Troubleshoot steering system problems

Obviously, it pays to address problems head-on the moment you “feel” that there’s something wrong with your steering mechanisms while you’re driving rather than wait for your ride to break down completely. When the power steering fails, the wheels of the car become exponentially more difficult to turn. If power steering failure occurs while a car is in motion, an accident can result. Here are some tell-tale signs you can look out for and we list some corresponding suggestions you can take for troubleshooting. When the wheels turn, your steering operates with a whining or squealing noise. It can indicate you of a low fluid level. You can fix the problem simply by adding enough fluid. However, a drop in the amount of fluid may be indicative of a leak in the power steering rack. If you have a hard steering, the cause could be low levels of power steering fluid, a leak in the power steering rack (as described above), or damage to the power steering belt. If your steering wheel vibrates vigorously while the car is idling. It tells you that the belt is either damaged, loose or needs to be replaced. If you find that you have no fluid flow, the likely causes are: broken drive belt, no fluid, broken pump shaft, clogged filter, plugged pressure valve, plugged EVO valve or clogged hose. If you have a sudden steering failure during drive, don’t be panic. Warn other drivers by turning on your flashers and honking your horn, next pull your car over the roadside gradually and look at the problem. The most likely cause of steering failure is a loss of power steering which can be caused by a hydraulic pipe breaks or cut. The second type of steering failure is a breakage of the mechanical linkage. Here I want to mention something about steering lock. If you have a jammed steering lock, usually, it can be released by gently turning the wheel from side to side. But occasionally the lock will jam completely, to solve this problem, you can try moving the car about a meter by pushing or letting it roll or jacking up the front of the car lifting both wheels off the ground. The most common of all problems in a steering system is excessive steering wheel play. Steering wheel play is normally caused by worn ball sockets, worn idler arm, or too much clearance in the steering gearbox. When it comes to the steering system service, it may include replacement of power steering fluid, power steering belts and hose, tie rods, ball joints, bushings, idler arms, pitman arms center links, drag links, steering dampeners and stabilizers, adjustment sleeves, steering knuckles, steering gear boxes, rack and pinion units and steering intermediate shafts.