If you’re experiencing issues with your car, there’s a good chance that the power steering pump is going out. This essential part of your car’s engine can become defective and prevent it from turning, potentially leading to serious accidents. In this article, we’ll teach you how to tell if your power steering pump is going out, and what to do if it is.
What is a power steering pump?
A power steering pump is a machine that helps move the vehicle by providing power to the steering wheel. When it goes out, it can cause problems with the car’s movement and handling.
How does a power steering pump work?
A power steering pump is a machine that helps your car move forwards or backwards by using hydraulic pressure. When the pump goes out, it can cause problems like difficult steering and difficulty starting the car. Here are some things to look for to determine if the power steering pump is going out:
-A decrease in fluid pressure in the system
-A decrease in movement of the car
-Loss of power when turning the wheels
If any of these symptoms are present, it may be time to replace the power steering pump.
When should you replace a power steering pump?
If you’re noticing a decrease in steering response, or if the pump is making a weird noise, it’s time to replace your power steering pump. While there are many factors that can affect how long the pump will last, a worn pump should be replaced around 100,000 miles.
How to test a power steering pump
If you’ve ever been on a car ride and felt like your car was steering wheel was being pulled to the right, or if you’ve ever had to turn your car off of a busy street because it felt like the steering wheel was about to come off its mountings, then you know that your power steering pump is probably not working properly.
In this article, we’ll show you how to test a power steering pump to see if it’s going out.
First, make sure that your car has all of the cables connected to the engine (brake fluid, alternator belt, power steering fluid). If not, connect them now.
Next, start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes.
Now turn the wheel all the way to the left and let go. If the engine stalls or if the wheel goes very slowly in that direction, then your power steering pump is most likely not working. If the wheel goes quickly in that direction, then your pump may be overworked and need to be replaced.
Conclusion
If you’re noticing a loss of power when you turn your car, there’s a good chance that your power steering pump is going out. If the power steering stops working altogether, it can be difficult to steer and control the vehicle. In most cases, however, a failing power steering pump can be diagnosed and repaired relatively easily. So if you’re experiencing difficulty turning your car or losing power when you turn it, give our tips on how to tell if your power steering pump is going out a try and see if they help.