Your steering wheel is giving you resistance when you turn it because the power steering pump is going bad. We are going to talk more about this below. We are also going to talk about the other signs that your power steering pump is going bad. Don’t worry. Clark’s Car Care can replace your power steering pump if it needs it. We can also inspect the rest of your power steering system to see if anything else needs to be addressed, such as low power steering fluid in the reservoir.
Leaking Power Steering Fluid
One thing that will make the power steering fluid low is a power steering pump leak. You will see red spots on your garage floor because power steering fluid is red. You can check the fluid levels in the power steering fluid reservoir to see if they have been reduced by a leak. If they have, bring your car, truck, or utility vehicle to our shop so we can replace the leaking power steering pump.
Strange Noises When Steering
You might also hear strange noises when you turn the steering wheel if the power steering pump is going bad. For example, the steering might make a squealing sound when you turn the wheel tightly and all the way that it will go. You might also hear humming noises. The most common sound you will hear is groaning. It will sound as if your power steering system is protesting its use. The noises will get louder over time if you don’t have the power steering pump replaced.
Difficulty Turning the Wheel
As we mentioned above, your steering wheel may fight you when you try to turn it if the power steering pump is going bad. It may feel extremely stiff. It can also feel very loose or give and take as you turn it. Any changes in how the steering wheel feels when you use it can be a sign that your power steering pump is going bad or that the engine has a vacuum leak and the power steering pump is not being powered properly.
Unresponsive Steering
Finally, there may come a point when your car’s steering fails to respond when you turn the wheel. This indicates the power steering pump has died. You may be able to get the wheel to turn if you really fight with the steering wheel – basically, it will feel as if you have very tight manual steering.
Call Clark’s Car Care in Naperville, IL, today, if you believe your power steering pump is going bad. We can inspect the pump and replace it if necessary.