A power steering pump is a critical component in your vehicle’s steering system, ensuring that you can turn the wheel with minimal effort, especially at lower speeds.
Without a properly functioning pump, steering becomes a challenge, often requiring much more physical effort. This can make driving difficult, uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous in certain situations.
When the power steering pump starts to fail, the signs can vary from subtle changes in steering feel to more obvious noises and steering issues.
Recognizing the symptoms of a bad power steering pump early on can save you from costly repairs down the road and, more importantly, help you avoid dangerous situations while driving.
Understanding how this component works and what causes it to fail is crucial for vehicle maintenance.
In this guide, we’ll explore the symptoms of a bad power steering pump and how to fix the issues that arise from its failure.
What is a Power Steering Pump?
The power steering pump is responsible for providing the hydraulic pressure needed for the system to function properly.
It regulates the power steering fluid, which helps make the steering lighter and easier to operate. It is connected to your engine via a belt-pulley mechanism that’s driven off the crankshaft.
There are different types of power steering pumps, known as the rotary vane, roller, and slipper. Though each one features different designs and mechanisms, all three function on the same principle, and that is to pump the fluid to the entire system.
An average vehicle weighs about 2,900 pounds. That, of course, will vary depending on what type of vehicle you’re driving.
On average, a midsize car can weigh up to 3,400 pounds, while a large pickup truck can weigh twice as much. Simply put, cars are heavy. But thanks to power steering, you’re able to drive around effortlessly—even at low speeds.
There are three types of power steering systems: hydraulic, electro-hydraulic, and fully electric. Hydraulic systems use a pump to circulate the fluid under pressure, while the latter relies solely on a motor. The first two use an incompressible fluid that converts mechanical force into fluid power as it gets pressurized.
What Does a Power Steering Pump Do?
What is a power steering pump? Most classic cars did not have power steering, which meant they were harder to turn and control. As steering systems evolved, engineers found ways to ease the steering process using hydraulics.
It reduces the effort required to turn the wheel that steer your car, especially when your vehicle is at a stop or low speed. This makes the driving experience more intuitive as the steering effort is essentially the same regardless of how fast you’re driving.
The power steering pump circulates and pressurizes power steering fluid. When the pressurized fluid is transferred through a hose to the steering gear, it is used to help turn the wheel.
As the wheel turns, another hose returns the fluid back through the pump, where it is pressurized again. The process is continuous while the engine is running, meaning that you are never left without steering assistance.
Since most drivers own vehicles equipped with power steering, it quickly becomes obvious when the pump is failing because of power steering problems like a hard to turn wheel.
What’s in a power steering system?
A traditional hydraulic power steering system consists of the following components:
Power steering pump
As the name implies, the power steering pump is a hydraulic pump. It’s usually mounted to the front of the engine and driven by the drive belt, but may be gear-driven, which is common with diesel engines.
Power steering pumps use positive displacement, meaning that every time the pump turns, a specific amount of fluid must exit the pump — this creates high pressure. The pump pressurizes fluid and sends it through a high-pressure line to the steering gear.
An internal pressure relief valve opens when pressure has exceeded a certain point. This allows fluid to return and assures that maximum pressure is always available.
Steering gear
There are two basic types of steering gears: recirculating ball steering boxes, (big cars and trucks) and rack-and-pinion assemblies.
Regardless of the design, the steering gear is connected between the steering column and steering linkage.
When the driver turns the steering wheel, the gear assembly transfers that motion to steering linkage. The steering linkage then turns the wheels in the desired direction.
Lines
The power steering system has high-pressure and low-pressure fluid lines, as well as a suction line if the reservoir is remotely mounted.
Pressurized hydraulic fluid is sent from the pump to the steering gear through the high-pressure line. Fluid returns from the steering gear to the power steering pump or reservoir through the low-pressure line.
Reservoir
Power steering systems have a fluid reservoir. It may be mounted to the power steering pump, or it may be a remotely mounted tank with a feed or suction hose that connects to the pump.
Many cars made in the past few years no longer have a hydraulic power steering pump. Instead, they use an electric motor to assist in steering. These systems are referred to as electric power steering. There are also some vehicles that use a hybrid of the two types.
Power Steering Pump Location
The power steering pump is usually found on the passenger side of the vehicle or in the front of the engine. It’s run by the serpentine belt, so you can find it by tracing this belt.
Steering pump location is also going to depend on what type of drivetrain you have. It’s normally in different locations with front-wheel drive cars versus those equipped with rear-wheel drive.
The electrical steering pump is usually located closer to the steering column, often near the base of it. If you can’t find the location of your steering pump, reference the information in your service manual.
Symptoms of the Bad Power Steering Pump
When the power steering pump starts to fail, you will feel a heavy or stiff wheel, as well as have a struggle with rough or jerky steering.
It can also cause a squealing or knocking noise, an illuminated power steering warning on the dash, or you may notice metal flakes in the fluid.
Let’s take a look at these symptoms a little closer.
#1. Heavy or Stiff Steering.
When the power steering pump fails, the car starts to feel like it has a manual steering system. The wheel gets difficult to turn, almost as if you need to be a bodybuilder in order to control the vehicle.
Because the pump is needed to circulate the fluid, there won’t be enough pressure throughout the system to make minor adjustments.
The wheel becomes heavy and it could become impossible to steer at all. You may have just enough strength to baby the car off of the road in a safe location.
#2. Squealing Noises When Turning.
As the power steering pump begins to fade, you may hear some strange noises. Squealing or whining is often the most complained about, and it becomes more noticeable while turning the steering wheel.
You may also notice the sound when you first crank the engine on. As the RPMs climb, the pitch of the sound can also change. Yet, many of these problems are also caused by low fluid, so it’s best to check that first.
Additionally, the serpentine belt that runs the pump can make the same noises as it becomes loose and weakened. To tell the difference between the two, you would need to perform an inspection while the engine is running.
#3. Rough/Jerky Steering.
If you still have control over the steering but notice it is not acting normally, the pump could be going bad. The steering can often become jerky or rough as the pump fails, making it more difficult to keep the vehicle in the lane where it belongs.
You may find yourself making faster or more dramatic movements just to work with the steering. Either way, this is a safety concern that should be dealt with immediately.
#4. Knocking Noises.
There’s a noise that can occur beyond the whining or squealing. Once the sound becomes a groaning or knocking, you know you need to check the system immediately.
A defective power steering pump could lead to this problem. Otherwise, there could be other issues that need to be repaired.
#5. Metal Flakes In The Power Steering Fluid Reservoir.
When the pump becomes damaged, metal pieces from it can come apart and mix into the power steering fluid. These shards of metal can damage the passages to the power steering system, leading to even more complications.
Not only will the pump need to be replaced, but the steering gear may become damaged and you will need to perform a system flush too.
If you see other types of debris in the fluid, it’s possible you left the cap off. The power steering system is closed, so nothing should infiltrate the system. This problem is normally only caused by human error.
#6. The Power Steering Symbol On The Dashboard.
Among the dashboard warning lights, you may notice the power steering symbol. This light typically has a steering wheel symbol with an exclamation mark. Not all cars have this light, so you can’t rely on it to tell you if something has failed.
As with all warning lights, this indicator is trying to get your attention. While it may not be the pump that’s bad, you still want to examine the system.
What causes a power steering pump to go bad?
There are several factors that could cause your power steering pump to fail, and when they do, you could find it difficult to control your car handling without the help of the power steering component.
This section will discuss common causes of a bad power steering pump and how to tell if you have a bad power steering pump.
- Contaminated steering fluid
- Low steering fluid
- The worn-out or broken serpentine belt
- Too much force
- Poor maintenance
#1. Contaminated steering fluid.
Power steering is a hydraulic system that uses a steering fluid to create motion. Hydraulic systems can exert a high amount of force with little energy input, making it easy to control your vehicle.
However, this unified system will not work as it should when grits and grime are in the system. Contaminated fluid can clog the steering system, wear down fittings, create increased friction, and even cause the power steering pump to fail.
This is why it’s imperative to change your steering fluid at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals and when you notice grits and grime.
#2. Low steering fluid.
In order for your power steering pump to run nice and smoothly, it needs a precise amount of steering fluid running through it. Too little fluid can’t provide the force required to turn the wheels.
On the flip side, Too much fluid will cause your seals and valves to wear out under pressure. Maintaining an adequate fluid level will help prevent this problem. The low fluid will eventually lead to power steering pump failure if ignored.
#3. Worn-out or broken serpentine belt.
Power steering works utilizing a drive-belt and pulley accessory connecting to the engine pulley. Any fraying, stretching, wear, or breakage can negatively affect the power steering pump’s functionality.
We advise you to always be on the lookout for squealing noise upon startup, which may identify worn-out or loose fan belts, and replace if it shows any sign of fraying, missing teeth, or damage.
#4. Too much force.
Power steering pumps can withstand some bad roads, including hard jolts against the wheel, unexpected bumps, or potholes. However, it is imperative to know that your vehicle is made of mechanical components which can fail over time due to rough handling.
Drive belts, steering pumps, and other steering components can fail if you subject them to load. This is why it is recommended to avoid bumpy roads unless you’re driving a 4WD or AWD designated to withstand such roads.
#5. Poor maintenance.
Maintaining a power steering pump is effortless and easy. By avoiding rough roads, and driving predictably and safely, you’ll prolong the lifespan of your steering pump and keep it running nice and smoothly for many years to come.
On the other hand, if you fail to maintain your vehicle, it will cause many components to fail, including the steering pump.
Diagnosing the Problem
When I suspected my power steering pump was the culprit behind engine stalling, I followed these steps to diagnose the issue:
Step 1: Visual Inspection.
- Check the Fluid Level: Low or dirty power steering fluid can indicate a leak or contamination.
- Inspect the Belt: Look for cracks, fraying, or signs of slipping on the serpentine belt.
Step 2: Listen for Noises.
Start the engine and turn the steering wheel. Listen for any whining, groaning, or squealing noises.
Step 3: Test the Steering.
Drive the car and pay attention to how the steering feels. Is it stiff or unresponsive?
Step 4: Professional Diagnosis.
If you’re unsure, a mechanic can use diagnostic tools to confirm whether the power steering pump is causing the issue.
How to fix a bad steering pump?
If after a thorough diagnosis, you find out that you have a bad power steering pump due to leaks, contaminated fluid, or lousy bearing, you have to contact your mechanic for power steering pump repair or fix it yourself by following the guides in the next few paragraphs.
Before we proceed to the power steering pump replacement guide, you have to check if you have a power steering pump leaking fluid which is the cause of groaning noise in most cases. And remember, don’t forget to check and replace worn-out drive-belts.
Things Needed:
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Socket wrench
- Ratchet handle
- Steering fluid
Step 1: Check the steering and try flushing it.
First, check your steering fluid. If the fluid level is okay, inspect the fluid itself and see if there are metal shavings in it.
If you find some or notice the steering fluid color turns to gray, try flushing it. But if the pump still groans like mad and binds when it turns, you will have to bite the bullet and put a new power steering pump.
Step 2: Create some working room and remove the drive-belt.
Now, you need to create some working room. Take off any components blocking you from accessing the power steering pump.
To easily take off the old steering pump, you have to remove the fan belt. Loosen the idler pulley. Get your wrench and pull on it, and the belt will slip right off.
Step 3: Take off the fluid lines.
Get a pair of pliers and pull off the return line to the feeder and the high-pressure line on the bottom.
Step 4: Unbolt the steering pump bolts.
Take the right socket, remove the bolts that hold the whole pump assembly onto the engine, and wiggle out the steering pump.
Step 5: Install the new pump.
If you purchase a new pump without a reservoir, remove the old reservoir and install it on the new pump. Fix the pump assembly and bolt it back on and hook all the hoses back. Then, loosen the idler pulley and put on the drive-belt.
Step 6: Fill the reservoir with fluid.
Fill the pump reservoir with fluid and don’t forget to fix back all the components you removed earlier.
Start up the car and allow it to run on idle for five minutes before turning the wheel. Ensure you monitor the fluid and top it once you start the car because the pump will suck it right in.
Testing A Power Steering Pump
To check the power steering pump, it’s best to inspect the entire system. You don’t need to be a mechanic if you have some basic tools and expertise.
- Start with the fluid. If there’s not enough fluid, it could exhibit many of the same symptoms. Unscrew the cap to the fluid reservoir and fill it up if it’s low.
- If the power steering fluid is low, you should also look for a leak. Any leak that is found needs to be repaired before you add more fluid.
- If the power steering fluid is full, but you notice metal shards, the pump may have malfunctioned. You’ll need to change the pump and flush the fluid.
- Lift the front end of your vehicle and check the seals of the rack and pinion for any leaks.
- Look for loose belts. Turn on the engine while someone moves the steering wheel. As the wheel is turning, listen for noise coming from the pump. A squealing sound could be the belt or the pump.
Beyond this, you would need to perform a power steering pressure test. However, this isn’t something most home mechanics are going to feel comfortable with. At this point, you may feel better having a professional mechanic take a look at the vehicle.
Preventing Power Steering Pump Failure
While not all power steering pump failures can be prevented, regular maintenance can significantly extend the life of your pump and help you avoid unexpected breakdowns. Here are some preventive measures:
- Regular Fluid Checks: Check your power steering fluid level monthly and top it off as needed.
- Fluid Flushes: Have your power steering fluid flushed and replaced according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Belt Inspections: Regularly inspect the power steering pump belt for wear and proper tension.
- Address Leaks Promptly: If you notice any fluid leaks, have them repaired immediately to prevent pump damage.
- Professional Inspections: Include a power steering system check in your regular vehicle maintenance routine.
How much does it cost to replace a bad steering pump?
Replacing a bad power steering pump should be around $250 to $350. This price includes the service fee and the cost of the parts as well.
However, the actual cost for power steering pump replacement depends on the labor involved, the vehicle makes, and the model.
FAQs.
Q: What happens when the power steering pump goes out?
When the power steering pump starts failing, it usually makes a groaning or whining noise. This is evident if you hear the noise when turning the wheels.
You will also experience squealing noise, which is typically an indication of a loose or worn-out drive-belt but can also indicate a failing pump. Other occurrences you might face are steering slow to turn and hard steering.
Q: Can you drive a car with bad power steering?
You can drive a car with lousy power steering, but it will require more effort to turn the wheel. However, if the power steering pump fails due to a lack of steering fluid, it will cause severe damage to the whole steering system, including the steering rack and pinion.
Q: Can the power steering pump be repaired?
Yes, a damaged power steering pump can be repaired. It can be a quick fix or a head-on repair that may require a skilled mechanic.
Final word
The power steering pump is one of those vehicle components that we overlook until we find it difficult to steer the wheel. You shouldn’t be surprised that most drivers don’t know what a power steering pump is, what it does, and where it is located.
And for some folks, it’s okay. Understanding how to know if a power steering pump is bad and the symptoms of a bad power steering pump will save you from many hassles that may result in steering rack failure.
So next time your power steering pump fails, test yourself, and don’t forget to contact a skilled mechanic if you’re not confident enough. The important thing is to make sure you don’t ignore it for long so that it won’t cause bigger problems.