A power steering system is a component of most automobiles that helps the driver steer the car. The system’s job is to turn the engine’s power from the rear wheels to the front wheels, allowing the driver to steer. A power steering system usually contains one or more hydraulic pumps, motors, and gearboxes.
What Is A Power Steering?
A power steering system is a vital component of any vehicle, as it allows the driver to easily maneuver the car without having to use their hands. A power steering system consists of several parts, including the pump, motor, and gear box. When these parts work together, they help move the car by turning the pump’s pistons in response to the driver’s input.
Power steering systems come in two different types: manual and automatic. Manual power steering systems require the driver to use their hands to turn the pump, while automatic power steering systems allow the car to steer itself based on its sensors and computer algorithms.
Power steering systems are generally priced based on how much torque they provide (in pounds). The higher- torque power steering systems provide more control and allow for sharper turns, while lower- torque power steering systems are usually less expensive and are better suited for smaller turns or parking.
Types of Power Steering
Power steering has been around since the late 1800s, when it was first used on horse-drawn carriages. Power steering is now used on a wide variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
There are three types of power steering: self-steering, manual steering, and active assist.
Self-Steering: This is the simplest type of power steering, where the vehicle’s own movement causes the power steering system to steer the vehicle. Self-steering systems are most common on cars and minivans.
Manual Steering: Manual steering systems allow the driver to steer the vehicle using traditional hand controls. Manual systems are found on cars and trucks that don’t have self-steering capabilities.
Active Assist: Active assist power steering systems use sensors to monitor the vehicle’s movement and provide feedback to the driver to help them steer the vehicle. Active assist systems are found on cars with self-steering capabilities and are usually more expensive than other types of power steering systems.
How To Change A Power Steering
If you’re experiencing problems with your power steering, it’s time to take corrective action. Here’s how to change a power steering system:
1. Park the car in a level spot.
2. Remove the front wheel and tire.
3. Disconnect the power steering system electrical connector (usually blue) at the axle.
4. Remove the engine cover by prying up on either side of it and pulling straight off.
5. Loosen the eight bolts that hold the power steering pump to the innermost ring gear housing. Carefully remove the pump and discard it. (Be sure to mark which bolt goes where!)
6. Remove the three screws that hold the innermost ring gear housing to the drive shaft (two on each side).
7. Gently pull out the inner ring gear housing, being careful not to damage it or lose anything inside it.
8. Unplug and remove the power steering pump assembly from inside the housing (it will have a Y-shaped connector). Discard both assemblies if they are worn or defective in any way.
9. Install new pump assembly by reverse order of removal, being sure to install Y-shaped connector first and screwing it into place
Power Steering Fluid and Levels
If your power steering is not working as it should, it may be time to flush and refill your fluid. Here’s how much fluid you’ll need:
-For a 2000 or newer car: 3 quarts
-For a 2001 or older car: 2 quarts
Simply remove the cap on the power steering reservoir (usually located behind the drivers side front tire), add the required amount of fluid, replace the cap and turn the key to ‘on’. Do not overfill. Check your level every few months and top off as needed.
How To Test A Power Steering
If you’re like most drivers, you rely on your power steering for both driving comfort and safety. But just like any other engine system, power steering can fail, resulting in decreased driving ability or even dangerous situations. To ensure that your power steering is functioning correctly, it’s important to test it regularly. Here are four easy methods to do just that:
1) Pulling the handbrake on a vehicle will force the rear wheels to lock up and increase the workload on the power steering. If the power steering feels weak or difficult to steer after doing this, it may need to be replaced.
2) Driving at a low speed (below 5 mph) will also stress the power steering due to increased torque and movement of the vehicle. If the power steering feels weak or difficult to operate at low speeds, it may need to be serviced.
3) Turning the car off and then back on will cause all of the electrical systems in a car (including the power steering) to reset. If there are any issues with the power steering system, this might be an indication of them.
4) Driving in heavy traffic will also overload and strain your car’s auxiliary systems (