Easy step by step instructions on how to repair automotive steering problems, this information pertains to most vehicles.

Step 1 - The power steering system utilizes hydraulic fluid to transfer force from the power steering pump to the rack and pinion or steering box. Check the power steering fluid level by locating the power steering fluid reservoir and remove the cap (twist counter clockwise) to inspect the fluid level in the pump fluid reservoir. Some systems have a fluid level dip stick mounted inside the cap while others are present on the side of the fluid reservoir, if the fluid level is down or empty the system has a leak. Inspect the pump, hoses and rack and pinion or box assembly, replace worn or broken components as needed.

Step 2 - The steering pump is driven by a serpentine belt which is used to transfer energy from the engine to the hydraulic steering pump assembly. If the belt is in poor condition or has failed completely it will render the system non-operational.

Step 3 - A hydraulic pump is used to supply fluid pressure which is needed to operate the system. If the pump fails internally, the pressure needed to operate the system is not present rendering the system non-operational. The power steering pump must be replaced and refilled with fluid. (Note: some power steering pump pulleys are pressed on and require a specialized tool to be removed and replaced).

Step 4 - If everything checks out and power steering problems still exist the rack and pinion, or steering box is the only component that remains. When replacing a pump be sure to flush the system before refilling it with new fluid.

Helpful Information
A power steering system is designed to utilize power from the engine to assist in the force needed to steer the vehicle. A pump pressurizes the fluid and transfers it through hoses which are connected to a power steering box or rack and pinion. If the power steering malfunctions the vehicle can be difficult to control. It is advised NOT to move a vehicle with the power steering system not operating or engine not running.

Disclaimer:
Please if you are not a professional, please don't try this on your car so that you won't cause more damages to it


Source:
http://www.autoreportng.com/2017/02/power-steering-issues-tips-on-how-to.html



Lalasticlala
Seun
Ishilove
Marpol
Semid4lyfe
Obinoscopy

Please don't do it if you don't know about cars oo

Read more here with more pictures

http://www.autoreportng.com/2017/02/power-steering-issues-tips-on-how-to.html

Very informative

g

OP, you study car for uni?

My car uses electric power steering.

OP, you study car for uni?

Make una allow mechanic chop nah!!!

My steering is now stiff en when I wanna reverse
Thanks

Insightful. Just remembered an accident I witnessed two years ago due to steering lock, it was devastating

AutoReportNG2 .. My fluid reservoir always drain fast and it messes up the whole container. I believe its leaking but my Mechanic told me that its the rack I need to change ....and that I should add black oil to reduce the leakage ...what do u see to that.







Meanwhile... Check my Profile for your Architectural Designs, Estimate for construction work and Building Construction.

AutoReportNG2:
Please don't do it if you don't know about cars oo


Lalasticlala, Seun

Mine is a land cruiser HZJ105. Power steering is working but pump is making this annoying whinning sound when I turn the steering. Some mechanics have tried to 'bleed' it, but it's still whinning. Note that pump is driven by engine timing belt.

Thanks for the info

AutoReportNG2:
Please don't do it if you don't know about cars oo


Lalasticlala, Seun

Thanks op for information.
My car power steering fluid is gauge but sometimes the steering stiff when am about to turn left

What could have been the problem and what's the solution

Thanks

moscobabs:


Thanks op for information.
My car power steering fluid is gauge but sometimes the steering stiff when am about to turn left

What could have been the problem and what's the solution

Thanks

Same as mine... Let wait for OP

I am having this same issue. Whats the solution?

PqsMike:
AutoReportNG2 .. My fluid reservoir always drain fast and it messes up the whole container. I believe its leaking but my Mechanic told me that its the rack I need to change ....and that I should add black oil to reduce the leakage ...what do u see to that.







Meanwhile... Check my Profile for your Architectural Designs, Estimate for construction work and Building Construction.

iamphill:
I am having this same issue. Whats the solution?

PqsMike:
AutoReportNG2 .. My fluid reservoir always drain fast and it messes up the whole container. I believe its leaking but my Mechanic told me that its the rack I need to change ....and that I should add black oil to reduce the leakage ...what do u see to that.




Meanwhile... Check my Profile for your Architectural Designs, Estimate for construction work and Building Construction.

A seal in your steering rack is faulty, hence the need for replacement. Addition of black oil to your power steering fluid increases the viscosity (thickness) of the power steering fluid, thereby reducing leakage from the faulty seal.
Doing this however puts the power steering pump at risk because it does more severe work trying to pump the thicker fluid around.

So... just replace the rack if it is established that the leakage is from it.

Mementoes:

A seal in your steering rack is faulty, hence the need for replacement. Addition of black oil to your power steering fluid increases the viscosity (thickness) of the power steering fluid, thereby reducing leakage from the faulty seal.
Doing this however puts the power steering pump at risk because it does more severe work trying to pump the thicker fluid around.

So... just replace the rack if it is established that the leakage is from it.

in this recession, steering rack for whatever vehicle is costly

How do you fix a stiff steering in one that doesn't use fluid? The steering rack has just been replaced.

My power steering pump makes an annoying growling sound and it never stops.The noise increases in pitch as the engine is revved. it overshadows the beautiful sound of my engine. I've been advised to change the power steering pump. will this fix the issue?

owji:



in this recession, steering rack for whatever vehicle is costly

Yes. But power steering pump + rack will be far more expensive. It's better to keep topping up with the recommended fluid if one can't afford to change the rack yet.

flyboi1:
My power steering pump makes an annoying growling sound and it never stops.The noise increases in pitch as the engine is revved. it overshadows the beautiful sound of my engine. I've been advised to change the power steering pump. will this fix the issue?

If the pump is the problem, yes.

Was the belt removed & the pump alone tested before coming to this conclusion?

jarkbauer:
My car uses electric power steering.

Same here!

EXACTLY! thats what i been doing

Mementoes:


Yes. But power steering pump + rack will be far more expensive. It's better to keep topping up with the recommended fluid if one can't afford to change the rack yet.

Mementoes:

If the pump is the problem, yes.

Was the belt removed & the pump alone tested before coming to this conclusion?

No it wasn't removed. Mechanic just heard the noise and decided it needed to be changed.

flyboi1:
My power steering pump makes an annoying growling sound and it never stops.The noise increases in pitch as the engine is revved. it overshadows the beautiful sound of my engine. I've been advised to change the power steering pump. will this fix the issue?

Increase in pitch points to bad bearings on the pump. If it can be changed individually, fine! Else, complete pump change if you choose not to tolerate the noise

flyboi1:
My power steering pump makes an annoying growling sound and it never stops.The noise increases in pitch as the engine is revved. it overshadows the beautiful sound of my engine. I've been advised to change the power steering pump. will this fix the issue?

The Power Steering fluid is most likely dirty and contaminated (black in colour). Because the System is a hydraulic/Pressurized system, there a special technique for changing the power steering fluid which most mechanics don't know how to do. So they advise you to change the pump because once they open the system (in the wrong way), the pump would be damaged and so they would just replace the pump and change the fluid.

Mementoes:

A seal in your steering rack is faulty, hence the need for replacement. Addition of black oil to your power steering fluid increases the viscosity (thickness) of the power steering fluid, thereby reducing leakage from the faulty seal.
Doing this however puts the power steering pump at risk because it does more severe work trying to pump the thicker fluid around.

So... just replace the rack if it is established that the leakage is from it.

Thank you so much. how much does the rack cost

iamphill:


Thank you so much. how much does the rack cost

You are welcome.

I don't know the price of your steering rack but you can create a thread for that on the car talk section & parts sellers will get back to you.

flyboi1:


No it wasn't removed. Mechanic just heard the noise and decided it needed to be changed.

It would be better to remove the belt because sometimes the noise might be coming from another accessory such as alternator or water pump.

My Siena power steering is making noise. I need a technicians that can service it pls. Drop ur number if u can help