If your automobile is equipped with hydraulic power steering, it’s equipped with a power steering pump. This pump moves the power steering fluid through the steering system so that it is much easier to steer your car, truck, or utility vehicle. Willoughby Hills Auto Repair advises that the power steering pump can go out, especially if you drive an older automobile. When it does go out, you will notice the following four signs. It’s important to have your power steering pump replaced as soon as possible so you can maintain control of your automobile.
1. The Steering Wheel Is Hard to Turn
One of the first things that will happen with the faulty power steering pump is your steering wheel will be hard to turn. It will feel stiff and almost as if you are driving an automobile that has manual steering instead of power steering. If you’ve ever driven an automobile that has manual steering, you know how hard it can be to turn the steering wheel, especially if you are turning it tightly.
2. You Hear Strange Sounds When You Turn
Another sign that your power steering pump has gone bad is strange sounds when you turn the steering wheel. One of the most common sounds that occur with a faulty power steering pump is a groaning sound. You may also hear whining, especially when you crank the wheel tightly. Either way, your steering shouldn’t make any noises while you are navigating your vehicle.
3. Your Steering Wheel Doesn’t Respond
A serious problem with a faulty power steering pump is steering that doesn’t respond. You may turn the wheel, but your vehicle may not change direction. As you can imagine, this can put you in a very dangerous situation and might even cause an automobile accident. This is why it’s important to have your power steering problem addressed at the first sign of trouble.
4. Your Car Squeals When You Start It
Finally, this last sign isn’t necessarily a problem with the power steering pump but it is a problem with the belt that powers the pump. If your accessory belt is too loose, it will squeal when you first turn on your automobile. This squealing sound will get worse the looser the belt gets. It’s important to have the belt tightened as soon as possible to prevent accessory failure including the power steering pump.
Call Willoughby Hills Auto Repair in Willoughby Hills, OH, if you are having problems with your vehicle’s power steering. We can check the pump and the entire system and fix what is wrong.
