The power steering system is arguably one of the most significant innovations for modern cars. Within the system, it’s the power steering pump that does plenty of the ‘heavy lifting’. This auto part is a hardy one, but it’s not indestructible. What causes it to fail?
A power steering pump can fail due to inadequate or contaminated power steering fluid. A snapped belt and worn-out pump can also cause the problem.
Let’s take a deep dive into the causes of power steering pump failure. You’ll also learn how to isolate it from other issues, and how much it will cost you to repair or replace a power steering pump.
Recap: What Is a Power Steering System & How Does It Work?
Now, if you know very little about your car’s power steering system or want to brush up on that knowledge, you can check out our previous in-depth guide here. That article will bring you up to speed within minutes.
Not only that, but the guide also explains the difference between an electric power steering pump (e.g., the Ls1 power steering pump) and a hydraulic steering pump (e.g., the Astra power steering pump).
Symptoms of Power Steering Problems
Unfortunately, the power steering system and its components experience their fair share of challenges. You’ll know that yours is problematic when you start noticing common symptoms of power steering failure like:
- The power steering light on the instrument panel turns on.
- Noisy power steering pump (e.g., whining sound whenever you turn the wheel).
- Steering difficulties (i.e., you must exert extra force to turn the wheel).
- Power steering fluid has turned grey or has metal shavings in it.
The Power Steering Pump
What about the power steering pump, what is it? In a nutshell, the pump pressurises the hydraulic fluid needed to help you turn the wheel with ease. So, you can think of the pump as the heart of your power steering system.
Not only is it the most crucial part of the entire system, but it’s also where you’d likely find the root cause of any power steering problem.
What Causes a Power Steering Pump to Fail?
Here are the most likely reasons why power steering pumps fail.
1. Inadequate fluid
Like many other systems that keep your car running, the power steering system has fluids that you must keep at the correct level. The power steering fluid, in particular, plays the following critical roles:
- It keeps hydraulic pressure at the correct levels, making it easy for you to turn the wheel.
- It lubricates moving parts of the power steering pump.
- It helps manage heat and keep temperatures at an acceptable level.
As you can imagine, inadequate fluids result in lower hydraulic pressure, lack of lubrication, and overheating the power steering pump. All these issues wear out your power steering pump faster than usual.
Inadequate power steering fluid could be because not enough was poured into the reservoir in the first place. However, that lack could be a sign of a bigger problem, such as a fluid leak.
2. Fluid leak
Lack of power steering fluid could be a symptom of another problem, such as a fluid leak. One way to diagnose this issue is to check the spot where you usually park your car in the driveway or your garage.
Check the ground for fluids, particularly red or pink patches (the typical colours of power steering fluid).
3. Contaminated fluid
Another likely cause is that the power steering fluid has become contaminated. Excess moisture or the presence of impurities could cause contaminations that prevent the pump from working correctly.
4. Belt snapped
Hydraulic power steering systems rely on a belt that transfers power from the engine’s crankshaft. If that belt snaps, the power steering pump will fail because it’s not receiving the power it needs to function.
5. Excessive wear and tear
Last but not least, your power steering pump could fail simply because it’s been used for far too many years. Despite everything else being in good condition, the pump experiences regular wear and tear until it breaks down and requires a replacement one day.
How Do You Know that the Problem Is the Power Steering Pump (and Not Power Steering Fluid)?
Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell whether it’s the pump or the steering fluid that’s causing the power steering problem. So, you might wonder how to test the power steering pump and troubleshoot the issue.
One way to find out is through the process of elimination. Simply put, troubleshoot the easiest things first before ruling them out.
For instance, when you’re experiencing power steering problems, you can do the following one by one (and first things first):
- Check if you have enough power steering fluid. Top up if it’s below the recommended level, then see if that solves the issue. If not, proceed to the next step.
- Check that your power steering fluid isn’t contaminated. Its colour should be amber or light pink; if it’s brown or has turned dark, then it needs flushing and replacing with new fluid. As in the previous step, see if that solves the issue. If not, go to the next step.
- Inspect the hoses, belts, and other parts. Replace any worn-out part, and make sure every component is intact. See if the issue is resolved.
- Assuming you’ve ruled out all the above causes (1,2, and 3) yet the problem persists, it’s a safe bet that the pump is the problem here. You might need to replace it if you’re still experiencing problems (e.g., unusual noises) despite everything else being in good working order.
How Long Do Power Steering Pumps Last?
There is no fixed lifespan for power steering pumps, but typically, it can last for many years. So, it’s quite common for cars to go through their entire lifespan without any power steering pump noise or problem.
Of course, a big part of that depends on proper maintenance, such as replacing the power steering fluid every two years.
Still, the pump is not indestructible. There’s always a chance you will need power steering pump repair or a replacement as your car gets older, especially if other surrounding components fail (e.g., the hoses wear out and fluid gets contaminated, either case damaging the pump).
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Power Steering Pump?
If the day ever comes when you need a power steering pump replacement, expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $800.
If you have an old model, and you find it hard locating a power steering pump for it, you can use our Car Parts Finder. It’s the quickest way to search for car parts, such as a power steering pump replacement, in Australia.
Why don’t you try it now and start getting quotes!
By Ray Hasbollah