The power steering can sometimes cause problems. It is true that this should not happen in the most modern cars, but it is true that due to some setback or overexertion, this may be affected in some way. However; In the event that this is the case, we can count on some techniques to detect if it has a fault.
power steering problems
As such, there are certain indicators that are less popular than colored exhaust fumes, for example (although just as reliable), that allow you to check at a glance and without tools if something in the car is dirty. damaged or in poor condition.
These signals are key both to know if you should buy a second-hand car and to identify a possible breakdown or failure in your own vehicle. And for what has to do with the power steering, also. Just because; This address can sometimes fail or occur with some kind of problem, more or less serious.
Over the years power steering has developed in different ways, the most common of these is hydraulicsthere is also the electro-hydraulic and lately the one that is only electric is being used.
How can we find out possible failures
As we say, power steering is a system through which force is reduced (torque) that the driver has to make on the steering wheel of the car to activate the steering. It is there that the function of the power steering is to help the driver to overcome this force.
In fact, driving without power steering is today as difficult as it is dangerous. Being used to a type of driving, the change can lead to a significant loss of reflexes. Also, it gets really tiring. A simple way to check if we have a problem is that we will notice the constant and persistent vibration of the steering wheel; this is more evident if you are traveling at speeds equal to or greater than 90 km/h. But there are other ways to detect it, as we see:
- noises. When we turn the steering wheel we may begin to hear a whining, grinding, or squealing sound that indicates that there is little oil in the power steering pump.
- steering wheel movements. The power steering makes it easier for us to move the steering wheel, so if when we are taking a curve or turning a corner we notice that we are making more effort than normal, it is certain that something is wrong with the steering.
- Oil stains. When we leave our vehicle parked for some time and notice oil stains underneath, we should check the color. If it’s pink, you’re most likely leaking power steering fluid.
- Check the fluid in the power steering system. If the car is more difficult to drive, the lack of fluid in the steering makes it difficult for the steering wheel to turn easily.
If it is difficult to move the steering wheel, it is not always a problem with the steering
It is true that the most common inconvenience is that the steering becomes hard, that it is difficult to move the steering wheel both at high speed and at low speed, although it is not always a steering problem.
However, it is important that we focus our attention on solving the problem as soon as possible if we find ourselves in this situation, since we are facing a fault that can be dangerous.
For their part, electric steering is maintenance-free, but if it is hydraulic or electro-hydraulic, there are some minimum precautions that must be carried out, such as belt change or steering fluid. The hydraulic pump can also be a source of problems, although they usually come from poor maintenance or a problem like the ones mentioned above.