If you’re like most drivers, you’re probably familiar with your car’s power steering system. You use it to steer your car in a straight line, and it’s essential for driving in city traffic or on winding country roads. But if your power steering pump is bad, it can cause all sorts of problems.
Symptoms of a Bad Power Steering Pump
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to replace your power steering pump:
-Uneven or inconsistent power steering response
-Pump noise that increases with use or age
-Leaning when turning the wheel
-Poor fuel economy
If you’re not sure if your power steering pump is bad, take a look at our guide below to help diagnosing the issue.
Testing Your Power Steering Pump
If you’re like most drivers, you don’t think too much about your power steering pump. You just know that it works when you need it to and that it’s usually a pretty reliable part of your car. But like everything else in your car, your power steering pump can eventually wear out and need to be replaced.
When your power steering pump starts to give you problems, it will usually cause your car to feel heavy or unsteady when you steer. If the problem is severe enough, you may even find yourself having to turn your wheel all the way around to get your car moving.
If you notice any of these signs that your power steering pump is starting to go bad, it’s time to take a look at it. You can do a little testing on your own to see if the problem is with the pump itself or with the wiring harnesses connecting it to the engine.
In most cases, simply replacing the power steering pump will fix the problem and get your car back on the road in no time. So if you notice any of the signs mentioned above, make sure to take action sooner rather than later!
Replacing Your Power Steering Pump
If you are experiencing decreased power or a lack of steering control, your power steering pump may be the issue. A failing power steering pump can be costly to replace and requires professional assistance. Follow these steps to determine if your power steering pump is bad:
Check Your Pressure
Before starting any removal or replacement work, it is important to first check pressure in the system. Remove the cap on the reservoir at the bottom of the steering column and adjust the pressure gauge until it reads 16 psi (1,280 mm Hg). If your reading is below 16 psi, your pump may be failing and you will need to replace it. Check the Manual Pump Drive Gear
Next, inspect the gear that drives the manual pump. If it is clogged with dirt, metal shavings, or other debris, it will not spin properly and will cause decreased power and a loss of steering control. Clean and lubricate this gear as needed. Test Drive Your Vehicle
Once you have determined that your pump is bad, you will need to test drive your vehicle to determine how much power the system is providing. Ride in normal driving conditions for 30 minutes or more and compare your results to those before the problem began. If you experience a