4 COMMON POWER STEERING PROBLEMS - AND HOW TO SOLVE THEM

Top-rated tires, the latest engine upgrades and high-performance automotive accessories mean nothing without proper and safe steering. The power steering of your car is the only sub-system of your car with which you are literally always in touch. Even the engine is not always in touch with your direct drive - coasting, cruise control and other situations keep your foot pressed - but the steering wheel requires manual control 100% of the time.

Since management requires constant attention, it is not surprising that it is also considered a major safety issue. Specifically, we are talking about the loss of power steering.

A power steering failure does not guarantee an accident, but it can make certain hazards more dangerous. Let's take a look under the

hood - and also from the point of view of the driver while driving - to some typical problems of power steering and what you can do to avoid disasters.

Typical problems of power steering: common solutions when your address acts in an unpleasant way

1)  Problem: Rigid electric address and no response

Let's take one of the problems of power steering that is not directly associated with low power steering fluid. This non-hydraulic failure involves the electrical components of the power steering system. When the steering becomes super rigid, the electric assist mechanism does not respond.

What to do:    if you have a code reader, it will indicate the correct address. If you know you have an electrical problem with your power steering but do not have a code reader or scanning device, it may take a while to find the root of the problem. Examine your fuse box, look for obvious faults in your cables and connections, and check the voltage on your battery. Assuming that these actions do not work, here is a quick (possible) solution: turn off the car completely and restart it. This helps to reset the electrical components, and their electrical direction could return. However, do not expect this method to offer a long-term solution. Have a mechanic examine your parts and components of the electrical power as soon as possible.

2)   Problem: No steering assistance (loss of hydraulic power)

If your steering wheel feels as if it is stuck in quicksand and it takes 5 times its normal force to make a routine turn, it is likely that the hydraulic assistance of the power steering is losing power. Do not check the fluid level while your car is cold; Run it for a few minutes first. In this way, you will get the most accurate assessment of the actual amount of fluid in your power steering system.

What to do: common sense tells you that when the power steering does not work properly, check the fluid reservoir of the power steering. And that is exactly what you should do in this case. But keep in mind that controlling the fluid level is only the first step. If the level is really low, you will have to do your own research to find out why. Cracks in the hydraulic lines, defective components, maybe a recent accident: all these are possible causes of low power steering fluid.

3) Problem: Chirping noise during shifts
Grinding does not necessarily spell out the fate of your car's steering system, but it can indicate impending problems almost ready to surface. Like most unexpected noises, the squeaking and chirping of the power steering are related (99% of the time) to the belt drive.

What to do: Thoroughly inspect the power steering pump pulley or have it checked by a professional mechanic. If you have a partner who is willing to help, lift the car safely and have one person turn the wheel while the others inspect the hydraulic steering belt. If the belt slips, it should be tightened or adjusted accordingly. Make sure the car is switched off before performing any work on the power steering belt.

4) Problem: Power steering oil leak

An obvious leak is a serious compromise on the safety and efficiency of your car's power steering system. If you detect a smooth, dark brown liquid under your car that smells of burnt oil, it may not be oil. Power steering fluid has a very unique odor, which is described by many car experts as a combination of fresh oil and mixed excess oil.

What to do: Go to the source of the problem. Steering fluid leaks are usually caused by a broken or worn power hose of the power steering pump. Also check the terminals and other connections carefully. If the hoses and clamps are in working order, go to the power steering pump. The entire power steering system should also get your attention. The pump itself can be the cause of a fluid leak.