What can cause the steering wheel to rotate by itself on an articulating steering system?

The phenomenon of a steering wheel rotating by itself in an articulating steering system is primarily associated with internal wear in the metering pump. This is because the metering pump is responsible for directing hydraulic fluid to the steering mechanism, enabling the precise movement necessary for steering control. If the pump experiences wear, it may fail to maintain proper pressure and flow, which can lead to erratic steering behavior, including the wheel turning without input from the driver.

Internal wear can result in excess play or instability within the hydraulic system, making it difficult for the driver to manage steering effectively. As a result, the steering wheel may spontaneously move as the hydraulic pressure may fluctuate insufficiently or inappropriately due to the worn components within the pump.

While issues like a faulty steering column, improper alignment, and low power steering fluid can cause other steering-related problems, they are less likely to result in the steering wheel moving by itself when compared to the consequences of internal wear in the metering pump. These other factors may contribute to a lack of responsiveness or difficulties in directing the vehicle but do not directly lead to the steering wheel's autonomous movement in the same manner as the wear within the pump would.