Most problems in the front end and steering are caused by improperly maintained tires; which you can correct yourself, or by incorrect wheel alignment, which requires the services of a professional mechanic.
Get in the habit of checking tires frequently; this is usually the first place that problems in the front end or steering will show up.
THE CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CHECK/TRY THIS
| Hard Steering (steering wheel is hard to turn) | Low or uneven tire pressure | Inflate tires to correct pressure |
| Loose power steering pump drive belt | Adjust belt | |
| Low or incorrect power steering fluid | Add fluid as necessary | |
| Incorrect front end alignment | Have front end alignment checked /adjusted | |
| Defective power steering pump | Have pump checked /repaired | |
| Bent or poorly lubricated front end parts | Lubricate and/or have defective parts replaced | |
| Loose Steering (too much play in the steering wheel | Loose wheel bearings | Adjust wheel bearings |
| Loose or worn steering linkage | Have worn parts serviced | |
| Faulty shocks | Replace shocks | |
| Worn ball joints | Have ball joints checked /serviced |
| Car Veers or Wanders (car pulls to one side with hands off the steering wheel) | Incorrect tire pressure | Inflate tires to correct pressure |
| Improper front end alignment | Have front end alignment checked /adjusted | |
| Loose wheel bearings | Adjust wheel bearings | |
| Loose or bent front end components | Have worn components checked /serviced | |
| Faulty shocks | Replace shocks |
| Oscillation or vibration through steering wheel | Improper tire pressures | Inflate tires to correct pressure |
| Tires out of balance | Have tires balanced | |
| Loose wheel bearings | Adjust wheel bearings | |
| Improper front end alignment. | Have front end alignment checked/adjusted | |
| Worn or bent front end components | Have front end checked /serviced |
