7 Signs Your Power Steering System Is Failing

Vehicle manufacturers began to introduce the improved steering system, power steering around the start of the 20th century. Power steering, which is placed in vehicles, reduces the effort required by drivers and makes manoeuvring on the highways simpler.

Have you ever considered how tough things could get if your power steering suddenly failed and you had to forcefully finish the following bend down the road? Isn't it not a pleasant one? This is why a failed power steering system emits warning indicators that a problem exists and has to be addressed.

One of the areas that is checked by a MOT tester is the steering system. If there are any issues, this could result in a MOT test failure. It is therefore recommended to go online and search for a car services in Reading garage and book your car in with a professional car mechanic on the first experience of any steering related problems.

Is it possible to drive if the power steering fails?

You can drive while having troubles with your power steering, but you shouldn't.

Driving a car with a failing power steering system will result in far more damages than you may imagine. If you're running low on fluids, the pump will eventually dry up, resulting in greater friction and heat, which will eventually cause major damage. Book your car in with a car garage in Reading for a trained technician to diagnose and repair the issue.

Symptoms of a Power Steering System Failure

Although the signs and symptoms are there, it is vital that you are aware of the symptoms of a broken power steering system so that you can recognise the issue and take the necessary actions to rectify it.

Until the power steering system is fixed, the warning signal will remain on.

If your car's MOT history check shows that a prior MOT failure was caused by this power steering warning light, go over any repair invoices (if available) to discover what part was faulty and what necessary steps were taken to fix the issue.

This is crucial since a breakdown of your power steering system will affect your car's overall handling efficiency and may pose a greater risk to your and your passengers' safety.

Keep a watch out for these signs of a power steering problem:

1.      Stiff Steering Wheel - You should not feel any pressure while turning the wheel while using a power steering system; if you do, you may have a problem with your power steering system. Your power steering issue may need to be fixed if you find yourself needing to steer hard and harshly. As previously said, if you check MOT history of your vehicle, this is a regular reason for a MOT test failure.

2.      Slow Steering Response - If your power steering system is slow to respond to steering inputs, this might indicate a power steering problem.

3.      Problems with Steering - A loosening sensation in the control of your steering wheel might indicate a malfunctioning power steering system. Steering troubles are indicated by signs such as the steering wheel sliding from your grip as you continue to try to control it, or the necessity to crank the steering wheel excessively to complete a full turn of the vehicle. A car that pulls to one side or wanders to the incorrect side might indicate faulty steering gear.

4.      Squealing or Whining Noises - If you hear a squealing noise when starting your automobile or a whining noise while turning it, something is wrong with your car's power steering system. As you continue to crank the wheel, the whining sound will become louder.

5.      Groaning Noise - The groaning noise is the most serious sign of a failing power steering system, and it will become worse as the system degrades. This noise might indicate a low amount of power steering fluid, which, if left unchecked, could cause harm to other sections of the system.

6.      Low Fluid Levels - Each of your car's fluids has a unique purpose. Your power steering fluid, like braking fluid, coolant, and oil levels, is critical to its correct operation. Your power steering system may be harmed if you drive with a low fluid level. You should know how frequently you should examine your car's fluids.A low fluid level might be the blame for the power steering system failing. Either your system is short on fluid, or you have an unnoticed leak. The colour of the power steering fluid is generally crimson or reddish-brown. Its reservoir may be found (depending on the position of your car's engine) and must be checked on a regular basis to ensure that it is filled to the right level and that there are no leaks in or around it.

7.      Fluid Colour Has Changed - While checking the fluid levels, be sure the fluid's colour has changed. The presence of metal particles in the fluid or a grey colour might suggest a defective steering pump that caused the fluid to oxidise.

The Power Steering System (PSS)

Hydraulic, electric, or hybrid power steering systems are the three types available. The following is a list of them:

Hydraulic power steering (HPS) employs an engine-driven power steering pump to provide hydraulic pressure to aid in steering wheel action.

The hydraulic system is totally replaced with an electric-powered system in the second kind, known as the Electric power steering (EPS) system. The steering wheel dynamics are controlled by this electric system, which is coupled to the steering column.

EPHS (Electric Power Hydraulic Steering) or Hybrid steering is a hybrid steering system that combines electric and hydraulic power steering. In this configuration, the power steering is controlled by a brushless electric motor that also provides energy to the hydraulic power steering pump.

Whatever sort of power steering is installed in the vehicle, its general job is to operate as a driver input force multiplier, making steering wheel turning simpler.