How Do You Know If Your Car's Power Steering Is on the Way out?
You should meet little resistance when you try to turn the steering wheel on your car. In this case, the power steering system should kick in immediately and turn the road wheels without much pressure from you. So, if you hear strange noises coming from beneath the bonnet, what could be happening and what should you do?
How Power Steering Should Work
Today, every new vehicle is fitted with a power steering system, most of which are hydraulically operated. They rely on a central pump that receives power from the engine, and that will force hydraulic fluid into the steering rack to operate the mechanism. The steering pump receives its information from the sensors attached to the steering column. The electronic "brain" will push the hydraulic fluid through left or right channels according to your intended path of travel. As long as the pump is working as it should, everything should operate as expected, but as with anything else mechanical, issues can arise.
When Things Go Wrong
Inside the power steering pump is an impeller that spins at high speed to generate the required pressure. It's a sealed unit, but seals and gaskets are connected to pipes and mountings. These parts can degrade with time and affect efficiency. Sometimes, the power steering fluid will leak, and you may notice tell-tale signs on your garage floor.
If the fluid level is low, the impeller can quickly overheat, which will generate that whining noise. The pump will not be able to force the right amount of fluid to the correct part of the steering rack, making it very difficult to manoeuvre those road wheels against the surface beneath.
Occasionally, you may also hear a high-pitched squealing noise when you start the vehicle. This could indicate that the belt connecting the power steering pump to the engine is in need of attention. It could be slipping and not performing its work as expected.
What to Do Next
If you suspect issues with your power steering system, do not delay. Get in touch with your mechanic as soon as possible and describe the symptoms. If it is safe to do so, you should drive the vehicle in for repairs before the entire system fails altogether. In this scenario, you could be left stranded by the side of the road with all the inconvenience attached.
Contact an auto shop near you to learn more today.