The power steering pump is a mechanical component that significantly reduces the effort when turning the steering wheel as it helps the front wheels change direction. It is such an essential item of the steering system with vector power to the steering wheel that when it loses its potency, it has dire consequences.
Let’s look at bad power steering pump symptoms, total power steering pump function, why it’s very important, the cause of a bad power steering pump, why it’s making noise after replacement, and how to replace or fix a bad power steering pump.
What is a power steering pump?
The power steering pump makes the whole work of the steering system much easier; most new cars, utility vehicles and trucks at the moment have a power steering pump – usually power-assisted or variable-assist power steering.
Regardless of whether you own a manual or automatic transmission car, parking and similar low-speed maneuvers are much easier with power steering. It is essential equipment for big trucks and also for the driver who finds it difficult to swing the wheels manually.
What is the power steering pump’s function, and how important is it? The power steering pump is a belt-driven component. The pump is in turn driven by the vehicle engine using a serpentine or drive-belt and a pulley assembly.
The pump is designated to carry out a unique duty in realizing power steering. It uses electric actuators or the steering fluid to push or pressure hydraulics into the steering gearbox or rack and pinion steering (the power steering pump of course pushes steering fluid into the steering system and uses this to turn the vehicle wheels more easily). By so doing it helps reduce the effort required of the driver.
Here’s exactly what happens; when you steer the vehicle by turning the wheel, small ports open in the steering rack, permitting the pressurized steering fluid to help the rack margin in turning the vehicle wheels. The power steering pump requires hydraulics especially made for it. The steering fluid should be changed on scheduled maintenance or when necessary.
Symptoms of the Bad Power Steering Pump
All of your vehicle parts have a limited lifespan, and the power steering pump is no different.
Watch for the following signs that trouble may lie with your power steering pump, and see a mechanic for repair or make a diagnosis yourself.
A couple of the symptoms of bad power steering pump pulley and the pump, itself, so have a look at your steering pump and get it fixed if it is showing any of the following warning signs.
- Leaking or low-power steering fluid
- Metal shavings and/or grey power steering fluid
- Squealing noise upon startup
- Groaning and whining noise
- Steering the wheel slow to turn
- Hard Steering
#1. Leaking or low power steering fluid.
Power steering fluid is the lifeblood of the steering pump, so driving with low steering fluid or steering fluid leaking, will give the pump problems. The pump can wear out due to age too over time.
Typically, you will find the power steering reservoir tank in the engine bay, frequently found on top of the steering pump, or on the passenger right-hand side, depending on make and model of your vehicle. Check the steering fluid level and see if it’s on the right gauge.
There should be a low and a full mark on the reservoir. If you see any fluid leak around the pump or the reservoir area make sure you trace and repair it before it cost you damage.
Usually, power steering fluid is wine or red in color. Seeing a drop of fluid with this color could indicate something wrong with your steering pump.
#2. Metal shavings and/or grey power steering fluid.
If you start to see that your steering fluid has turned to grey, it indicates that the fluid has oxidized and it wouldn’t work like it should.
Oxidation occurs because of air in the steering system. The air could have gotten in because you have a lousy steering pump on your car. A defective steering pump bearing may cause metal shavings to be in your steering fluid.
#3. Squealing noise upon starting.
It’s a common symptom of a loose or worn-out serpentine belt. It can also mean that your steering pump is wearing out.
You might not blame your steering pump immediately before assuring that your drive belt is good, well aligned, and not worn out. If you hear the squeal in making sharp turns and not on startup, then your power steering pump could be lousy.
#4. Groaning or whining noise.
Groaning or whining noise is by far the most common bad power steering pump bearing noise that indicates pumping or bearing failure.
Groaning noise is usually worst than whining because it also comes on when you have low power steering fluid, which can damage other power steering system parts.
This whining or groaning noise increases as you rev your engine and as the steering wheel turns.
If you hear odd noises when you turn the steering wheel, try going to a lonely road and driving in an abnormal manner. (Giving your car some gas, decelerating, turning the wheels in degrees etc,.) to note conditions that appear to accentuate the noise. This knowledge assists you and your mechanic in locating the possible cause so much easier.
NOTE: Most power steering pumps reel off a groaning or whining noise if turned and held on full lock for a couple of seconds, this is normal but do this often and you will do more harm to the power steering pump. So, try to avoid it.
#5. Steering wheel slows to turn.
The steering wheel should be easy to turn and immediately turn the front wheels as expected. If you turn the steering wheel and the vehicle tires are hard to turn, there could be something wrong with your steering pump.
How do I know if the power steering pump is bad? Start your vehicle and turn the steering wheel to various degrees. If the turning is slow, chances are you have a defective power steering pump.
This condition also indicates a problem with the front wheel suspension components and should be given immediate attention.
#6. Hard Steering.
Normally, a car with a good power steering pump should be easy to turn and without much effort.
If your vehicle requires more strength to turn the wheels than usual, you probably have a lousy steering pump. Check it out.
What causes a power steering pump to go bad?
There are several things that cause your power steering pump to fail, and when they do, you might find it difficult to control the handling of your car without the aid of the power steering component.
This section covers common causes of a bad power steering pump and how to know if you have a bad power steering pump.
- Contaminated steering fluid
- Low steering fluid
- The worn-out or broken serpentine belt
- Too much force
- Poor maintenance
#1. Contaminated steering fluid.
Using steering fluid, power steering is a hydraulic system that creates motion. Since hydraulic systems require a fraction of energy making it easy to control your vehicle even at high speed.
But this “all- in-one” system will not work as it should when grits and grime are in the system. Gritty fluid can clog the steering system, wear fittings, increase friction, and may eventually cause the power steering pump to fail.
It’s for this reason why you should change your steering fluid at the manufacturer’s indicated intervals and when you see grits and grime.
#2. Low steering fluid.
For your power steering pump to run nice and smoothly, it needs just the right amount of steering flowing through it. Not enough steering fluid cannot provide the force required to turn the wheels.
But just like that, too much steering fluid can lead your seals and valves to give in under the strained pressure. Keep an adequate amount of fluid and this problem will be solved. The low fluid will lead to power steering pump failure in the end.
#3. Worn-out or broken serpentine belt.
Power steering works utilizing a drive-belt and pulley accessory connecting to your engine pulley. Any fraying, stretching, wear, or breakage can severely affect your operation of the power steering pump.
We advise you to always be on the lookout for squealing noise upon startup, a telltale sign of if who has been slackened or is a brooding murder, and replace if it shows any sign of fraying or loss of teeth.
#4. Too much force.
Power steering pumps can hold their own against some bad roads, hard jerks against the wheel, etc.; unexpected bumps, potholes.
But remember that your car is made of certain mechanical parts, that just like you, they need not be beat to the ground constantly.
Drive belts, steering pump, etc. may all fail if you subject them to load. This is why they recommend against bumpy roads if you’re not in a 4WD or AWD car designed to withstand such roads.
#5. Poor maintenance.
Looking after your power steering pump couldn’t be easier! If you avoid going off-road, and drive safely and predictably, your steering pump should serve you reliably and trouble-free for many years.
On the flip side, neglect your vehicle and you will soon find many parts start to fail, including the steering pump.
How to fix a bad steering pump
If through careful diagnosis you find yourself with a bad power steering pump as a result of leaks, contaminated fluid, or a lousy bearing, you need to contact your mechanic for power steering pump repair or fix it yourself with the help of the guides in the next few paragraphs.
But before all that, you need to ensure that you have a power steering pump leaking fluid since that is the cause of the groaning noise for most cases. Oh, and remember to check and replace your bicycle’s worn-out drive-belts as well.
Things Needed:
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Socket wrench
- Ratchet handle
- Steering fluid
Step 1. Check the steering and try flushing it.
First, check your steering fluids. If the level seems okay, try checking the fluids themselves and see if you pick up metal shavings.
If you do or notice the steering fluid color is turning to gray, try flushing it. And if the pump is still groaning madly and binding whenever it turns you’ll have to bite the bullet and put in a new power steering pump.
Step 2. Make some room to work and get the drive-belt off.
Make some room for yourself. Take off any components in the way of the power steering pump.
Of course to take off the old steering pump as easily as you like, you have to first take off the fan belt. You just have to loosen the idler pulley. Get your wrench and pull away and the pesky belt will slip right off.
Step 3. Take off the fluid lines.
Get your pliers and pull off the return line to the feeder and the high pressure line on the bottom.
Step 4. Unbolt the steering pump bolts.
Get the proper socket, remove the bolts that hold the whole pump assembly to the engine. Wiggle the steering pump off.
Step 5. Put in the new pump.
If you get a new pump without a reservoir, then remove the old and install it on the new pump. Fix the pump assembly and bolt it back on, hook all the hoses back and then loosen the idler pulley and put on the drive-belt.
Step 6. Fill the reservoir with fluid.
And now fill that pump reservoir with fluid and add of course, don’t forget, to fix back all the components you released.
Now start her up and let her run on idling for five minutes before you start turning the wheel. Make sure you keep an eye on the fluid and top her up as you start the car, because it will suck it right in!
FAQs.
Q: What happens when the power steering pump goes out?
First, the power steering pump will usually make the groaning or whining noise for it getting weak. Check if you hear the noise when turning the wheels.
You will also notice squealing noise which is usually a sign of a loose or worn-out drive-belt, but this can also indicate failing pump. Other occurrences you might face are slow to turn steering and hard steering.
Q: Can I drive my car with bad power steering?
You can drive your car with lousy power steering, but the wheel will take more effort to turn. If the power steering pump goes bad owing to a lack of steering fluid, well then it will damage the whole steering system badly including the steering rack and pinion.
Q: How much does it cost to replace a bad steering pump?
Replacing a bad power steering pump should be within $250 to $350. This figure given covers the service fee and the cost of the parts as well.
However, the actual costs for power steering pump replacement will vary greatly determined by the labor involved, the vehicle makes, and the model.
Q: Can the power steering pump be repaired?
Yes, a damaged power steering pump can be repaired. It might be a quick fix or a head on repair, which of course requires a qualified mechanic.
Final word
The power steering pump is one of those components of the car that we pay little attention to until we start having trouble steering the wheel. You shouldn’t be surprised that most drivers do not know what is a power steering pump, what it does, and its location.
And for some people, that is fine. But knowing how to tell if a power steering pump is bad and the symptoms of a bad power steering pump will save you from many hassles that could result in the failure of the steering rack.
So the next time your power steering pump goes bad, test yourself, and do not hesitate to contact a skilled mechanic if you are not confident enough. The important thing is not to let it slide under the carpet for long so that it won’t give you bigger troubles.