If your steering wheel is getting hard to turn, it could be that the power steering pump is going bad. Boulevard Auto Repair can inspect the pump, test it, and replace it if necessary. Power steering systems that are hydraulic have pumps to circulate the fluid through the system. If the fluid is going nowhere, the steering wheel will be hard to turn and you will notice other steering problems. Let’s talk about those.
Steering Noises
The power steering pump may protest, if you will if it is going bad. It may groan or moan when you turn the steering wheel, especially when you turn it tightly. It might also squeal or the accessory belt to which it is attached might squeal. You shouldn’t hear any sounds when you use your steering wheel to navigate your vehicle. If you do, bring your car, truck, or C/SUV into our shop as soon as possible.
Tight Wheel
As we mentioned in the introduction to this blog post, the steering wheel can also be hard to turn if the power steering pump isn’t circulating the fluid through the system. The power steering system relies on this hydraulic fluid to help you turn the wheel with little effort. This is why a tight steering wheel is definitely a sign that the pump is no longer able to circulate the fluid through the steering system.
Unresponsiveness
A scary sign that your power steering pump is going bad is unresponsiveness to your steering. In other words, you will turn the steering wheel but your automobile will be slow to respond or refuse to respond. This can leave you stranded in an intersection or at the opening of a road curve. If you can, pull over right away and call for a tow to our shop. Don’t try to steer your vehicle when it isn’t responding.
Leaking Fluid
Your vehicle’s power steering pump might also start to leak when it has reached the end of its life. This is usually around 100,000 miles. If you see red spots on the garage floor, it could be the power steering fluid as this is the normal color of this fluid. Check the reservoir to see if the fluid level is low.
Silver Fluid
Finally, the red hue of the power steering fluid may turn silver-red if the power steering pump is disintegrating into the fluid. Unfortunately, there is no way that we can fix this problem. Rather, we will have to replace the faulty power steering pump to stop the disintegration into the fluid.
Call Boulevard Auto Repair in Sherman Oaks, CA, if you are having problems steering your automobile. It could be the power steering pump or a problem with your vehicle’s suspension.
