Your car’s power steering system is one of the most important components in keeping you safe on the road. If it’s not functioning properly, you’ll be struggling to manoeuvre your vehicle – and that could lead to dangerous situations.
The Problem
The power steering on your car is one of the most important systems on the vehicle and should be maintained in good condition. The problem is that many drivers do not take proper care of their power steering system, which can lead to poor performance and even failure.
There are a few things you can do to help ensure that your power steering system is performing at its best. First, make sure that you regularly change the oil and filter. This will keep the system lubricated and running smoothly. Second, make sure that you use the right type of anti-lock braking system (ABS) fluid. Some vehicles require a specific type of ABS fluid to avoid causing damage to the power steering system. Third, make sure that you keep your wheel bearings properly lubricated. Over time, this can cause the wheel bearings to wear out, which will eventually lead to poor power steering performance. Finally, make sure that you bumper clearance is correct. If the bumper is too close to the wheel or axle, it will interfere with the wheel rotation and result in poor performance from the power steering system.
By following these simple tips, you can prevent your power steering system from becoming dysfunctional and eventually needing replacement.
The Solution
If you’re experiencing power steering issues, there are a few things you can do to adjust the steering and get your car back on the road. Adjusting the power steering is simple and can be done by yourself in just a few minutes.
First, make sure that the parking brake is engaged. Next, remove the cap on the power steering reservoir. Once the reservoir is open, you’ll see two metal arms that adjust the power steering pump’s stroke. To adjust the arms, first use a wrench to tighten or loosen them until you reach the desired strength. Be sure to re-install the cap on the reservoir after adjusting the arms.
If you experience severe power steering issues, it may be necessary to take your car into a mechanic for repairs. However, by adjusting your power steering yourself, you can save yourself some money and avoid any unnecessary hassles.
What to Do if the Power Steering isn’t Working
If you’re experiencing trouble with your car’s power steering, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the issue. Power steering is a common problem that can be caused by a number of different issues, so it’s important to troubleshoot the issue until you find the root cause.
Here are some tips on how to adjust power steering:
1. Check for clogged lines or hoses. If the power steering isn’t working because of a blockage in one of the lines or hoses, you’ll need to have them cleaned or replaced.
2. Check for interference from other electrical systems in the car. If your car has other electronics that are interfering with the power steering, you’ll need to disable or remove those systems before trying to adjust the steering yourself.
3. Verify that the power steering pump is working properly. If the pump is failing, it will not provide enough pressure to move the car’s wheels and the power steering will not work. In most cases, this can be fixed by replacing the pump.
How to Adjust Power Steering Yourself
When you’re driving, power steering is an essential part of the car’s handling. While it’s usually easy to adjust with manual controls, you may find yourself needing to adjust power steering on your own from time to time. Here’s how to do it:
1. Park your car in a level spot.
2. Check the fluid level and top off as necessary.
3. Detach the power steering hose from the pump by removing the cap and pulling it off.
4. Locate the control valve near the pump (often marked “Pwr Steering Valve”). Turn it clockwise until the pressure gauge reads 3 psi (29 kPa).
5. Reconnect the hose and replace the cap.
6. Drive your car around for a few minutes to ensure proper adjustment; if necessary, turn the control valve counterclockwise until pressure drops below 3 psi (29 kPa) and then turn it back to clockwise.