Power
steering makes all the difference in achieving the smooth, effortless
steering experience offered by modern vehicles. It plays an
especially critical role in large trucks or other heavy vehicles that
might otherwise require great steering effort. Even in a small care,
if your power steering malfunctions, you may struggle to react
quickly in an emergency.
You
can keep on top of power steering issues by recognizing what can go
wrong with the system's various components, how to spot trouble, and
how to optimize power steering performance through the proper
maintenance and repairs. Here are some key points to remember.
How
Power Steering Works
Before
the days of power steering, automakers had to gear their
steering systems to compensate for the inherent difficulty of turning
the wheels. Cars and trucks typically featured oversize steering
wheels that drivers would turn in complete revolutions to accomplish
turns more easily. The smallest, lightest cars required less steering
effort, but even they could prove hard to turn from a full stop.
Power
steering solves this challenge by adding extra energy and force to
the steering mechanism. In hydraulic power steering systems (the norm
for most of automotive history), an engine-driven pump sends
hydraulic fluid through valves to a hydraulic cylinder. Pressurized
fluid from the cylinder flows to the steering rack according to the
amount of torque the driver applies to the steering wheel.
Recent
vehicle designs have embraced electric power steering (EPS) as an
improvement over traditional hydraulic systems. An EPS power steering
system uses computer sensors that detect how much torque the driver
has applied to the steering wheel. The sensors then direct a separate
electric motor to provide the necessary extra energy to assist the
turn.
Why
Power Steering Systems Fail
Power
steering systems have a number of potential failure points. In
hydraulic systems, the problem often lies with the power steering
fluid. If this fluid appears dark brown instead of a healthy pink,
amber, or red, oxidation has damaged it and reduced its
effectiveness. Copper or other trace metals in the fluid can also
keep it from providing optimal assist.
A
leak anywhere in your hydraulic power steering system may cause your
power steering fluid to drop below normal levels. If your power
steering pump fails, your power steering fluid may not flow to the
steering rack with sufficient force, if at all, or the belt that
drives it may have grown frayed or loose. A faulty electric motor in
an EPS system can also cause power steering failure.
When
to Get Your Power Steering Checked
Submit
your vehicle for regularly scheduled maintenance checks to have all
of its systems evaluated, including the power steering system. Your
technician may discover a tiny leak or other early-stage problem,
correcting the issue before it can sabotage your steering power.
You
can also check your power steering fluid yourself between scheduled
maintenance visits. The power steering reservoir includes two levels,
one indicating the normal cold fluid level, and the other indicating
the normal hot fluid level. Park the vehicle on level ground to
ensure an accurate reading.
If
you hear a loud, high-pitched squeal from your car when you first
start it up, you may have a bad power steering belt. If you can only
steer your vehicle with great difficulty, you may have already lost
all power assist due to a broken belt, a failing pump, or a massive
loss of fluid. You might still manage to turn the wheels, but you run
the risk of further damage if you keep driving the car without power
steering.
What
to Do About Power Steering Problems
Many
power steering fixes revolve around finding and fixing leaks. Your
technician may watch the power system for fresh leaks while another
technician turns the steering wheel back and forth. If your power
steering pump fails to work, you may need a new power steering belt
or even a whole new pump. An EPS system may need a new electric motor
or sensor.
Euroclassics,
LTD., can help you diagnose, repair, or even prevent power steering
problems. Contact our
automotive service specialists to schedule an inspection or
maintenance.
