Driving in winter can be a daunting task, especially if your car has power steering. Without the help of power steering, driving in icy or snowy conditions can be incredibly difficult. If you start to notice a decrease in performance or feel like your car is slipping more often than usual, it’s time to check and replace your power steering pump.
What is a power steering pump?
A power steering pump is a small, but essential device located in the engine bay of a car. It helps to circulate the engine’s oil and coolant, which keeps it running smoothly and efficient. If your power steering pump is malfunctioning, it can cause serious consequences for your vehicle. Here are some tips to know if your pump is on its last leg:
1. Check the fluid level: One of the first steps to checking your power steering pump’s status is to check the fluid level. If the fluid is low or nonexistent, this may be an indication that the pump needs replacement.
2. Listen for noise: Another sign that your power steering pump may be on its way out is if you hear a lot of noise coming from it. This could mean that the seals are worn down or that there’s an issue with the motor itself.
3. Check for leaks: Finally, one of the best ways to determine if your power steering pump is failing is to look for any leaks. If there are any fluids leaking from under the car or around the pump itself, it’s probably time for a new one.
How do power steering pumps work?
A power steering pump is a mechanical device used to move fluid from the engine to the steering gear in a car or truck. The pump uses the engine’s power to turn a shaft that drives the pump. When the pump fails, it can cause problems with the steering and drivelines.
To know if your power steering pump is bad, you need to check three things: the oil level, the pressure (via the gauge), and the system noise. If any of these are low, or if there is excessive system noise, your pump may be failing. Replacement is usually recommended at this point.
When should you replace a power steering pump?
According to the manufacturer, a power steering pump should be replaced every 10 years. However, this time frame may vary depending on the type of vehicle, driving habits, and other factors. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it is recommended that you replace your power steering pump:
-The car feels difficult to drive or pulls to one side when in neutral
-The power steering is noticeably weaker than it was before
-The pump makes a loud noise when in use
How to test a power steering pump
If you’re ever in doubt about whether or not your power steering pump is bad, there’s a quick and easy way to test it. All you need is some simple equipment and a bit of time.
The first thing you’ll need is a power steering fluid level gauge. This can be bought relatively cheaply from any automotive parts store. Once you have it, simply connect the negative lead from the gauge to the power steering pump’s positive terminal and fill the tank up to the “max” line on the gauge. Then turn the engine on and let it idle for about five minutes. At this point, you should see the power steering fluid level drop below the “min” line on the gauge. If it does, then your pump is bad and needs to be replaced.
Conclusion
If you’re having trouble getting your car to shift properly, or if it’s making weird noises, there’s a good chance your power steering pump is bad. Unfortunately, this can be quite costly to fix, so it’s important to know how to check if your pump is bad and figure out the best way to fix it. Hopefully this guide has given you the information you need to get started.