Steering Repair: Common Steering Problems and How to Diagnose Them
Stay on the Straight and Narrow at Tate Boys
Thanks to your vehicle's power steering system, turning your steering wheel from lock to lock is a quick and simple task. When it comes to your vehicle's steering system, manufacturers may provide different levels of feedback on how much effort turning your wheel should take. However, if you feel your wheels resisting, or think there may be an issue with your vehicle’s power steering system, have a mechanic look at it as soon as possible.
On some occasions, issues with your power steering system can be resolved with a simple solution, such as topping off, or flushing your power steering fluid. Other times, the remedy could be something a bit more drastic, such as the replacement of your power steering pump. Catching issues like these as soon as possible is vital to minimizing car repair costs, which is why we recommend having your vehicle looked at once the first sign of trouble occurs.
At Tate Boys, we provide trustworthy auto repair services for your vehicle, so no matter the culprit of your steering system mishaps, our ASE-certified mechanics can get to the bottom of it. Schedule service to take voice today, and trust our certified experts for quality auto repair services.
Common Steering Problems
Most issues with your vehicle's steering system will seldom trigger a check engine light. For this reason, it's important to be able to recognize anomalies in your steering system, so they can be remedied before it’s too late.
Below are some of the most common steering problems and what these problems generally mean for your vehicle:
Resistance When Turning the Wheel
Do you notice resistance when turning your steering wheel, or it's as if your steering wheel temporarily locks as you're trying to turn? This can be a symptom of low-power steering fluid. As you steer from left to right, tackle turns, accelerate, and then try to come to a complete stop, the fluids inside your vehicle begin to move around. If you have low power steering fluid, this movement can temporarily cause your power steering pump to starve.
The Remedy
Low power steering fluid can cause your power steering pump to eventually overheat and fail. To prevent costly auto repair, we recommend checking your power steering fluid regularly to confirm that it is low. If your power steering fluid is low, we recommend topping off this fluid to see if that remedies the problem.
Loose Steering Wheel
If your steering wheel feels loose as you're driving, and your vehicle barely responds as you turn the wheel, this can be a dangerous situation that can lead to a collision. If this is happening to you, we recommend bringing your vehicle into our automotive repair shop at your earliest convenience.
The Remedy
The cause for a loose steering wheel is often a worn steering belt, a failed power steering pump, or failed steering rack mounts. This repair will require the expert knowledge of an ASE-certified mechanic. If you’re ready to have your vehicle looked at, bring it into our auto repair shop as soon as possible, and our team will have your vehicle repaired and back on the road in no time.
Noisy Steering
If you notice grinding, clunking, or rubbing noises when you turn your steering wheel, this could be a sign that an issue in your steering system is on the rise that may need an expert’s touch. These types of noises are often warning signs from worn-out steering belts, and other starting components that are on the verge of failure.
The Remedy
In order to properly diagnose the cause of a noisy steering rack, you'll need the help of an ASE-certified mechanic. At Tate Boys, our experts are here to get your car repaired and back on the road as soon as possible.
How to Prevent Steering Problems
In order to minimize the chances of needing auto repair, routine steering repair service is the best way to keep your vehicle's power steering system performing its best throughout your vehicle's life. Not only does this help keep your vehicle's cost of ownership down, but it also helps your vehicle return to its highest degree of reliability.
In order to understand your vehicle's manufacturer-recommended service intervals, we recommend checking your owner's manual. However, we generally recommend performing a power steering fluid flush every 40,000 to 80,000 miles, or every three to five years.
Here are some other tips to keeping your power steering system functioning normally:
- Perform routine power steering fluid checks
- Change power steering fluids according to manufacturer specifications
- Top off power steering fluid when low
- Change power steering fluid if you notice it’s dark or dirty
Schedule an Appointment at Tate Boys Today
At Tate Boys, your vehicle is always in the right hands. Regardless if your vehicle is due for power steering repair service, or you’re in need of auto repairs, our experts are here for all of your automotive needs. Our car repair shop performs repairs on all make and model vehicles. We also use quality replacement parts, and we employ ASE-certified technicians who each have a thorough understanding of your vehicle’s needs.
In addition to competitive prices, we offer additional savings through our service coupons that allow you to enjoy quality maintenance and repair services at incredible prices. For quality auto repair that you can trust, schedule an appointment at Tate Boys.
