Are you having steering issues with your vehicle? Power steering makes it easier for you to steer your car. Whenever the power steering system fails to perform correctly, it becomes harder to turn the steering wheel and can make driving your Phoenix vehicle more difficult. This can ultimately lead to more problems on the road and costly repairs. When people think about problems with their car, truck, or SUV, not being able to steer it is not something that is often thought about, but could be very problematic. We are going to review some of the signs that your vehicle may be having steering issues, so you can have it fixed as soon as possible.
Are you Having Steering Issues?
You don’t have to be a mechanic or weekend garage warrior to keep an eye on your vehicle. Understanding the signs of steering failure can make a huge difference. For instance, catching problems earlier can make the difference between minor repairs and steering parts failing while driving.
Below we review some typical signs of steering issues:
- Difficult to Turn the Wheel: One of the most obvious issues with a power steering pump is when the steering wheel becomes very hard to turn. You know how much resistance your steering wheel normally takes when turning it, and if you feel like it is getting more difficult and strenuous to steer the wheel, this can be a sign that there are some underlying steering issues. This is especially noticeable when you are not moving and turn the steering wheel.
- Noises When Turning: Squealing, grinding, and/or screeching noises that occur while you’re turning the steering wheel typically mean that there is an issue with the power steering. Whining noises are sometimes heard when you turn the vehicle, so keep in mind, the new sounds may not be steering issues, and could be a number of other things depending on your vehicle: a failing rack and pinion, worn out tie rod ends, pitman arms, center link, idler arms, etc. It is best to have any new sounds checked by a local Phoenix auto repair shop.
- Vibrations and Shaking: Your steering wheel vibrating and/or shaking is another indication that there is an issue with your steering. You can spot this issue when driving your car, truck, or SUV, or when it is idling. Excessive vibrating when you are trying to turn the wheel, is a sign that there may be steering issues with your vehicle.
- Fluids Under Your Vehicle: Get into the habit of periodically taking a look under your car and under the hood, before you drive it, to see if there are signs of leaking fluids. If you notice a new puddle of liquid coming from your car, it can suggest a problem with the steering, amongst other things. Power steering uses power steering fluid and it could be leaking. If the liquid looks foamy and is discolored, it is likely powered steering fluid and an indication of a larger issue with your steering.
Now that we have reviewed some of the signs of steering issues, have you identified that you may have a steering problem in your vehicle? Advanced Transmissions & Emissions can help.
Advanced Transmissions & Emissions aims to make steering system repair services fast and easy. Rack and pinion, or power steering pumps are expensive and vital components in any vehicle. We have years of experience repairing steering systems with rack and pinions or a parallelogram system at cheaper rates than you will likely find elsewhere.
Sometimes, we can replace a power steering belt and fix your steering issues or add more fluid to the power steering pump reservoir. Oftentimes, it is not that simple. Regardless, after we inspect your vehicle we will recommend replacing worn out or broken parts and let you know about any other issues we find. You can rely on us to recommend affordable solutions to fix your vehicle’s steering system issues.
Give us a call to inspect your vehicle and keep it mechanically safe for the road.
