If the power steering system in your car were to fail, you would find it very difficult to manoeuvre the vehicle, especially at a slow speed. Those wheels and tyres would meet a lot of resistance from the asphalt surface beneath, and you would certainly build up your arm strength through this type of endeavour. Consequently, you need to make sure that the system is in good condition, and you need to take action if you suspect that anything is amiss. In particular, you should be on the lookout for power steering pump failure as the power steering pump is under the most stress of all. What symptoms should you watch out for?
How It Works
As you may know, the power steering system relies on hydraulic pressure to turn the steering rack and manoeuvre the wheels. This is fed by special fluid that sits within the reservoir and is connected via the pump to the steering gear. The pump is, in turn, attached to the engine through a pulley and belt system to provide the appropriate drive.
Potential Problems
The first signs of a problem could be a strange whining noise as you turn the steering wheel, especially if you're going slow. It could be that your fluid level is low, and if so, you should top this up right away, but you should also ask yourself why this is the case. If you can see any signs of a leak, this will need to be investigated right away.
You may also find that the steering wheel is very stiff, or that you turn the wheel and nothing happens. These are additional signs that the steering pump may be playing up and may need to be replaced.
Sometimes, you may hear an infernal din when you first start the car, and this may be to do with the belt that connects the pump to the engine pulley. Given time, it will deteriorate, and as it does so, it will begin to slip, triggering this noise when you first crank the motor.
Other Issues
There are, of course, other components associated with your steering system. You may encounter an issue with the rubber bushes that connect certain parts, or the track rod ends that swivel as each wheel is turned.
However, the power steering pump is really the primary component, and you will need to take action as soon as you suspect an issue. Always make sure that you replace this part with a high-quality component though, so you can ensure maximum reliability in the future.
For more information about power steering products, reach out to a supplier.