Whether you drive a diesel or gasoline engine, if the vehicle is equipped with hydraulic power steering, it has a pump to circulate the power steering fluid through the system. The average lifespan of a power steering pump is about 100,000 miles, although you may get more miles out of yours. Tri Valley Auto Repair & Diesel can replace your power steering pump when it needs it. Here are signs that it does.
Strange Noises When Steering
One clue that your power steering pump is going bad is strange noises when you turn the steering wheel. The most common sound is a groaning noise that will get louder as you tighten the wheel. You might also hear whining or squealing. Generally, the squealing sound occurs when you first start your automobile if the accessory belt – that belt that powers the pump – is too loose.
Leaking Power Steering Fluid
You might also end up with a power steering fluid leak if the power steering pump is going bad. You will see red to brownish-red spots on the garage floor if the pump is leaking. When the power steering fluid is brand new, it is red. It turns brown as it ages. If the power steering fluid is gray or silver, you’ve got metal in the power steering fluid and this is a very bad sign.
Metal in the Power Steering Fluid
Metal in the power steering fluid means that the power steering pump is disintegrating. This is definitely a sign that you need to replace the pump. It might be hard to see the metal in the fluid unless there is so much of it that it, again, turns the power steering fluid gray. You may also see specks of metal in the fluid. Either is a sign that it’s time for a new power steering pump.
An Overly Tight Steering Wheel
Your power steering pump may not be circulating power steering fluid through the system if it is hard to turn your steering wheel. If you’ve ever had a car that had manual steering, you know how tight the wheel can be. If it has gotten difficult to turn the steering wheel, the power steering pump could be malfunctioning and failing to move the fluid through the system.
Unresponsiveness to Steering
Finally, if your vehicle fails to respond to your steering, the power steering pump is bad or you’ve got another problem with your automobile’s suspension. You always want your vehicle to move in the direction in which you steer it.
Tri Valley Auto Repair & Diesel is the best auto service shop in Limon, CO, and we’d be happy to inspect your power steering pump and replace it if necessary. Give us a call today.
