You know your power steering is out when your vehicle is all of a sudden impossible to steer. It’s not something you want to have happened when you are driving and need to turn. If you need auto repair in Philadelphia, PA, it’s best to get it right away. There are a few common issues that go along with power steering failure. Here are those that are often linked:
Leaking Fluid
Your power steering system uses a fluid that takes the pressure and changes the direction your wheels are turning. If the fluid is leaking, it can’t direct the wheels and it might make taking turns next to impossible. You could notice this fluid dripping from the vehicle, and you might get a grinding noise when you take turns as well. Don’t delay and get repairs quickly so you don’t burn out the power steering pump, which costs more to fix.
Worn Out Hose
Every part within a vehicle will wear out, given enough time and use, and the hose that helps the power steering operate can crack and harden. If that happens, you could see the power steering fluid leaking, which will cause failure eventually if you don’t get it repaired.
Loose Couplings
Just as the hose can become damaged, the couplings that attach it to other parts can loosen and leak fluids as well. That can happen over bumps (like hitting potholes) or even just in normal vibrations as time goes by. The system might lose pressure quickly or fluids might leak gradually.
A Slipping Drive Belt
If the drive belt on the power steering pump slips off, you will not be able to turn at all since there will be no fluid pressure in that part of the vehicle. You will also hear a squealing sound when you try to turn the vehicle.
Pump Failure
Again, every part on a car will wear out eventually and if your vehicle is older, the power steering pump could wear out. When seals or internal parts on that pump wear down, they could allow fluid pressure to all. You will notice the steering becoming harder and possibly steering squealing sounds as well.
It’s important to recognize problems in your power steering as soon as possible so you can fix smaller issues fast before larger things go wrong. Any time your vehicle starts making noises or struggling against you when you try to turn, get auto repair in Philadelphia, PA. You can contact the professionals at Schafer’s Auto Center with questions or call us at (215) 755-1270 to make an appointment. We’ll check your vehicle over and make sure you know exactly what’s wrong and how we plan to fix it before we do anything at all. We won’t touch a thing until you know the charges that will result from the repairs. You can visit with us in person and show us what’s happening with your vehicle at 1924 S Columbus Blvd Philadelphia, PA 19148. We want you and your car to be safe.
