Having a fully controlled vehicle is very much necessary to prevent yourself and others and, of course, your car from accidental damage. In the control-oriented list, steering comes in first place. The movement of the vehicle is completely dependent on the steering. Whenever you want to move your vehicle in a certain direction, you use your steering. Hydraulic fluid helps every driver in turning the steering wheel. Now, the major part is the power steering pump pressurizes the hydraulic fluid, which helps to rotate the steering wheel.
But, if the pump gets into a fault, that can be a severe situation of risk. In this case, every user should consider replacing it right away.
Let’s discuss what is the replacement process and how much money you have to spend on it.
Defining A Power Steering Pump & It’s Purpose
Most of the vintage vehicles don’t have a power steering feature. It makes the vehicle hard to control sometimes. As a solution, auto-motive engineers introduced power steering. It generally uses hydraulic fluid as its base working system. Hydraulic fluid circulates around the steering assembly and makes it easy to move in any direction. But now the twist is hydraulic fluid does not get circulated on its own. The power steering pump does this operation on behalf of the steering assembly. It pressurizes and recirculates the steering fluid or the hydraulic fluid to make it convenient and easy to use.
This kind of pump can be differentiated into two types.
- It can be either belt-driven or hydraulic-driven.
- The pumps generate the power, and with the help of that power, the power steering assists the motor moves in different directions.
What are the Symptoms of a Damaged Power Steering Pump?
Every auto part can get faulty. Sometimes you can ignore some of them at an early stage. But some of them are so vital that you cannot ignore them for even a moment. It is just for your own safety. The pump of power steering plays a big role in the steering assembly. If that gets into any kind of fault, you should consider replacing it right away. But how can you get that your pump is creating an issue? Here are some symptoms that can help you to recognize that there is an issue.
Fluid underneath your car
If any of the users notice red-brown puddles of fluid underneath their vehicle, it can be because of the pump. If there are any cracks in the hose or the fixings, hydraulic fluid can start to leak.
Color of the fluid
While notifying a fault in the pump, a user should always give a look at the color of the fluid. If it has gone gray, the reason behind it can be oxidation. And if there is oxidation, there is air inside the steering assembly. A faulty or broken power steering pump can let air enter the assembly.
Strange noises while spinning the wheel
It is one of the most significant symptoms of all. If there is any fault in the pump, you can always hear some kind of strange noises while spinning the wheel. It can be groaning, screeching, or whining. You can also hear these sounds while accelerating your vehicle and moving the wheel in a direction. Additionally. In most cases, a belt is there to drive the pump. So, the noises generally indicate an issue with the belt too.
Unresponsive steering wheel
When a driver uses power steering, they expect an easy turn. But while turning a car, if the steering responds late, it can be an indication that you are having a defective steering pump.
These are some most common and significant symptoms that show a fault in the steering pump.
Replacement Process of a Power Steering Pump
- At first, the mechanic will cool down the engine before removing the drive belt, in the case of a belt-driven pump.
- The mechanic will let the engine cool down before removing the drive belt in the case of a belt-driven pump. The mechanic will discover the pump attached to the steering shaft or the steering rack if it is a hydraulic electric pump.
- Both types of pumps require the removal of panels, dashes, and perhaps the steering column to reach the pump for its removal.
- The mechanic unscrews threaded connectors to access the pump’s inlet and outlet.
- Then takes off any or all mounting bolts and brackets. He may flush the system to eliminate any potential contamination in the power steering system.
- They affix the new pump, connect the pressure and return lines, and release any trapped air.
- Belt-driven pumps require regular maintenance by a mechanic to ensure proper operation.
- Then fires up the engine and takes the car for a spin to ensure the new power steering pump is working properly.
- If a belt drives the pump, the technician will recheck the belt tension after the test run and make any necessary adjustments.
What should be the Cost of Replacing a Damaged Power Steering Pump?
To replace your power steering pump, approximately you have to pay between $500 and $800. Depending on the model of your car, the cost of replacement can vary, may fall, or may rise too.
The best way to know about the estimated price is to consult a professional technician at the repair shop.
FAQs
It is not good to drive with a broken Power steering pump. Only newer vehicles are designed to work properly with a power steering pump.
Upto 100,000- 150,000 power steering pump lasts before any replacement.
Lack of power steering fluid is the most common problem of a noisy power steering pump.
Yes, there is a warranty of 2 years/24,000 miles on the power steering pump.
