Power steering makes handling any vehicle so much easier but it can have problems if you don’t maintain the system as you should. Willoughby Hills Auto Repair services and repairs power steering systems. Does your power steering need a little TLC? Here are five common power steering problems that we and other auto mechanics see and fix on a regular basis.
Leaks
Unless you have an electric power steering system, your power steering system has fluid to help ease the burden of navigating your vehicle. This fluid transfers pressure, which makes turning your wheels easier. Power steering fluid can leak and when it gets too low, you’ll notice your steering becomes difficult. If you see pink or red fluid on your garage floor, it could be power steering fluid.
Hoses
A cracked hose is one way that power steering fluid will leak. Over time, all vehicle hoses lose their flexibility because they harden. This hardness causes them to crack or get holes in them. They can also loosen or wear down due to friction. Your power steering hoses should be changed once they show signs of wear and preventative maintenance allows mechanics to change them when they need it.
Hose Couplings
Your hoses are connected throughout your power steering system by couplings and as with the hoses, the couplings will wear down over time. Age isn’t the only thing that can cause coupling problems. Bumps and vibrations can loosen them, which will cause power steering fluid to leak out of them. Your power steering system is also pressurized and that pressure can loosen older couplings.
Drive Belt
Your power steering pump runs on a belt-driven motor and if this belt slips, you’ll lose your vehicle’s power steering ability. If you hear a squealing sound when you turn your steering wheel, especially if you’re making a sharp turn, this is a sign that the steering pump motor belt is slipping. This is more of a common problem than you might think, so have the belt checked at the first squeal.
Worn Pump
Speaking of the power steering pump, the last common power steering problem on our list is a worn-out pump. Everything ages in your vehicle and the power steering system is no exception. The pump has numerous parts, such as seals, that can break down and cause power steering fluid to leak out of your car. The pump motor can also fail and when that happens, you’ll need to replace the pump.
If your power steering feels strange, bring your vehicle into Willoughby Hills Auto Repair. We are located in Willoughby Hills, OH, and you can call us today.