Have you been noticing some weird things when you turn your steering wheel? Do you hear strange noises? It’s possible that your car is trying to tell you to get your power steering pump checked out. Here are 3 signs that can tell you if your power steering pump is failing.
1. Hearing Noises When You Turn the Steering Wheel
Whenever you turn the steering wheel, listen for any strange or unfamiliar noises including whining, squealing, or groaning. If you hear one or more, this can be an indicator that your power steering fluid is low or something is wrong with your power steering pump. Whining and squealing when starting the engine could indicate low steering fluid levels, which if left untouched could lead to complete failure. Furthermore, any type of groaning noise is the most severe noise to hear as this is the biggest sign that the pump is likely going to damage itself and will continue to get worse and worse.
2. Slow or Stiff Steering Wheel
When the power steering pump starts to fail, you may notice that the steering wheel is slow to respond or is very stiff. This makes turning very hard and will certainly cause problems for you as you drive. If this happens, you should get a mechanic to inspect it immediately as you should never have to fight your car for it to turn properly.
3. Indicator Light Will Turn On
Dashboard lights can be scary, but knowing which one is your indicator light will save you both time and money. The power steering light is easily recognizable as a yellow or orange steering wheel with an exclamation point accompanying it in vehicles with hydraulic steering systems or as an illuminated EPS message in vehicles with electronic power steering systems. Knowing what the indicator light looks like can help keep you and your family safe by alerting you when to pull over and investigate.
Overall...
If you suspect a failing power steering pump, it’s highly recommended that you get it checked out as soon as possible to avoid any larger repair bills and hassle later. Also, check out the NB Motors blog for more vehicle care tips!
