I just this week purchased a 2010 Elantra and like everything about the car, except its steering. The steering seems overly tight. For example, with my old car, I could steer it basically with one hand on the steering wheel, using slight motion with my wrist to keep it straight on the road. With the Elantra, it seems to require more effort, having to use more of my arm, to make slight movements on the steering to keep the car straight. It feels almost like no power steering. Is this normal for the Elantra? Thanks.

 

New model does not use the old hydraulic pump and oil lines for assist any more.. open the hood and you find no P/S pump or lines..

The now have an electric motor assembly & control module on the steering column under the dash for assist.. the system is speed sensitive also, provide more assist at slow speed, and less at high speed.

 

Well, I have been driving with this electronic power steering for a couple of months now and do not like it. If I would have known how much harder this makes it to steer the car straight down the road, I would not have bought the car.

 

I test drove a 2010 Elentra SE and also found the steering too tight. My solution was to switch from the more expensive SE tires to the GLS tires and this alone improved the steering. I know I lost money on the tires, but it was worth it because I did buy the SE about 4 months ago and I love the way it handles now. Of course, the sport tuned suspension accounts for some of this "tightness" and rough ride. I guess it takes a little getting used to.