Car Problems That Point to the Power Steering Pump

You rely on your car’s power steering without even realizing it. Steering the automobile is automatic. Techway Automotive advises that if you drive a car, truck, or C/SUV that has over 100,000 miles on the odometer, you may end up with a problematic power steering pump sooner rather than later. These pumps tend to fail after this mileage milestone. How will you be able to tell that your power steering pump is going bad? Here are the signs of a faulty power steering pump.

Strange Steering Noises

One common sign of a malfunctioning power steering pump is strange noises when you steer your vehicle. For example, if the automobile groans when you turn the wheel, the power steering pump is the part that is making the noise. It may also moan, hum, or squeal.

Difficulty Turning the Wheel

You may also have a hard time turning the steering wheel if the power steering pump is going bad. It will feel as if you are driving a vehicle with manual steering instead of power steering. The wheel will feel stiff and be difficult to turn, especially if you need to turn it all the way.

Lack of Steering Response

At some point, the faulty power steering pump could cause your vehicle to fail to respond to your steering. As you can imagine, this can make driving your automobile dangerous if you cannot control the direction in which it turns. It’s important to have the power steering system inspected at the first sign of trouble to make sure you don’t end up with a failed steering response.

Leaking Power Steering Fluid

The power steering pump can also leak power steering fluid onto the garage floor if it is going bad. Power steering fluid is red. You can check to see if the power steering fluid level is low by unscrewing the cap on the power steering fluid reservoir and checking the fluid line. If the fluid is below the minimum line, the red spots on the garage floor are probably power steering fluid.

Metal in the Steering Fluid

You may also end up with metal flakes in the power steering fluid if the pump is disintegrating. The power steering pump moves the fluid through the steering system. The fluid can pick up metal flakes if the pump is wearing down into the fluid.

Techway Automotive in Dothan or Opp, AL, or Blakely, GA, can help, so call us today. We will replace the power steering pump if it needs it.