Your automobile either has an electric or hydraulic power steering pump. If the power steering pump is hydraulic, you also have power steering fluid. Eventually, the power steering pump can go bad, especially if you drive an older automobile. Integrity Auto Repair is going to list the symptoms of a bad power steering pump below. Bring your vehicle to our shop at the first sign of trouble. This helps you prevent causing additional damage to your automobile’s power steering system.
1. Slow Response
A common sign that there is a problem with the power steering pump is a slow response to the steering. You may turn the steering wheel, but the vehicle may not begin to turn right away. This makes navigating your automobile difficult, especially if you are trying to make a turn in an intersection or other spot where there is plenty of oncoming traffic.
2. Stiff Steering Wheel
You may also notice that your steering wheel has become stiff. It may feel as if your automobile is equipped with power steering at all. This can be a sign of a problem with the power steering pump or you may have low power steering fluid that needs to be topped off. It’s important that you don’t drive your automobile with low power steering fluid. Doing so causes additional damage to the steering system.
3. Strange Sounds
Strange sounds will also accompany a malfunctioning power steering pump. One of the first sounds you may hear is whining. You may hear the sound when you steer and also while you are idling. This sound is a sound that a dying power steering pump will make, but it is also an indication that you have a low power steering fluid in the system.
A squealing sound when you first fire up your automobile is also a sign of a malfunctioning power steering pump. You should never hear squealing when you first start your car. If you do, there’s something going on with the power steering pump or one of the belts in the engine. Make sure to have this noise checked out right away.
Finally, one of the most common sounds a failing power steering pump will make is a groaning sound. You will hear this sound in particular when you make turns, especially if you have to crank the wheel a lot. Again, have this sound investigated as soon as possible to avoid further power steering system damage.
Integrity Auto Repair is the best auto repair shop in Eugene, OR, and we can help you if you believe your power steering pump is going bad. Schedule an appointment with us today.
