Are you having trouble shifting in your car or truck? Are you noticing a decrease in power when you accelerate? If so, your power steering pump may be the problem. In this article, we’ll discuss why a power steering pump might go bad, and how to determine if it’s time to replace it.
What are the symptoms of a bad power steering pump?
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is likely that your power steering pump is bad and needs to be replaced:
-The car feels jerky or unresponsive when turning
-The car pulls to the right or left when driving
-The power steering has a heavy or noticeable feel
-The bearings in the pump are noisy or making unusual noises
How can you test if your power steering pump is bad?
When it comes to diagnosing car problems, testing is essential. And when it comes to your power steering pump, that means testing the fluid level and pressure.
To test the fluid level in your power steering system, first locate the power steering reservoir. It’s typically located on the driver’s side near the rear axle. Once you find it, remove the cap and fill it up with fresh fluid. Replace the cap and test the system by turning the wheel slowly in both directions. The gauge should read between 32 PSI and 50 PSI. If it’s low or fails to reach either range, it means your pump is bad and needs to be replaced.
To test for pressure, turn your car off and remove the cap from your power steering reservoir. Fill up the reservoir until the gauge reads about 20 PSI – 30 PSI. Reconnect your hoses, turn on your engine and check for leaks by shaking each hose vigorously. If any leak appears, replace that hose immediately. If everything checks out okay, you can re-install your caps and drive away!
How to replace a power steering pump on a car
A power steering pump is a crucial part of your car’s engine and should be replaced when it begins to show signs of wear. Here are four signs that your power steering pump is about to go:
1. The power steering feels spongy or weak.
2. There is a noticeable decrease in fluid pressure when you turn the wheel.
3. The transmission starts to slip, especially when you apply the brakes.
4. The pump makes a whining noise or makes an unusual noise when turned on or off.
Conclusion
If you are having trouble turning your car in a tight spot or if the power steering seems to be going out on you intermittently, it might be time to have your power steering pump replaced. While replacing your power steering pump isn’t always necessary, it is something that could help solve some of the issues you are having with your car. If you would like more information on when or whether it is time to replace your power steering pump, please contact our service center at (855) 977-4377 and one of our experts will be happy to assist you.