Why is My steering very strong - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid

Suspension issues. The air foil is causing your vehicle to change position putting pressure on the steering/suspension and it's not reacting properly.

I would spend a little money on a suspension inspection to include the steering column and components. This could be caused by wear on the suspension parts or a failed ride control system. (shock absorbers.)

power steering pump is going out

take it to a power steering specialist shop and have them check the drive belt first and the the power steering for failure

the car is not moving the hold the brake and turn steering will become strong vibrate. if no hold brake will be normal.

KD Tools Steering Wheel Lock Plate Remover product.ownProduct var = false ' product.mktPlaceInd var = SHC --> var prodBrand = "KD Tools"; var omEvt="prodView,event10";var omPrds=";00999861000P"; Sold by Sears ' Sears Item# 00999861000 ' Model# KDS3509
This is what you need..I have taken them off by hand and with a cotter pin remover tool, but it is hard to do and FUSTERATING! You have to push the lock plate down with both hands...it has a strong (STRONG) spring, once it is pushed down (about 1/2 in.) you will see a (C) clip that has to be removed from the steering shaft......The tool makes it so easy....Hope this helped you ? Good Luck...

Hello and welcome to Fixya!
There are two kinds of power steering nowadays. First is the conventional power steering which requires power steering fluid. If you are lacking steering fluid it will be hard to turn.
Second is the electronic power steering. I strongly suggest that you take it in to a reputable mechanic to check and replace necessary parts for this will need an on hand trouble shooting.
Hope this helps and thank you for using Fixya! Have a good one!

Hi and welcome to FixYa!

As a first course of action I strongly suggest that you fill the power steering reservoir with power steering fluid. It may be out that's why it steers hard than usual. You may have a power steering leakage too so I strongly suggest that you replace worn out steering hoses and it's wise to check the rack and pinion if it has leak. If it has then the oil seals of the rack and pinion will need replacement.

Hope this helps and thank you for using FixYa! Have a good one!

First thing I would say is you should pickup a repair book like CHILTONS for your year make and model of jeep it will give you step by step instructions. On most older jeeps to remove the key switch you must first pull the steering wheel (steering wheel puller needed) then horn contact under that, then the turn signal switch under that, under that you will find a spring loaded security plate that must be pushed in and held untill you remove the split ring around the steering shaft that holds the plate in ( it's not easy it's a STRONG spring and it takes three hands with two strong thumbs to compress the plate and spring and another hand with a small screwdriver to remove the ring. (They do make a small cheap tool to compress and hold the spring but if you have strong thumbs it can be done without the tool) once you remove that plate you will see a small flathead allen screww along side the key switch remove it and the switch should pull out. Some must be turned to the run position to pull out but Im not sure about your year.

The resevoir should be on the power steering pump
If you are good on fluid then maybe you need to check for excessive play in the steering box itself, check idler arm, and tie rod ends.

if this car uses the power steering pump to help with the brakes it is possible that the pump went out or possibly the belt broke as well.