Is your power steering leaking fluid, making strange noises, has too much free play or is hard to turn? Chances are that your power steering needs attention. At Rowell & Searle, in Adelaide, we can diagnose the problem and source reconditioned or new power steering components as needed.
Common Causes of Power Steering Problems
The two most common causes of power steering problems or failures are due to a lack of maintenance and heat. To prevent excessive wear within your power steering system and contamination of the power steering fluid, you should follow a regular service schedule for your power steering system. A regular replacement of the fluid will flush out any minute metallic particles caused by general wear and tear within the system, reducing the chance of excess wear and premature failure.
Slipping Drive Belt
Have you ever heard a loud squealing sound when you were stopped in a parking lot and turn the wheel to back out of a spot? Chances are good that you may need power steering repairs for a slipping drive belt. As the steering belt gets aged, it becomes loose and starts to slip. The slipping sound is what you hear when that loud squealing starts as you turn out of the parking spot. The technicians at Rowell & Searle are trained to spot and measure slipping belts so you won’t have to encounter that terrible noise the next time you go shopping.
Power Steering Fluid Leak
One very common problem found with power steering systems is a leak. Regular scheduled maintenance, can prevent leaks that are usually noticed when fluid is seen on the driver’s side of the parked vehicle. If your vehicle is driven too long without checking, you could hear a loud grinding sound that signals the power steering fluid is at a dangerously low level and in need of a skilled mechanic to observe and stop the leak. If ignored too long, there is the potential to burn out the power steering pump which will then need a replacement power steering pump.
Replace Worn/Cracked Power Steering Hoses
Typically, aging of your vehicle will show in your power steering hoses. The power steering specialists at Rowell & Searle will inspect your hoses by looking and feeling if they are getting spongy. If they are getting spongy, that could mean that they have been rubbing on other engine parts which will cause the hoses to eventually burst. We can replace these hoses for you to prevent further damage.
Hose Coupling Pops Off
Vehicles that have been owned for many years have aged hoses and couplings. The problem with aged hoses and couplings is that they tend to wiggle off over time. Due to vibration, corrosion, or even built up steering pressure can cause the coupling to pop off. When that happens, power steering fluid is sprayed everywhere and turning becomes hard again.
By attending your regularly scheduled maintenance with your mechanic, you can eliminate most problems before they happen. Get in touch with Rowell & Searle so we can help with all your power steering repair needs!
Is your power steering leaking fluid, making strange noises, has too much free play or is hard to turn? Your power steering may need attention.
At Rowell & Searle we offer diagnosis, servicing and exchange rebuilt parts for power steering systems in all passenger and light commercial vehicles.
The two most common causes of power steering problems or failures are due to a lack of maintenance and heat. To prevent excessive wear within your power steering system and contamination of the power steering fluid, you should follow a regular service schedule for your power steering system. A regular replacement of the fluid will flush out any minute metallic particles caused by general wear and tear within the system, reducing the chance of excess wear and premature failure.
