Diagnosing Power Steering Problems

Power steering has made driving even the largest vehicles a breeze. Well, until it has problems. Diagnosing power steering problems is sometimes a breeze, but sometimes not.

Power steering problems often are sublime. They start so subtly that you simply don’t notice that there is any problem. After a while, however, it starts to become clear that the vehicle simply isn’t as responsive as it used to be. You might also start to hear various ominous noises and sounds that make you worry about expensive repairs. Before you get too worried, diagnosing power steering problems can sometimes be very simple.

Many power steering problems have nothing to do with the steering per se. Instead, a very common problem is found at the wheel. The first thing to check is your tire pressure. The tires should be pressurized to meet the figures posted on the inside of the driver door. A tire with low pressure will spin slower and create a pulling sensation. Fill up the tires and you’ll be shocked how much better the car drives. Check pressures at least once a month.

The second issue to check is alignment. You drive through pot holes, over speed bumps and…well, all the stuff you roll over. Sooner or later, the alignment of the front wheels is going to go wacky. If one tire is pointing even slightly in a different direction than the other, the steering is going to be seriously effected. Have it checked out. An alignment job usually costs under $100 and can be the cure.

A very common complaint is a loud, squealing noise when engaging a power steering system. This almost always is a belt problem. Most power steering systems have a hydraulic component. A belt powers the pump that creates pressure. These belts rarely break suddenly without giving a long, loud warning. The warning is the screeching noise you hear when you turn. Replacing the belt is not hard per se, but getting to it can be. Most people just take the vehicle to a mechanic.

What if you find leaks under the car? Now we are getting into potentially bigger problems. The seals in a power steering system can go bad after some time. If they are located on the exterior of the steering mechanism, they can just be replaced. If they are located inside the steering mechanism, you often have to replace the entire system. It is a big, expensive repair. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can really do about it.

As with many elements of your car, preventing power steering problems really comes down to maintenance. Keep an eye on your fluid level and you should avoid being in a situation where you are diagnosing problems with the steering.

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