One of the most important advances in motoring is the introduction of power steering. This is a method of steering that involves the use of servo motor to reduce the effort needed to turn the steering wheel. One of the effects of this is that it makes driving much easier and safer. If you are a car owner, it would be a good idea for you to learn how to identify some of the problems that might arise as a result of power steering failure. This way, you will be able to identify the problem in advance, which in turn means that the risk of an accident due to loss of control will be minimized. Some of the important signs that your power steering is failing include:
A change in the character of the steering fluid
The power steering is essentially a hydraulic system, and this means that it has to depend on the use of power steering fluid to work. These days, such fluid has a reddish hue, and has a distinctive smell as well. If you check it and find that it looks grayer and has bubbles in it, this means that the fluid has been used for a long time, and that it’s starting to get depleted. If you notice a change in the way the car steers, the noted changes will be a strong indication that the problem is with the power steering fluid. Normally, asking a mechanic to get rid of the old fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid would solve the problem.
Odd sounds when turning the steering wheel
In addition to that, you are also likely to note a change in the character of the sound the car makes when turning. Normally, turning the steering wheel at any speed should not result in the production of any sound, unless it’s due to the rubber on the tires rubbing against the concrete. However, if you turn sharply and notice that a squealing sound can be heard, this is usually a sign that the power steering has problems and needs to be rectified.
When you need more effort to turn the wheel
As has been noted, the main goal of having power steering is to make it much easier for you to turn the steering wheel. When problems arise due to depletion of the fluid or even damage to the servo motor, this will manifest as a steering wheel that is more difficult to turn. In essence, the car will have been turned into a manual steering wheel car.
If you notice any of these problems, it would be wise to ask a qualified mechanic to check the state of the power steering. The fact that the failure can arise from one of many parts means that a thorough diagnosis will only be reached after enough investigations are done. This means that if you notice any of the above problems and simply decide to replace the steering fluid on your own, it does not necessarily mean that the problem will have been solved. If you consult a high quality mechanic, however, they are likely to be in a good position to figure out where the problem is and then fix it once and for all.
