

If your power steering belt breaks, your power steering system will not be able to operate, and you’ll find it hard to turn the steering wheel.ĭamaged steering rack: The steering rack, which is part of the rack and pinion, is the primary part of your steering assembly, and works in conjunction with the power steering system. They can crack, snap, or loosen more easily than most other car parts. Belts are one of the most susceptible components of your car. Like any other belt in your vehicle, the functionality of a system starts and stops with the belt. When this happens, your steering is not aided as much by the power steering system, and the force needed to turn the wheel now rests in the hands of the driver.ĭamaged power steering belt: The action of the power steering system is driven by the power steering belt. As the amount of fluid in the power steering system diminishes, the amount of force that can be applied to the piston lowers. Power steering fluid is low: The force that allows your power steering to function properly is the result of the power steering fluid applying pressure against the piston inside the rack and pinion. Here are the primary malfunctions in the power steering system that may make it hard for you to turn the steering wheel: Other small crossovers such as the Mazda CX-3 have shown that a humble crossover doesn’t have to feel its price.įront-wheel-drive Trax crossovers use simple rear drum brakes, but four-wheel disc brakes are included with all-wheel drive.Service type Steering wheel is hard to turn Inspection Copious lean into corners from the simple torsion-beam rear axle prevents the Trax from feeling remotely fun on a curvy road. The Trax’s steering is fast and light, which works well around town but contributes to a nervous feel at higher speeds. Some fault lies with the Trax’s 6-speed automatic, which delivers slurred upshifts and and can be reluctant to slip down a cog or two. Even a relatively wide torque curve doesn’t help. It’s at suburban and highway speeds where this smallest Chevy feels especially out of breath. The turbo-4 is sluggish around town, but adequate for driving between stop lights. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive costs about $1,500 more.

Under its hood, the Trax features a 1.4-liter turbo-4 rated at 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque.


The related Buick Encore is swankier inside and more powerful, but just as cramped. Its rear seat is a tight fit for adults and its interior is dressed in low-buck plastics.
#CHEVY TRAX 2019 STEERING TROUBLE DRIVERS#
The Trax provides a good view out for drivers and more cargo utility than subcompact cars. Pint-size dimensions mean the Trax excels at urban driving, but its short wheelbase and budget suspension make it nervous on a curvy road or a wide-open highway. All-wheel-drive versions earn just 30 mpg on the highway according to the EPA. Despite its little engine and lithe curb weight, the Trax isn’t as miserly as you might expect. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional, but the Trax is not a dirt road champion. A 1.4-liter turbo-4 pairs to a 6-speed automatic. The 2019 Trax is offered in LS, LT, and Premier trim levels. The Trax makes a decent choice at or close to its $22,000 base price, but we’d shop the competition carefully before signing on the dotted line. The Trax comes up short in terms of refinement, styling, and safety. It scores for its low price, but that’s about it. Overall, we rate the 2019 Trax at 4.2 out of 10. The 2019 Chevrolet Trax is a city-sized crossover SUV that makes up for its low thrill demeanor with budget-friendly pricing.
