Top 5 Power Steering Problems

Power steering is a part of your vehicle you don’t really think about until you are having issues. Normally, when you get in your car, it is very easy to turn the wheel of your vehicle and have your wheels and the vehicle turn accordingly; it just works and you don’t have to worry about it! If you ever experienced a situation where it is extremely hard to turn the steering wheel and your vehicle, it could be a sign of power steering problems. It is good to know a little bit about your power steering system and the potential issues or causes of damage that might occur with this system so that you are prepared for potential problems. Learn more about this in the article below.

How Does a Power Steering System Work?

A power steering system helps you to steer and maneuver your vehicle more easily. When you think about it, your vehicle is a large, heavy object, and if we didn’t have power steering, this object would be very hard to turn.

Power steering is a system that uses hydraulic pressure to assist in steering. It has hoses and a pump that carry pressurized power steering fluid to the steering gearbox (on older vehicles) or rack and pinion assembly (on newer vehicles) to help steer the wheels. Then the fluid is returned to the fluid reservoir that stores and cools the fluid.

Warning Signs of Power Steering Failure

Before a power steering system fails completely, your vehicle usually gives you early warning signs. Pay attention to these common symptoms:

• Difficulty turning the wheel – especially at low speeds

• Whining, squealing, or groaning noises when turning

• Steering wheel vibrations or jerky movement

• Fluid spots or puddles under the vehicle

• Burning smell from an overheating pump

• Stiff or inconsistent steering response

Catching these issues early can help you avoid more serious damage and expensive repairs.

What Are the Most Common Power Steering Problems?

Above, we discussed some basics when it comes to power steering. However, what you really need to know is the potential causes of power steering problems. Below, you can check out the top five causes of power steering damage.

1. Low Power Steering Fluid

If you do not have enough power steering fluid, you could put more pressure on your power steering system, and it could lead to larger problems. You could also have problems if your power steering fluid is contaminated somehow. You should check the level of your fluid with some frequency to be sure you have enough, and you should also check the color. Power steering fluid should be translucent. If it is dark or discolored, it may need to be flushed and replaced. Many manufacturers say you should get your power steering fluid flushed every 50,000 – 80,000 miles on your vehicle. However, you can check out your owner’s manual for specific recommendations based on your specific vehicle.

2. Fluid Leaks

Your power steering fluid leaking is another cause of damage to the whole system. Your fluid could be leaking due to bad connections, damaged hoses, or even worn out seals, but that leaking fluid can cause bigger issues. This is a situation where the fluid leaks can make the whole power steering system lose pressure, and it can lead to damage across the rest of the system like the pump and other components. If the fluid is leaking due to damaged hoses or seals, that is something that your mechanic can fix for you, but be on the lookout for fluid leaks so that you don’t cause more damage to the system by driving with those leaks.

3. Belt Issues

There is a belt which can cause power steering problems in your system. This belt connects your power steering pump to your engine’s crankshaft pulley. As with many things in your vehicle, wear and tear can cause damage to your belt. A power steering belt can get loose, worn out, or even damaged, and that can cause larger issues and damage to your power steering system as a whole. If damaged, your power steering belt will need to be replaced, and this piece of equipment can last you around 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on your vehicle and how you drive it. This should be inspected regularly to be sure it is functioning well for you.

4. Pump Issues

As mentioned above, the pump in your power steering system helps get the power steering fluid moving to assist you in turning. If your pump is damaged, you won’t be able to use your power steering system. Your pump will be pretty durable, but it can wear out, especially if there is a lot of wear and tear. If there is damage, your pump will need to be replaced.

5. Rough Driving/Poor Maintenance

With enough driving, eventually different parts of your vehicle will start to wear out. Your power steering system is no different. Also, if you have rough road conditions and you consistently drive over potholes, bumps, and other rough conditions, it can make your system wear out faster. That or poor maintenance can result in you having damage to your power steering system.

As you can see, your power steering system is really important to your vehicle, and it is also pretty easy to maintain. The first step in maintenance is really just to drive safely and try to avoid strain on your steering and your system. The other important thing is to regularly check your power steering fluid levels, and pay attention to make sure you aren’t seeing any fluid leaks. Finally, you will want to pay attention to your vehicle; if you hear bad noises when you try to turn your vehicle, it might be a sign to get your vehicle checked by a mechanic you trust for power steering problems.

How to Fix Power Steering Problems

Fixing power steering problems starts with identifying what part of the system is failing. The most common issues come from low or leaking power steering fluid, worn hoses, a loose or damaged belt, or a failing pump. Start by checking the fluid level and condition, since refilling or flushing the fluid often restores normal steering if the system hasn’t been damaged. If the fluid is leaking, the next step is replacing the faulty hose or seal so the system can build pressure again.

A slipping belt should be tightened or replaced to keep the pump running properly. When the pump itself is worn out, replacement is usually the only reliable solution. If your vehicle uses electric power steering, a diagnostic scan may be needed to find sensor or motor problems. Once the underlying issue is repaired and the system is pressurized correctly, steering should return to a smooth and easy feel.

Power Steering Maintenance at Seacoast Mazda

At Seacoast Mazda, we can help you with regular power steering maintenance. We can help you replace hoses, pumps, belts, and power steering fluid. Our expert staff will help you get your vehicle back on the road and running exactly like it should be. It is no fun to have power steering problems, so we will work quickly and efficiently to get you back out on the road. You can schedule a service appointment online or give us a call if you have a question about your vehicle. We look forward to helping you get back on the road.

Schedule Your Service Today!