Heavy Steering & Vibration: Power Steering System Failure

I had a very similar issue with my 2004 Suzuki Swift. As someone with some experience working on cars, I first thought it was related to the hydraulic fluid, but it turned out to be simpler. The main symptoms matched exactly what you describe, heavy steering wheel, vibrations, and the power steering basically stopped working. After taking it to my regular workshop, they diagnosed a faulty electrical connection at the steering column. The cable connecting to the electric steering system had corroded and was making poor contact. The fix was straightforward, they replaced the damaged wiring and connectors at the steering rack. Total cost was 95€ for parts and labor. Much better than having to replace the entire power steering system. However, to provide more specific advice for your case, could you share: Have you noticed any grinding noise when turning? Does the steering feel heavier at lower speeds? When did the warning light first appear? Has there been any recent work done on the steering system? These details would help determine if your issue is electrical like mine was, or if its related to the hydraulic system or steering rack components.

Thanks for the detailed response. Mine has 125396 KM on the clock, and no grinding noise when turning the steering wheel. The power steering warning light came on last week, and its definitely worse at lower speeds, making parking really difficult. The steering pump makes a whining sound when turning, which wasnt mentioned in your electrical issue. I think its likely a different problem since my Ignis uses hydraulic power steering rather than electric. It sounds like the pressure hose or steering pump might be the culprit here. The last service was done 6 months ago but no steering work was included. Going to book it in with a shop since I want to get this sorted before it causes more damage to the steering rack or other components.

Yes youre right, with a whining sound from the pump, your issue does seem different from my initial diagnosis. On my Swift, we never heard any pump noise, it was just the electrical connection problem. Looking at your symptoms again, the whining steering pump, heavy steering at low speeds, and power steering warning, these strongly suggest a failing hydraulic system. The pressure hose might be leaking internally, or the power steering pump could be losing pressure. These issues often make the characteristic whining noise you described. When my had similar symptoms on his Ignis last year, it turned out the power steering pump was worn out. The repair involved replacing both the pump and the pressure hose since they found metal particles had contaminated the hydraulic fluid. Total cost was around 450€. Worth checking the power steering fluid color, if its dark or has metal particles, thats another sign of pump wear. While the shop handles the repair, make sure they flush the entire hydraulic system to prevent any debris from damaging the new components. Quick safety note: Since youre experiencing unstable handling, better get it checked soon. Driving with a failing power steering system can put extra stress on the steering rack, which would be much more expensive to replace.

As the original poster, I should update that I took the car to a repair shop yesterday. Their diagnostic found metal fragments in the power steering fluid, exactly like what you described. The steering pump had indeed failed, causing the whining noise and contaminating the entire steering system. The total repair bill came to 520€, which included: New steering pump, New pressure hose, Complete system flush, Fresh power steering fluid, Wheel alignment check The mechanic showed me the old pump which was completely worn out. They also found some scoring inside the pressure hose from the metal particles. Really glad I had it fixed before the steering rack got damaged too. The car now steers perfectly, no more whining noise, heavy steering, or warning lights. The steering system feels responsive again and parking is back to being effortless. Thanks for helping me understand what was likely wrong before I took it in.