Have you ever had to take your car in for service because your power steering belt was slipping? Chances are, if you’ve owned a car for more than a few years, you’ve experienced this problem at some point. The power steering belt is a vital part of your car’s mechanics, and when it starts to slip, it can cause all sorts of problems. In this article, we’ll teach you how to change your power steering belt on your own, so that you don’t have to take your car in for service.
What is a power steering belt?
A power steering belt is a system used to assist the driver in turning the wheels of a car. It consists of a rubber or plastic belt that is stretched around the pulley and motor, and a gear box that connects to the car’s axle. When the driver applies pressure to the accelerator pedal, the belt turns the pulley, which causes the motor to rotate. This movement then rotates the gear box, which in turn turns the axle.
How do you change a power steering belt?
There are basically two ways to change a power steering belt- the traditional way using a manual belt tensioner and a power tool, or the newer automatic belt tensioner.
Manual Belt Tensioner: To change a power steering belt using a manual belt tensioner, first remove the cover over the pulley on the engine. Then loosen the screws that hold the tensioner onto the spine of the pulley. Loosen the tensioner handle to allow it to rotate. Now gently turn the tensioner handle in one direction until it stops, then turn it in the opposite direction until it comes off of the pulley. Carefully remove the old belt and install the new belt by threading it through both of the holes on the tensioner and screwing it back on. Tighten the screws on the tensioner.
Power Tool: To change a power steering belt using a power tool, first remove the cover over the pulley on engine. Remove all ofthe screws that holdthe pulley onto spindle. The drive belt is attached toa spindle inside ofthe pulley by means ofa bolt and nut (see image below). Loosen these two fasteners and pull outthe spindle. Reverse these
When should you replace a power steering belt?
If you see any of the following signs, it’s time to replace your power steering belt:
-The power steering feels weak or spongy
-The belt starts making unusual noises
-The belt is stretched or cracked
Replacing a power steering belt should be done every 6 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
What to do if your belt slips while driving
If you notice your belt slipping while driving, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem. The first thing to do is check to see if the belt is the correct size. If it is not, you will need to replace the belt. If the belt is the correct size, there are a few other things that can be done to fix the problem. One thing that can be done is to tighten up the bolts that hold the belt on. Another thing that can be done is to make sure that the pulley is in good condition and working correctly. Finally, if none of these solutions work, it may be time to replace the entire power steering system.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing problems with your power steering, it’s time to take a look at what could be causing the issue and how to fix it. In this article, we’ll outline the steps you need to take in order to change your power steering belt and get back on the road in no time. Make sure to read through the entire guide so that you know exactly what you need and don’t waste any time getting started!