Steering column and steering system faults cause an unpleasant and sometimes dangerous driving experience. An electrically adjustable steering column that intermittently stops working, or a steering column that creaks inexplicably when you turn the wheel, affects not only your comfort but also your safety. These problems are common in modern cars with electric power steering and adjustable steering columns. Read on to discover which faults you can expect and what you can do about them.
What are the symptoms of steering column faults
Faults in the steering column and steering system show up in different ways. The steering wheel may feel heavy, especially at low speeds or immediately after starting. You may sometimes hear a distinct noise from the power steering pump. Another common symptom is a vibrating steering wheel while driving. This can be accompanied by creaking noises from the steering column when you steer.
In some cars, such as the BMW X5, the steering lock does not engage properly. You then see a yellow or red warning light with a message telling you to move the steering wheel left and right. In that case the car often will not start. The electrically adjustable steering column may refuse to move in or out, making it impossible to set a comfortable driving position.
A crooked steering wheel is also a well-known sign of a fault. This occurs mainly after a previous error in the system has been fixed. The steering wheel is then no longer straight, despite correct wheel alignment. In cars with Active Front Steering a message that the steering behaviour has changed appears regularly.
‘ Electrical problems are at the top of the list. ’
What causes these faults
Steering column and steering system faults have various causes. Electrical problems are at the top of the list. Loose or defective wiring connections in the wiring loom cause intermittent faults. Sometimes plugs are fitted the wrong way round, or connectors are damaged by continuous driving vibrations.
Sensor and module failures are also common. The steering angle sensor can go out of calibration after disconnecting the battery or if the battery has been flat. Electric valves or modules can fail. Mechanical wear in the steering column, the power steering system or the pump also plays a role. In some cases, external factors such as bite marks from martens cause damage to wiring and cables.
Software-related problems arise mainly after servicing or other faults in the car. The steering angle sensor then needs reinitialisation to continue working correctly. This is particularly true for systems with electric power steering and Active Front Steering.
Why does the steering column make creaking noises
Creaking noises from the steering column often indicate mechanical wear. Inside the steering column are moving parts that wear over time. Plastic slide bearings and retainers can dry out or crack. This causes a creaking noise when you turn the wheel, especially when stationary or at low speeds.
A loose mounting of the steering column can also cause creaks. The brackets and bolts that hold the column in place can loosen over time due to vibrations. In addition, a damaged steering angle sensor or poorly placed cable inside the column can cause friction and therefore noise. In more serious cases, the creaking indicates a defect in the adjustable mechanism of the steering column itself.
How dangerous is a non-functioning adjustable steering column
An electrically adjustable steering column that does not work does not immediately pose a safety risk while driving. You can continue to drive, but the steering column will remain in its current position. This becomes a problem if the position is uncomfortable or unsafe for your build or driving style.
The real danger arises when the fault is accompanied by other problems in the steering system. If the power steering fails, the steering becomes extremely heavy. This makes manoeuvring difficult and increases the risk of an accident, especially in emergencies. A steering lock that engages unexpectedly while driving is life-threatening. Fortunately this is rare, and steering lock faults usually occur when starting.
Never ignore red warning lights on the dashboard. These often indicate a fault that directly affects the car’s steerability. Park the car safely and have the problem checked before continuing your journey.
‘ Loose connectors cause intermittent faults. ’
How do you diagnose steering column problems
Start by checking all wiring connections around the steering column and steering rack. Loose connectors cause intermittent faults. Also check hidden connection points that may have come loose due to vibrations. Test the steering angle sensor with a diagnostic tool. The sensor should read 0 when the steering wheel is straight, positive values when turning right and negative values when turning left.
An OBD tool or professional diagnostic scanner reads fault codes from the system. These codes point to specific sensors, modules or electrical circuits. Watch out for codes relating to the steering angle sensor, power steering module or communication errors between modules. If the power steering fails or the steering wheel vibrates, try unplugging the steering rack connector. If the vibration stops, the problem lies with the sensor or connector, not the pump.
Check the power steering fluid level and colour. Dark or contaminated fluid points to pump wear or a leak. With electric power steering there is no fluid, but you then check the voltage and current to the motor.
How much does it cost to repair steering column faults
Repair costs vary greatly depending on the cause. Repairing a loose connector or cable costs between €95 and €200. This amount usually includes checking and repairing the wiring. Replacing a steering angle sensor costs around €200 for the part, plus labour. The total bill then comes to €300 to €400.
A defective steering column module or adjustable mechanism is more expensive. Replacing the entire steering column quickly costs between €800 and €1,500, depending on the make and model of the car. With some brands, the dealer covers part of the cost if it is a known design issue. Ask your garage or dealer about this.
Software calibration of the steering angle sensor can be free if you have the right diagnostic tool yourself, such as INPA. At the dealer you pay between €50 and €150 for this. Bear in mind that systems with Active Front Steering almost always require dealer equipment for programming and calibration.
Can you fix steering column problems yourself
You can diagnose and fix some steering column problems yourself. Checking for loose cables and connectors is simple and only requires basic tools. Recalibrating the steering angle sensor is also possible with an OBD tool and suitable software. These tools are available online and cost between €50 and €200.
Replacing a steering angle sensor requires more technical knowledge. You have to partially dismantle the steering column to access the sensor. Follow a manual that is specific to your car model. Without experience in automotive technology, it is wiser to leave this to a professional.
For more complex problems such as defective modules, power steering systems or Active Front Steering, professional help is needed. These systems require specialist equipment for diagnosis, programming and calibration. Avoid tinkering with these components yourself, as incorrect interventions can affect safety or lead to higher repair costs.
‘ Early diagnosis often prevents more serious damage and higher costs. ’
How do you prevent steering column faults
Regular maintenance helps prevent many steering column problems. Check the battery and battery connections at every service. A weak battery causes voltage fluctuations that throw sensors and modules out of calibration. Always recalibrate the steering angle sensor after disconnecting or replacing the battery.
Protect the wiring from external damage. In wooded areas or when cars are parked out in the open countryside, martens can bite through cables. Install marten deterrent products or an ultrasonic repellent system. Regularly check the wiring loom for damage, especially around the engine bay and steering column.
Avoid extreme steering lock, especially when stationary. This puts unnecessary strain on the power steering and mechanical components. If you see a warning light or notice unusual steering behaviour, have it checked quickly. Early diagnosis often prevents more serious damage and higher costs.
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Frequently asked questions
Early signs include the steering becoming heavier than normal, especially at low speeds, or feeling vibrations through the steering wheel. A crooked steering wheel when driving in a straight line or messages on the dashboard such as “steering behaviour changed” can also indicate a problem. Audible noises (humming, squeaking or grinding) when steering, or power assistance that briefly drops out, are warning signs as well. If you notice these symptoms, have the steering system and steering column checked by a professional straight away to prevent further damage and unsafe situations.
Driving with a defective steering column or steering system can cause the car to suddenly become very heavy to steer or stop responding altogether, meaning the driver can lose control. Vibrations or jamming of the steering can cause sudden changes of direction and seriously impede braking and evasive reactions. A defective steering lock or electronic fault can also cause the steering to lock or fail to lock properly. This increases the risk of accidents, especially at higher speeds or in emergency situations.
Carry out regular maintenance on the battery, wiring and connectors around the steering column and steering rack, and after every battery change or disconnection have the steering angle sensor correctly calibrated. Periodically check the power steering fluid, the pump and the track rod ends for leaks and wear, and deal with any play immediately. Avoid holding the steering at full lock for long periods and drive carefully if there are messages about changed steering behaviour; have the system read out with a diagnostic device as soon as possible. Protect wiring looms against damage, for example by fitting marten protection if the car is often parked outdoors in natural or wooded areas.
Common repairs for steering column and steering system faults include replacing or recalibrating the steering angle sensor, replacing or repairing wiring looms and connectors, and sometimes replacing or programming the steering column module or complete steering column. Flushing power steering fluid and checking or replacing the power steering pump are also common. On average, costs for smaller repairs such as sensor or connector work are between about €95 and €200. For replacement or programming of a steering column, or complex AFS-related repairs, the costs can be considerably higher.
Small jobs such as straightening a crooked steering wheel after a tyre change, checking cables for loose plugs or visually checking for damage can be done yourself, provided you have the right information and basic tools. Persistent heavy steering, strong vibrations in the steering wheel or dashboard warnings about steering or power steering always require diagnosis with professional equipment. For faults in systems such as electric power steering or Active Front Steering (AFS) you must absolutely call in a professional, because incorrect work can make the steering unsafe. If the car is hard or impossible to steer, or if the steering lock or start system refuses to work, you must not experiment further yourself but have the car taken straight to a specialist.
Faults in the steering system – such as play, a vibrating or crooked steering wheel and unpredictable assistance – reduce the precision with which the car responds to steering input. During sporty driving you notice this as delayed or uneven response, making it harder to hold your chosen line exactly and correct quickly. Extra play or varying assistance undermines confidence in the car, especially at high cornering speeds or in sudden evasive manoeuvres. Serious faults (for example power steering cutting out or errors in active steering systems) can lead to abrupt, unpredictable steering behaviour and thus directly put safety and driving pleasure under pressure.