A friend of mine insists that it is hard on a car's power steering system to turn the front wheels when the car engine is on but the car is stationary. Obviously, twisting the steering wheel back and forth in this situation would be abusive, as would be too much lock-to-lock turning. No, we are talking about turning/straightening the wheels in a parking space, or turning the wheels in order to leave a parking space, but before the car has begun to move. I think the system is robust enough and designed for these applications and that such use does not constitute abuse. FYI - the car in question is a 2004 3-series BMW.
2007-07-30 04:32:47 · 9 answers · asked by Bradford J 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Short answer - No.
2007-07-30 04:35:15 · answer #1 · answered by kno3ko 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes and No. When you turn the wheels without the car moving you are putting more stress and pressure on the power steering hoses. This excess pressure may cause failure or leaking in the hoses either at a weak point in the hose or at the threaded connections.
The car is actually capable of handling the pressure, so I wouldn't say that you are abusing the system, I will say that you are putting extra stress on the system.
To get a feel for the difference, while you are stopped with the engine running turn the wheel a full turn either direction. Now turn the engine off and then turn the key back to the on position, now turn the wheel back one full turn. The difference in the effort that it takes is what your steering system is seeing. good luck.
2007-07-30 04:44:07 · answer #2 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's fine as long as you don't over-steer too much, like turn the wheel until you lock it. If you have to steer stationary, try to ease on the brake a bit to make the car move an inch or so.
Although it does have an effect on your tires. If you do it often enough, I think you might get some uneven wear on the treads.
I do alot of stationary steering, and this info is from my mechanic.
2007-07-30 04:38:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOUR RIGHT The system is made to turn the wheels when the car is at a stop, this is needed for getting out of tight places.
2007-07-30 04:37:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
your friend is wrong, the car is designed to handle the pressure.
only thing that may get any damage is your tires,and itd be such a small amount its irrelevant.
2007-07-30 13:54:01 · answer #5 · answered by yankeegray_99 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The power steering system isn't hurt by it.
But if you do it repeatedly, you can wear a flat spot on your tires.
2007-07-30 04:35:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it' the same as running the car!
2007-07-30 04:44:18 · answer #7 · answered by Dan D Man 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your friend is wrong in the situation you described.
2007-07-30 04:49:57 · answer #8 · answered by Ron B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it don't do the tiers a lot of good
2007-07-30 04:36:07 · answer #9 · answered by jamie_walton_15 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋