When I try to start my 2003 saturn vue the key is hard to turn unless I push brake very hard and turn the steering wheel. What's the problem?

Your steering wheel might be in a bind with the key lock. Try turning on the wheel while you turn the key.

-Tell us little more detail the problem.
-You mean it try to turn to 1 side when you brake or vibate
or very hard to brake?

Mai Lor

Check the fluid level belt could be slipping might need a new one

I'm betting it is the rotors. Warped rotors might cause your problem. Turned rotors that are too thin will warp when heated. Calipers that are sticking or grabing might also do this. A good mechanic should be able to diagnose it after driving it.

There is a TSB for your complaint from Saturn: Here's the jist of it.

Condition: Some customers may comment on a squeak or squeal noise coming from the base of the steering column while turning vehicle.
Cause: The squeak or squeal noise may be caused by insufficient lubrication of the intermediate steering shaft-to rubberboot- contact area.
you may be able to get it warrantied through saturn. this is the TSB #
#03-02-34-002

i am a saturn tech and ive never heard of this concern,the columns do go bad but they just set a ses light and cut out power,the column could be bad,it could also be the intermediate shaft u joint binding,,,i rec take to dealer, could be serious

mine did the same thing. Where the steering column goes through the firewall (floor) there is a rubber seal. That seal has gotten dry. Apply a small amount of lube where the shaft goes through and turn the steering wheel. This helped eliminate my squeal.

It was very likely that the problem turning the key was due to the steering column lock mechanism. Sometimes when you lock the steering wheel, if you the mechanism will bind up, making it difficult to unlock the ignition with the key. Often when this happens, you will be parked on a hill with your wheels agains a curb or some such item. Once you turn the wheel hard to the right (or left), the pressure is released on the locking mechanism, and the key will turn easily. This is a similar situation to what can happen in an automatic if you park on a hill without the parking brake.
try doing this:
pop the off the circle piece around the ignition and the holster cover under the steering wheel.
that ought to work.

Needs new electric collumn.

try wd40 and shaking the key, what happens is one of the tumblers get stuck and wont let the key turn if that dosnt work let me know worst case you will have to replace the ignition its about $35 to $40 and a few hours.