Are you guys able to turn your steering wheel when the car is off?

[Coconut]

Noticed something strange today. Had my car up on jackstands (car is turned off obviously) and noticed I can turn the steering wheel. From what I remember, whenever I park the car and turn if off the steering wheel would "lock".

The only difference is the car is up on jackstands with the wheels off. Every other variable is the same (parking brake on, in neutral, engine off). I'm sure it's something super simple I missed, but I just can't figure it out :doh:

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[jasonstang]

The steering lock only comes with security package if that's what you are talking about.
Sheering wheel doesn't lock. It's the power steering so it gets heavy when the car is off. When the wheels are in the air, they have no resistance anymore thus turning freely.

 

[thumper]

Noticed something strange today. Had my car up on jackstands (car is turned off obviously) and noticed I can turn the steering wheel. From what I remember, whenever I park the car and turn if off the steering wheel would "lock".

The only difference is the car is up on jackstands with the wheels off. Every other variable is the same (parking brake on, in neutral, engine off). I'm sure it's something super simple I missed, but I just can't figure it out :doh:

huh. i didn't realize that until you mentioned it. after i turn the engine off about a minute later you can hear the steering lock engage. but i just had my car up on jackstands to change to my winter tires and realized i can steer the front wheels while i was mounting/dismounting my summer stuff :shrug:

 

[x_man586]

Nowadays if there isn't a key cylinder there usually isn't a steering lock. It makes working on one nice now that I don't have to waste time turning the car on and off just to turn the wheel

 

[Kennocha]

The steering lock only comes with security package if that's what you are talking about.
Sheering wheel doesn't lock. It's the power steering so it gets heavy when the car is off. When the wheels are in the air, they have no resistance anymore thus turning freely.

Yea, I have steering lock.

First time it happened kind of startled me.

Loud shiiiiink, as it slid into place. Was like, the hell was that?!

 

[EFI]

Part of it has to do with the electric power steering. No longer do you need the engine on spinning a power steering pump to actually get power steering and be able to move the wheels.

 

[Old 5 Oh]

Fascinating. Honestly hadn't noticed it didn't lock like every other car I have ever owned.

 

[BmacIL]

It's very difficult to turn, but yes. No power steering and a lot of friction when the tires aren't rolling.

 

[nicktechla]

Yea, I have steering lock.

First time it happened kind of startled me.

Loud shiiiiink, as it slid into place. Was like, the hell was that?!

it's really loud if you have the hood up and are looking at something on the engine. it scared me the first time :eyebulge:

 

[TexasRebel]

huh. i didn't realize that until you mentioned it. after i turn the engine off about a minute later you can hear the steering lock engage. but i just had my car up on jackstands to change to my winter tires and realized i can steer the front wheels while i was mounting/dismounting my summer stuff :shrug:

did you lock the car?

 

[jrt6]

did you lock the car?

The steering wheel locks on its own maybe about 15-30 seconds after you turn the car off. Regardless if you lock it or have it unlocked.

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