Bring your vehicle to Accurate Auto Center right away if you are having problems with the power steering. If the vehicle is not responding to your steering, which we will talk more about below, call for a tow truck and don’t drive the automobile. The following are signs that the power steering pump is going bad. This can happen at around 100,000 miles. Do not worry. We can install a new power steering pump into the steering system if your automobile needs it.
Noises While Steering
The pump may start to protest when you turn the steering wheel. You may hear the pump make groaning, squealing, or moaning noises. You will notice that these noises will increase in volume as you continue to turn the steering wheel. As you know, you should not hear anything when you are steering your automobile. If you do, the power steering pump could be bad.
Stiff Steering Wheel
You may also start to feel resistance when you turn the steering wheel. This is a sign that there is low circulation of the power steering fluid. This is what the steering pump does. If it is having problems pushing the fluid through the system, you will lose the assistance of the hydraulic fluid when you turn the steering wheel. Consequently, the wheel will be stiff.
No Steering Response
As we mentioned above, there could come a point when your vehicle doesn’t turn when you turn the steering wheel. A lack of steering response indicates a serious problem with the steering pump or your steering system. It can also be a sign that you have cracked the axle. Don’t try to drive your automobile if you cannot steer it and control its direction.
Leaking Red Fluid
One thing that the power steering pump will do when it gets too old is leak the power steering fluid all over the garage floor. This fluid is red in color and you will see a reduction in the level if you check the power steering fluid reservoir. This will also make the steering wheel hard to turn.
Silver in the Fluid
If you see silver in the power steering fluid, the power steering pump is disintegrating. As the pump circulates the coolant, it releases metal flakes into it. This is the silver you see in the power steering fluid.
Call Accurate Auto Center in Tomball, TX, today to schedule an appointment for your vehicle’s power steering system if you are having any of the problems discussed above.