Everything You Need to Know About Steering Wheels

The function of a steering wheel is obvious at first glance, but there’s more to steering wheels and steering systems than meets the eye. They’re part of a machine that’s gone from being simply a way to get from A to B to something that offers entertainment, navigation, prestige and even self-driving capabilities. As the complexity of vehicles has increased, so have the steering wheels inside them.

“That wheel’s not just a handle, it’s a control hub that should be set up to keep you safe and comfortable,” says a master tech from All American Billet. “You’d be surprised how many folks don’t even realize their steering wheel adjusts. I’ve had drivers come in complaining about back pain or poor visibility, and all it took was a tilt and telescope adjustment to fix it.”

But steering wheels also get abused, especially when we use them as a grab handle for entering and exiting the vehicle.

“That happens all too often, and the steering can get locked and the steering column bearings can fail, resulting in a flopping around loose steering wheel,” says master mechanic Chris “Moose” Pyle. “Some drivers also reposition the steering column up and down every time they enter, which can wear it out prematurely, so try not to get into this habit.”

Here’s what else to know about your steering wheel, for a comfortable and safe drive.

What’s the Function of a Steering Wheel?

Obviously, a steering wheel and the system it connects to primarily controls the direction of a vehicle. It converts the rotational commands of the driver into swiveling movements of the vehicle’s front wheels. The driver’s movement passes through a series of joints and hydraulic lines in the steering system, ultimately reaching the rubber as it hits the road.

Modern steering wheels also often have accessory functions built in, such as cruise control, audio system selection and volume. Some steering wheels are even electrically heated.

Main Parts of a Steering System

Although not all automotive steering systems are the same, rack-and-pinion is one of the most common. In this design, the steering wheel attaches to a shaft (called a steering column) that connects to a rack (a long metal component with serrated teeth that links the two front wheels together). The steering column and rack are joined with a gear wheel called a pinion.

Most vehicle steering systems also include some kind of power-assist to make it easier for the driver to turn the steering wheel, i.e., power steering (anyone who has driven a pre-1970s vehicle knows how helpful this is!).

Power steering uses a belt-driven, hydraulic pump that pressurizes power steering fluid. The pressure ultimately assists the mechanisms and allows tires to turn more easily when a driver directs the steering wheel.

Steering wheels can become broken or torn, and the controls on the wheel can sometimes stop working. If you hear any unusual noises when turning the steering wheel, or you feel unusual resistance, take your vehicle to a licensed mechanic right away.

Steering Wheel Adjustment Systems

Over the years, different approaches have been used to allow the position and angle of steering wheels to be adjusted. Although all steering wheels do the same basic thing, there are differences in comfort, adjustability and style.

Tiltable Steering Wheels

First introduced by General Motors in 1963, tiltable steering wheels offer different angle positions along a wide arc. An adjustable joint just below the steering wheel allows for this feature, without affecting the location of the steering column. Although this type of wheel was only available in luxury cars initially, it’s become common in all kinds of models today. These days many cars have steering wheels that tilt.

Telescoping Steering Wheels

Telescoping steering wheels are similar to tiltable wheels in adjustability, except that telescoping systems offer a range of heights. In contrast to the wide, multi-position arc of a tiltable wheel, telescopes can be adjusted to an infinite number of positions within a three-inch range. Although this doesn’t sound like much, most drivers don’t need more. You don’t see telescoping steering wheels in all modern cars, but it’s not rare either.

Swing-Away Steering Wheels

Introduced by Ford in 1961 in its classic Thunderbird, the swing-away steering wheel offered additional driving comfort in an innovative package. It allowed the steering wheel to be moved nine inches to the right when the vehicle was in park, making it easier for drivers entering and exiting the car. Though you won’t see these in new cars, the swing-away has become a kind of legendary feature, highly prized by collectors.

Also, find out what to do about a shaking steering wheel when braking.

FAQ

What are some signs my steering wheel might be malfunctioning?

There are a few tell-tale signs that something is wrong with your steering wheel or steering column:

• If your steering feels loose or sloppy, it could mean components in the column or the steering rack are worn.
• If you have stiffness or difficulty turning, that might be a power steering issue.
• Clunks, squeaks or pops when turning could indicated a problem in the steering column or suspension joints.
• If the steering wheel not centered, even when the car drives straight, you need an alignment.

Also, “If your buttons are messing up, the horn is not working or the airbag light is on for the driver’s airbag, there can be damage in the steering wheel or the clock spring between the steering wheel and the steering column,” says Pyle.

How do I maintain a leather steering wheel?

Leather steering wheels can look warn out from of lack of cleaning, over-cleaning or using the wrong cleaner. These recommendations for maintaining a leather steering wheel come from auto detailer Parham Koukia:

• Wipe it every few days with a damp microfiber cloth. “You’d be surprised how much sweat and oil build up just from normal driving,” he says.
• Monthly, gently scrub with a soft towel or interior brush, using a leather-safe cleaner (not an all-purpose cleaner), then promptly wipe it dry. “Focus on the spots you touch most, especially if you drive a lot,” he says.
• Condition it every month or two by rubbing in leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and prevent cracking. “Don’t overdo it, just a light layer, let it sit, then buff it off,” he says. “You don’t want a slippery wheel.”
• Keep it out of the sun by using a sunshade or parking in the shade.“Heat and sunlight break down leather fast, so this one step can add years to your interior,” he says.
• Skip hash cleaners like alcohol wipes, all-purpose sprays or anything not made for leather. “They’ll strip the natural oils and mess up the finish over time,” he says.
• Never soak the steering wheel, as too much moisture can seep into the stitching or behind the leather wrap.
  Skip shiny finishes, as a glossy steering wheel can be slippery and dangerous.

About the Experts

• Chris “Moose” Pyle is a master-certified technician with 20-plus years of automotive experience, and an auto expert on JustAnswer, the expert on-demand platform.
• Parham Koukia is lead detailer and operations manager at Panda Hub in Toronto. He has spent more than a decade mastering the art of car detailing, after turning his passion for automobiles into his profession.
• All American Billet and WAM Bumpers are online retailers based in Phoenix, which specialize in hot rod, off-road bumpers and other custom auto parts.