“Why Is My Hyundai Santro’s Steering Becoming Hard, Especially at Low Speed?”

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“Why Is My Hyundai Santro’s Steering Becoming Hard, Especially at Low Speed?”

I have a Hyundai Santro 2005, and recently the steering has become very hard, especially while turning at slow speeds o r during parking. A mechanic said it might be due to low power-steering fluid o r a failing power-steering pump. Others told me it could be due to worn tie rods o r a jammed steering rack. What is the most common steering-hardness reason in Pakistani Santros, and how can I diagnose it properly?

Talha Kyanii asked on 05 Dec 2025 10:27:17 am

1 Answer

11 views |

Gari Master - on 05 Dec 2025 11:00:20 am

Hard steering in Hyundai Santro is one of the most common issues in Pakistan, mainly due to age and worn components.

Most likely reasons:

Low o r old power-steering fluid
– Santro owners rarely change PS fluid, causing pump wear and harder steering.
✔ Fix: Top up o r replace the fluid Dexron II/III.

Failing power-steering pump
– If you hear a whining sound while turning, the pump is weak.
✔ Fix: Rebuild o r replace the pump.

Jammed o r worn steering rack
– Very common in Pakistani Santros due to bad roads and lack of maintenance.
✔ Fix: Rack service o r replacement.

Dry o r seized tie rods / ball joints
– Steering becomes stiff when these joints wear out.
✔ Fix: Replace tie-rod ends o r ball joints.

Low tire air pressure
– Low pressure makes steering heavy at slow speeds.
✔ Fix: Maintain 30–32 PSI.

Most common fix in Pakistan:

Power-steering fluid + rack service solves hard steering in most Santros.