What are the causes and symptoms of power steering malfunction?

Proper operation of the power steering can often significantly extend the life of the mechanism. To extend the life of the hydraulic booster, you must follow simple rules, including the following:

1. Check the power steering fluid level.
2. Change the power steering fluid according to the regulations.
3. Use recommended fluid.
4. Properly operate the power steering.
5. Check the condition of the steering rack boots.
6. Do not drive with a non-working power steering.
7. Make sure diagnosis is timely.

Power steering

Typical breakdowns of the power steering are leakage of the oil seals of its hydraulic system, insufficient fluid level or its untimely replacement, insufficient drive belt tension, partial failure of the drive pump and some others. If the volume of faults in your car makes you think about selling the car and buying a new one, a junkyard will help you with this task.

Symptoms of a power steering problem

There are several typical symptoms that indicate that the power steering in the car needs to be repaired or at least the oil should be changed in it. Power steering diagnostics must be performed in the event of the occurrence of at least one of the following situations:

1. The power steering pump makes a loud noise during the operation.
2. Increasing steering effort.
3. Increased play of the steering shaft.
4. When driving, and especially when cornering, jolts of the steering wheel are felt.
5. Noise in the steering wheel.
6. Different effort when turning right and left.
7. The steering wheel turns very easily.
8. Vibration in the steering wheel.
9. Returning the steering wheel to the neutral position after cornering.

Often, the signs of a malfunction of the power steering in a car are very similar to the breakdown of other elements of the steering system, such as the rack, tie rods, tips and others. Therefore, performing a comprehensive diagnosis is recommended.

Causes of power steering malfunction

Depending on which part of the power steering is out of order, this may have its own reason. However, when the power steering does not work, the reasons are as follows:

1. Insufficient fluid level: Like any automotive fluid, the hydraulic oil in the steering system wears out over time, causing its level to drop. Accordingly, under such conditions, it is impossible to create sufficient force in the system, and the pump suffers from this in the first place.
2. The wrong type of fluid: Each car manufacturer prescribes its own type of hydraulic fluid for power steering. They are mineral and synthetic, differ in composition, the presence of additives, service life, and so on. Accordingly, an unsuitable liquid can cause significant damage to various elements of the system, in particular, gaskets, pipes, and the surface of pump parts.
3. Contaminated liquid: Over time, particles of dirt get into the power steering fluid, and spent additives form a precipitate that can scratch the pump blades, and have a negative effect on gaskets, the inner surface of pipes, and other elements of the system.
4. Power steering pump failure: This is a rather costly breakdown, it is often easier to buy and install a new pump.
5. Worn pump rotor blades. This is the main reason for the failure of the power steering pump. The problem comes from both the age of the mechanism and the use of dirty hydraulic fluid.
6. Drive belt tension: An overly tightened booster drive belt has a significant physical impact on the pump shaft bearings, thereby reducing their life. A similar situation with the bushing. However, if the belt is not tight enough, then there is a risk of slipping, which will cause the pump to run idle, which is also harmful to it.
7. Pump bearing wear: In this case, the hum and howl in the area of the power steering pump appears on an ongoing basis.
8. Dirty pump valves: In this case, the hydraulic booster works with little effort. The driver is forced to apply additional forces to turn the steering wheel.