What is power steering?
Your car’s power steering system helps you to steer the vehicle with ease. The power steering system uses a pump to apply hydraulic pressure to the power steering fluid. This helps the steering rack and pinion to move with ease, reducing the effort required to turn your vehicle. This whole system is powered by your car’s drive belt, which also often controls the water pump, alternator and air conditioning.
If any of these components fail, or your power steering fluid leaks, your car’s steering will become tighter, and require more effort. This can affect your car’s safety.
A worn, cracked or perished power steering belt will also fail a Warrant of Fitness (WOF).
Learn more about how the power steering system works
Causes of faulty power steering:
Faulty power steering pump – The power steering pump is responsible for directing power steering fluid from the power steering pump reservoir to the steering gears. If it fails, power steering fluid will not be able to circulate the system. This will prevent power steering from working correctly. The power steering pump is also prone to developing leaks if damaged.
Symptoms of a faulty pump include:
- Leaking power steering fluid.
- Difficulty turning the steering wheel.
- Whining noises and groaning noises when turning.
- Visible damage and cracks on the power steering pump.
- Leaking power steering pump hoses or connections
Power steering pump replacement in Hamilton
Faulty drive belt – The drive belt (or power steering belt) is what drives your car’s power steering system. If it becomes damaged or snaps, your power steering, and possibly your alternator, water pump and air conditioning will stop working correctly.
Symptoms of a faulty drive belt include:
- Difficulty steering your vehicle.
- Increased engine temperature due to the water pump not working.
- Air conditioning not working.
- Electrical faults due to failing alternator.
Drive belt replacement in Hamilton
Power steering fluid leaks – A leak may develop in your car’s power steering pump, hoses or reservoir. This will deplete your car of power steering fluid, preventing the build of pressure which allows you to turn your steering wheel easily.
Symptoms of leaks include:
- Puddles of power steering fluid forming underneath your car.
- Tighter steering.
- Whining noises when starting and operating your car.
Faulty rack and pinion – The power steering system support the rack and pinion, allowing for easier steering.
A damaged rack and pinion assembly will cause the following symptoms:
- Tight steering
- Grinding noise when turning
- Burning oil smell
- Power steering fluid leaks
Power Steering Services and Replacement in Hamilton
Are you having problems with your car’s power steering system? If so, we can help!
Power steering faults are often difficult to diagnose due to the many different components that can fail. Fortunately, our team of skilled mechanics quickly diagnose the cause of your power steering problem. From there, we can provide expert replacements for damaged parts, allowing your power steering system to function as it should.
For power steering diagnostics, servicing and replacement in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!