Why does my steering wheel lock when I turn left or right?

2002 DODGE STRATUS
120,000 MILES
Avatar
SJOHNSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
everytime I turn right or left the steering wheel locks. If I put it in park, turn it off and restart it I am able to turn the wheel. But it locks everytime I turn unless I do it very slowly.
Dec 20, 2011 at 10:02 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
CARADIODOC
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 34,308 POSTS
Do you mean the mechanical steering wheel lock is engaging or the steering wheel is just hard to turn? Since you're putting it in park, I have to assume the car is standing still when this occurs. If the wheel is just hard to turn, try raising engine speed a little to see if the power steering assist comes back. If it does, suspect a worn power steering pump. That was real common with the little square "ZF" style pump.
Dec 20, 2011 at 10:43 PM