask for a professional diagnosis with laser measurement on an alignment ramp.
When you should go straight to the garage
Certain symptoms require immediate action. Do not continue driving if the power steering fails completely, because at low speeds the steering wheel will then be barely manageable. Sudden changes in steering behaviour or loud banging noises from the suspension are also warning signs.
When warning lights appear on the dashboard, professional help is needed. This applies to lights relating to the steering system or stability control. Rapidly increasing tyre wear over a short period also calls for help, as do extreme uneven wear patterns. These signs point to serious deviations that will quickly get worse.
A heavy steering feel combined with noises calls for a diagnosis, and you should do this before components become permanently damaged. Early repairs often prevent a small issue from developing into an expensive fault. Regular checks and timely maintenance ensure safety and lower overall costs.
On the Carnews website you will find extensive information on maintenance tips, common car problems and practical guides for various makes and models. Discover more about how to keep your car in optimal condition and which warning signs you must not ignore.
Frequently asked questions
Signs of problems with the power steering include a heavy or stiff steering wheel, whining or squeaking noises while steering and irregular (jerky or alternately heavy) steering behaviour. The steering wheel can also feel as if it is locking or may not want to track straight accurately. Problems with wheel alignment show up as a crooked steering wheel, the car pulling to one side and unstable handling where you constantly have to make small steering corrections. In addition, uneven or rapid tyre wear is an important sign of incorrect alignment.
Problems with power steering make steering heavier or unpredictable, which means you cannot react as quickly and precisely in emergency situations. Noises, hesitation or loss of steering assistance can lead to a sudden loss of control, especially at low speeds or while manoeuvring. Incorrect wheel alignment causes the car to pull to one side and to need constant correction, which is tiring and reduces stability at higher speeds. Poor alignment also causes irregular tyre wear, which worsens grip and braking performance and therefore undermines safety.
The most common causes of power steering problems are leaking or low power steering fluid, a worn pump or drive belt, air in the system and play in track rod ends or the steering rack. For wheel alignment, common causes include worn bushes and control arms, incorrect adjustment after repairs and impact damage (for example from hitting kerbs or potholes). You can prevent these issues by regularly checking the fluid level and for possible leaks, listening out for unusual steering and pump noises and replacing worn parts in good time. After tyre changes, suspension repairs or heavy impacts against kerbs, have the car professionally aligned and regularly check tyre pressures and tyre wear.
Possible solutions include checking and, if necessary, topping up the power steering fluid, checking for leaks and noises, and replacing worn belts, bushes or track rod ends in good time. For wheel alignment it helps to check tyres, suspension and tyre pressures and to have the car professionally aligned with the steering wheel locked in place. Professional help is unavoidable if the steering wheel remains crooked, handling stays unstable, there are obvious leaks, persistent noises or play in steering and suspension components. If the problem does not disappear after your own checks, a professional diagnosis is essential.