Power Steering & Power Steering Fluid
In simple terms, the power steering (PS) system of you vehicle makes it so you can maneuver your vehicle in different directions with less effort and exertion. Before this component was added into vehicles about 70 years ago, drivers needed to work much harder to get the vehicle to make proper moves and turns. This system uses a separate motor or even engine power to reduce the effort to move the front wheels. The heart of this system is the power steering pump. The pump pushes hydraulic fluid where needed and the amount of fluid released is based upon the speed at which you are taking or making a turn.
There are three types of power steering in modern vehicles.
- Hydraulic
- Electric
- Hybrid electro-hydraulic
All three PS systems perform the same function but use different methods and fluids. Each variety adds more energy to assist in steering of a vehicle, allowing the driver to use less muscle to turn as mentioned above.
In addition to the pump, there is a rotary valve that is responsible for detecting the force and controlling the steering wheel’s movement, so the system knows when it needs to assist you. When the steering wheel isn’t turning, the two hydraulic lines have equal pressure on the right and the left sides. When the spool valve turns, ports on the appropriate line open to provide higher pressure and assist in turning the wheel.
Major Signs of a Bad Power Steering Pump/System
- Low fluid level in the reservoir
- Discoloration of the fluid
- Puddles or stains in the garage or on the driveway
- Moaning, squealing, or whining type of noises when you turn the steering wheel in one or both directions
- Increased resistance when turning the wheel
- Major or minimal erratic response to turns
Call Harmony automotive today and let us help you with your power steering needs.
