Hydraulic power steering systems use pumps to move the steering fluid through the system. This fluid helps make steering your automobile easier. Auto Solutions can replace your car, truck, or C/SUV’s power steering pump when it goes bad. Here are signs that you need a new pump in the power steering system.
Groaning Noises When Steering
The most common sign of a bad pump is groaning noises when you turn the wheel. These noises will make it sound as if your vehicle doesn’t really want to turn. You may also hear squealing or moaning noises coming from the pump. The power steering pump is powered by your vehicle’s engine vacuum pressure and the accessory belt. A loose belt will also squeal.
Difficulty Turning the Wheel
You may also find it difficult to turn your steering wheel if the pump is going bad. Again, the pump moves the fluid through the system. If there is poor fluid circulation, your power steering will feel stiff, almost as if it’s manual steering. You may find it to be quite a workout to turn your power steering wheel tightly if the steering pump is malfunctioning.
Unresponsive Steering Action
In severe cases, you may be unable to turn your automobile. Can you imagine being stuck in an intersection with no steering capabilities? This horrifying nightmare can be avoided if you bring your vehicle to our shop at the first sign of power steering problems. We will inspect the system, including the pump, and replace the pump if it has gone bad and cannot circulate the fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Leak
Your steering pump might also show that it is going bad by springing a leak. The most common color of power steering fluid is red, so if you have red spots on the garage floor, your car, truck, or utility vehicle could be leaking power steering fluid out of the faulty pump.
Metal in the Steering Fluid
Finally, if you have metal in the power steering fluid, your power steering pump is disintegrating. As you can imagine, there is no way to fix this problem. The pump has lived to the end of its life and needs to be replaced. The same is true with metal in your motor oil. This is a sign that the engine is disintegrating into the oil and needs to be replaced.
Auto Solutions in Orlando, FL, can help. We can replace your power steering pump if it needs it. Give us a call today.
