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Angela's Articulate Collection of Car Service Secrets, Tips and Tricks

Hi, my name is Angela, and as the wife of a mechanic, I was constantly tripping over car parts and complaining about the rows of project cars lining our garden. However, after a few years, I quit complaining and actually found joy in the art of auto repair. Inspired by that classic book, "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance", I decided to start working on cars with my husband. This blog is the culmination of everything I have learned and more. I hope you enjoy reading it and that my tips and ideas guide you toward a healthier car and a happier, safer driving experience.

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Angela's Articulate Collection of Car Service Secrets, Tips and Tricks

Tips When Diagnosing Common Power Steering Problems

by Keith Simpson

As a car owner, you know that it is only a matter of time before parts begin to wear and fail. The power steering system within your vehicle allows your car to steer easily, but there are many components within your vehicle that make up the power steering system and some of them can wear and fail over time. If you are looking to avoid major repairs and want to correct any power steering issues right away, it is important for you to be aware of tips that will enable you to diagnose power steering problems more easily.

Fluid

At the first sign that your vehicle is becoming hard to steer, you should look at the power steering fluid levels within your car. This is a very easy fix and if your steering fluid is low, your car will still steer, but it will just be noticeably more difficult to turn the wheel in any direction. You can try adding power steering fluid if it is low and determine if this corrects the issue.

Pump

It is also possible for the steering pump to fail instead of just being low on power steering fluid. You can check to see if the steering pump is failing by taking a listen when you tune the wheel. You will need to start the car have one person turn the wheel, while the other person opens the hood to get closer access to the steering pump. If the steering pump is failing, you will hear a whining noise when the wheel is being turned. This could be due to the belt on the pump slipping. It is possible for the belt to just be readjusted on the pump and the whining will cease. The car will also be easier to steer as a result. Sometimes not having enough power steering fluid can also result in the whining noise, so you should always check fluid levels before you readjust the belt on the steering pump.

Leak

It is also possible that you might have a leak within the steering pump or one of the connecting hoses. You can use a flashlight to inspect the pump and hoses for holes. If you keep having to add steering fluid, you most likely have a leak that is causing the premature loss of the fluid. It is also possible for a hose to just be loose and need to be tightened to ensure that no power steering fluid is leaking out. 

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