Signs Your Power Steering Is Broken
AAMCO Utah • August 25, 2018
No Power Steering? Prepare for a Workout
Driving a car without power steering is a lot of work. If you’ve ever done this, you know how much extra effort it takes to make the vehicle go in the direction you want. Power steering has one job – to make steering and turning your car easier. This system uses a hydraulic system fluid pressure involving a pump and piston. When you turn the steering wheel, it causes fluid inside of the pump to move between the right and left side which causes the piston to move. This piston is attached to the steering gears which allows the wheel to turn. Below, we will identify some tell-tale signs of a failing power steering system.
How to Tell Your Power Steering is Shot
Steering is Difficult
When the steering wheel is difficult to turn, or the tires feel like they’re flat – and you know they’re not – it is safe to assume there is an issue with your power steering. These symptoms can also be a sign of low power steering fluid, but this can also occur if there is a leak or if a coupling hose is loose. Another possibility is that the power steering belt is wearing out or that the power steering pump is broken or damaged. There are many components within this system which could affect the steering, so if you’re experiencing these problems, schedule an appointment
at your closest AAMCO Utah location.
Low Fluid Levels
If your power steering fluid is low, it usually points to a leak. Hoses can get cracked or worn which causes the fluid to leak. A leak is easy to identify, just look at the ground under your parked car. These issues are much more common in vehicles that are slightly older since the hoses have been exposed to more use. Old hoses can burst or crack, which causes a huge fluid loss that you will notice right away, either while driving or when you see the puddle on the ground under your car.
Whining or Squealing Sound When Driving
When making a sharp turn, do you hear a loud screeching, whining, or squealing sound? This is absolutely a sign of power steering problems. This squealing when you make a turn usually means the drive belt inside of the power steering pump is worn or loose. If you can’t recall the last time you had a car tune up
performed, it may be a perfect time.
Steering Wheel Vibrates When Idling
This symptom can be especially alarming to drivers unfamiliar with power steering issues because it happens when the car is idled, and steering is not in use. Vigorous shaking or steering wheel vibrations are an indication that the belt is damaged, loose, or needs to be replaced.
AAMCO Utah Diagnostic and Inspection
The power steering in your car is a complicated system. One sign of trouble could easily mean there are other issues you aren’t aware of yet (e.g., low fluid = leak = damaged fuel pump). If your steering wheel is hard to turn, or there is a loud whining when you turn, it likely means your power steering system needs to be serviced. Bring your car to AAMCO Utah for a complete Diagnostic and Multi-Point Inspection.
The post Signs Your Power Steering Is Broken first appeared on AAMCO Utah Transmission Repair and General Car Repair.
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