Power steering systems make a huge difference in the maneuverability of a vehicle. Many classic cars that did not feature them were hard to steer and control, especially at low speeds or when stationary, requiring drivers to have strong arms because the wheels couldn’t turn that easily.
Power steering systems enable every driver to steer their vehicle without much effort, and the power steering pump is an essential component of this system. This article discusses the causes of power steering pump failure and the replacement costs.
The power steering system helps in turning the steering wheel. It consists of a pump, hoses, rack and pinion, and a power steering fluid. The pump pressurizes and circulates the fluid through a hose to turn the steering gear which makes the steering easy. The pump transfers the fluid into a two-sided chamber in the steering rack. One side of a chamber receives more fluid depending on the direction the driver turns the steering wheel. The pressure difference between the two chambers helps to turn the steering wheel with little effort.
As the driver keeps turning the steering wheel, another hose transfers the fluid back through the pump, which is pressurized again, making it a continual process anytime the engine runs. This process ensures that drivers are always equipped with steering assistance. In time, though, the power steering pump can fail, and this immediately makes the steering wheel hard to turn.
The exact cost of replacement varies by make and model. Labor costs also vary from one auto shop to another. With that in mind, a budget between $500 and $800 is enough for the pump replacement, allocating $100 to $800 for parts and $ 300 for labor.
If you're an avid car tinkerer, you can save money by doing the replacement yourself. However, remember that these repairs require a more advanced skill set and specific tools. Hence, having a qualified mechanic undertake the job is a good idea if you’re not confident in your abilities.
The pressurized fluid doesn't only assist in steering. It also keeps the pump cool and lubricated. Low fluid creates excess friction, causing the pump to overheat and accumulate excess wear.
Fluid leaks are obviously the cause of low steering fluid. Although they’re not directly responsible for pump failure, frequent leaks imply that the pump will continuously operate with less lubrication, which, in turn, can cause malfunctions.
Dirty or contaminated fluid can clog the steering system and wear down the fittings, causing excess friction. The pump tends to work harder to pressurize the fluid, and this leads to premature failure. That's why changing the power steering fluid at the recommended intervals is necessary.
The power steering pump relies on the engine for power, delivered through the serpentine or drive belt. Hence any fraying, stretching, or corrosion on the belt decreases the power supply, preventing it from working at the appropriate speed. In extreme cases, the belt can snap, creating a sudden loss of power and making the steering practically impossible.
Occasionally, a power steering pump fails because it’s old and may not be able to exert the pressure required by the power steering system to work correctly. Such pumps will have easy-to-notice symptoms.
A failing pump makes the steering wheel more rigid, requiring more effort to turn, especially when going slow or coming to a halt. Also, the vehicle takes a bit longer to turn, making it dangerous when driving at high speed.
Strange noises, including screeching, groaning, or whining from the power steering pump when turning the steering wheel or during higher engine RPMs, indicate a failing steering pump. The noises occur due to excess friction, which is usually a result of low or contaminated steering fluid.
Since a belt drives the steering pump, the friction created by the failing pump puts additional strain on the belt, which leads to squeaking noises from the hood. Sometimes the noises also occur as a result of belt shifting. In such cases, checking the belt is all that is required.
The power steering system plays a significant role in a vehicle's ability to steer. It is best to have the vehicle towed to a safe location and have the pump, fluid, and other elements of the power steering system attended to once there’s suspicion something went wrong. If resolved in a timely manner, the issue won’t cause further damage to the system and allow you to steer normally again.
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