A power steering pump is a key component to your vehicle’s steering system. If it fails, you will likely hear strange noises coming from the front of your car and have difficulty steering. Learn how to tell if your power steering pump is bad and what you can do about it!
What is a power steering pump?
A power steering pump is a vital component of a car’s power steering system. It is responsible for providing hydraulic fluid to the system, which in turn helps to make steering your car easier.
If your power steering pump is not working properly, it can make steering your car more difficult and can even cause damage to other parts of the power steering system. There are several signs that can indicate that your power steering pump is not working properly, including:
-A grinding noise coming from the power steering system
-A whining noise from the power steering pump
-Steering that feels stiff or hard to turn
-Leaking fluid from the power steering system
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to have your power steering pump checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
What are the symptoms of a bad power steering pump?
If your power steering pump is going bad, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
1. difficulty turning the steering wheel, especially at low speeds
2. a whining or grinding noise when you turn the steering wheel
3. a sudden loss of power steering fluid from the reservoir
4. dark blue or black smoke coming from the engine compartment
5. an unusual smell coming from the engine compartment
How to test for a bad power steering pump
If you notice that your power steering pump is making strange noises or leaking fluid, it may be time to test it for a bad pump. Here are a few ways you can test for a bad power steering pump:
1. Listen for strange noises. If you hear any grinding, squealing, or other strange noises coming from the power steering pump, it may be failing.
2. Look for leaks. A power steering pump that is leaking fluid is likely to fail soon.
3. Check the fluid level. If the power steering fluid level is low, it may be due to a leak in the pump.
4. Test the pressure. Use a pressure gauge to test the pressure of the power steering fluid. If the pressure is lower than normal, it could be a sign of a bad pump.
How to replace a power steering pump
Assuming that you have some basic automotive knowledge, replacing a power steering pump is not a difficult task. In this article, we will show you how to replace a power steering pump in a few simple steps.
1. Prepare the vehicle: Park the vehicle on a flat surface and set the emergency brake. Place a jack under the front of the car and raise it so that you can work underneath.
2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal: This will prevent any electrical shorts while you are working.
3. Drain the power steering fluid: Locate the power steering fluid reservoir and remove the cap. Place a drain pan under the reservoir and use a turkey baster to remove as much fluid as possible. You can also remove the return line from the reservoir to allow all of the fluid to drain out.
4. Disconnect the old pump: There are typically two bolts holding the power steering pump in place. Remove these bolts and carefully disconnect the old pump from the vehicle.
5. Install the new pump: Carefully thread the new pump into place and tighten down the bolts. Reconnect any hoses or lines that were disconnected and fill up the power steering fluid reservoir.
6. Start
Conclusion
If your car is making strange noises, leaking fluid, or the steering feels heavy, these could all be signs that your power steering pump is going bad. It’s important to get this checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible, as a bad power steering pump can cause serious damage to your car. We hope this article has helped you troubleshoot the problem and figure out what to do next.