The power steering pump is an integral part of your steering system that facilitates turning your car around more easily than it would have been in the past.
As such, having issues with the power steering pump can manifest in a number of symptoms, from a very noisy power steering pump to very stiff steering.
Identifying the signs of a bad power steering pump can help identify the problem much more easily. So you can look at the common problems and how you can go about fixing them with power steering.
Topic Summary
Signs of A Bad Power Steering Pump: How To Detect And Address the Issue?
The power steering pump can also fail prematurely. Since power steering pumps provide the hydraulic pressure necessary to make sure, steering problems are the first sign your power steering may have gone bad.
Let’s go over the signs of a bad power steering pump and what you can do to diagnose and treat it.
Strange Noises When Steering
The strange noise is among the more common symptoms of power steering pump symptoms.
It consists of whining, groaning, or squealing sounds, usually when the steering wheel is being turned.
These types of symptoms are often a result of low fluid levels, air that has become trapped in the system, or damage inside the pump.
Heavy Steering
Steering should feel effortless with a functioning power steering pump. If your steering wheel feels unusually heavy or stiff, the pump could not be building enough hydraulic pressure. This will make driving harder and less pleasurable.
Steering Wheel Vibration
If your steering wheel shakes or shivers while you are driving, especially while you are turning, the problem could be your power steering pump.
Perhaps there is uneven fluid flow due to a faulty impeller, or perhaps internal pump wear has created excessive clearances.
Fluid Leaks
Power steering fluid moves through the pump: if you see red or pink fluid on the ground beneath your vehicle, that can be a sign of a leak.
Low fluid levels will starve the power steering pump of ease of flow and can lead to failure.
Difficulty in Steering
A bad power steering pump may make it hard to steer. It will feel uncommunicative, especially when you’re turning slowly, like when you’re parking.
You’re producing the power to steer, but the pump isn’t adding enough pressure.
Unresponsive Steering
One such symptom is unresponsive steering. When the steering wheel isn’t responding to your commands, sometimes with even the slightest turn, feeling like you just knocked on a locked door, you can chalk it up to a bad power steering pump.
Warning Lights
Many new cars feature sensors and warning lights that tell drivers about power steering system issues.
If you see a power steering issue warning light or a “Check Steering” message in the instrument panel, the system should be checked by a repair technician.
What Does a Bad Power Steering Pump Feel Like?
A faulty power steering pump will cause the driving experience to feel stiff and hard to manage. This impact is noticeable when doing a turn. You will experience increased resistance, resulting in a ‘heavy’ or ‘tight’ steering feel.
A faulty pump will often generate unusual noises like whining, squealing, or groaning sounds, especially when making turns, and you would experience the same noises when the car is idling.
The steering wheel will sometimes feel jerkier or sluggish overall because of this damaged component. As a result, it would be harder to make small, precise maneuvers with the car.
You will get a puddle underneath your car if the pump leaks fluids. You will also see signs that the steering wheel is not returning to the center point after a turn.
If you have any of such symptoms, you should get the pump replaced before the problem deteriorates and eventually requires hugely expensive repairs, not to mention that the car will not be safe to drive anymore.
What To Do If You Suspect A Bad Power Steering Pump?
Make sure you attend to these symptoms right away to avoid damaging your car even more:
Power Steering Fluid Level: If the power steering fluid level is low, fill it up with the correct fluid (read your car’s manual for the recommended fluid and type) and see if the problem persists.
The vehicle might only need a temporary top-up, but it should be focused on fixing the leak.
Inspect For Leaks: Look for leaks from around the power steering pump and power steering hoses. These will need to be repaired or replaced.
Listen For Noises: As you turn the steering wheel, pay attention to any unusual noises. The sounds could indicate pump problems.
Professional Advice: If the problem is ongoing, you can seek the assistance of a professional mechanic who will give your power steering pump a thorough diagnosis before prescribing a set of remedies. Either in the form of replacing faulty components or an outright swap.
How To Fix A Bad Power Steering Pump?
A bad power steering pump and much else can be fixed, but the process can differ in complexity depending on the nature of the problem and the car involved.
The following great steps should provide some insight into the procedure.
1. Diagnose the Issue
Once you have identified the root cause, whether it is a low fluid level, a leak, or internal pump damage, you’re ready to make the repairs you need.
Check Fluid Levels: Check the power steering fluid, and add more if it’s low. A common cause of howling noises and other steering problems.
Check For Leaks: Is there any leaking fluid from the back of the pump and the hoses? Leaks can result in a low fluid level in the car, thus, pump failure.
Listen For Noises: Whining or groaning noises should suggest pump wear or some other kind of internal damage.
2. Address Fluid Issues
If the pump shuts down due to low fluid (or fluid leaks), you can repair it without having to replace the pump.
Top Up the Fluid: Make sure to use the type recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Check For Leaks: Check for leaks at the steering pump, hoses, and connections. Tighten connections if necessary and replace damaged hoses.
3. Flush the Power Steering System
Old biocontamination can also clog up, so if there is a large amount of old fluid, it should be flushed out.
Drain the Old Fluid: Get the top off the power steering fluid reservoir and siphon out the old fluid. To do this, I needed to remove the cap and use a syringe or vacuum pump to take the fluid out of the reservoir.
Flush the System: Fill the reservoir with the recommended power steering fluid. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock to help flush out the old fluid. Repeat this process until the new fluid is clear.
Check Fluid Levels: Ensure the fluid is at the proper level after flushing.
4. Repair or Replace the Power Steering Pump
However, if the pump is faulty itself, you might have to fix or replace it.
Repairing the Pump: The pump can sometimes be repaired by the mechanic, especially if the cause of the wreck is internal wear. Replacement: More common is the necessity of replacing the damaged part.
Replacement of the Pump: When the power steering pump is so damaged that it cannot be repaired, replacement is often the best answer to the problem.
Power steering pump replacement is pretty straightforward. Here are general guidelines for pump replacement.
Gather Tools And Parts: New power steering pump, wrench set, screwdrivers, and possibly a puller tool.
Remove the Old Pump
- Disconnect the Battery: For safety, disconnect the vehicle’s battery.
- Remove the Drive Belt: Loosen and remove the drive belt connected to the pump.
- Open Houses: Remove the motor housing and unclip the power steering hoses from the pump. Be ready for some fluid to escape.
- Unbolt the Pump: Unscrew the bolts holding the pump to the motor and remove the old pump.
Install the New Pump
- Position the new Pump: Put the new pump in place and tighten it with nuts and bolts.
- Reconnect Hoses: Reattach the power steering hoses to the new pump.
- Reinstall the Drive Belt: Put the drive belt back in place and tighten it.
Refill And Bleed the System
- Add Fluid: Refill the power steering reservoir with the recommended fluid.
- Bleed the System: With the engine running, turn the steering wheel from lock to lock to get air bubbles out of the system. Check levels and top up as necessary.
5. Test the System
Once the repairs or replacement are complete, test the power steering system:
Check For Leaks: Ensure there are no leaks around the pump or hoses.
Test Steering: Turn the steering wheel to make sure it feels smooth and responsive.
Check Fluid Level: The power steering fluid level should be checked every day for a few days to be sure that it remains above the minimum level.
6. Seek Professional Help
Please see a mechanic if you’re not sure how to do these tasks or if you complete them and the problem doesn’t go away.
A good mechanic can diagnose the problem properly and then repair or replace what is faulty.
You need to maintain your power steering system so that your car is safe on the road and feels comfortable for all your driving needs.
Performing regular checks and addressing malfunctions as they occur is important to ensure that your steering is smooth and functioning effectively.
FAQs on Signs of a Bad Power Steering Pump
Can I Drive with A Bad Power Steering Pump?
It’s not a good idea to drive with a failing power steering pump. You would probably still be able to steer your car, but it would be more difficult, dangerous, and less comfortable. Continuing to drive around with a bad pump could ruin your steering system, cause undue wear to some parts of your car, and result in you not being able to steer anymore. Find a service center to get this checked and fixed as soon as possible.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Power Steering Pump?
The actual resulting cost will also depend on your particular vehicle make and model, local labor rates, and whether it’s a new, rebuilt, or aftermarket pump. Plan to spend between $300 and $800 on parts and labor. Shop around and get a few quotes to make sure you are paying a fair price.
Can I Repair A Power Steering Pump Myself?
Repairing the power steering pump is sometimes an option, but often, the repair process is complex, depending on the specific issue, and requires some specialized tools and knowledge. In some scenarios, replacing the damaged pump will just be a less complicated and cost effective fix than an attempted repair. For someone with mechanical experience and access to the right basic equipment and tools, it may be possible to do the job on one’s own. Otherwise, and depending on the type of vehicle you have, going to a mechanic is likely the best choice.
How Often Should I Check My Power Steering Fluid?
Nonetheless, it’s a good idea to check your power steering fluid levels often, at least monthly and prior to long trips, to catch an odd leak or a low level that could indicate a larger issue. Of course, always follow the maintenance recommendations in your vehicle’s owner’s manual with regard to the power steering system.
Can I Drive with a Bad Power Steering Pump?
Driving with a bad power steering pump is not recommended because it would be so hard to steer at low speeds. When one doesn’t have a functioning power steering pump, one would have to use one’s muscles to turn if one wants to drive without an issue. The hard steering might result in a person losing control of the drive and getting into an accident. Also, if you were to continue to drive your vehicle without a functional power steering pump, it could cause more damage to the power steering system, leading to more internal damage to other parts of the vehicle. The costs to fix repairs would be pricey, so it’s best to have your pump looked at fixed so it will run smoothly.
Conclusion
The power steering pump is a crucial component to driving a smooth, safe vehicle. Being able to catch the signs of a bad power steering pump early on can prevent major problems from developing in the long term.
Performing routine maintenance and taking care of symptoms of failure quickly can help maintain your vehicle’s ability to steer properly.
If you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned earlier, make sure to get your vehicle checked to ensure it continues to steer safely and smoothly.