Is Your Vehicle Experiencing A Faulty Power Steering Pump? Here Are 5 Signs to Look For

Symptoms of a faulty power steering pump may not be all that obvious, but they’re worth being aware of as they can cause serious issues with the steering of your car. If your power steering system isn’t working as it should, you may encounter a number of issues, including fluid leaks, squealing noises, and a difficult-to-turn steering wheel.

1. Fluid Leaks – Any kind of fluid leak near the front of the vehicle can be indicative of a bad power steering pump. When the pump has a problem, power steering fluid can easily leak out. Check the driveway, or underneath your car, for dark, greasy stains which will be a sure sign of a power steering leak.

2. Squealing Noises – If your power steering pump has gone bad, or is starting to fail, you may hear a high-pitched squealing or whining noise coming from around the pulley area of the pump, or when turning the steering wheel.

3. Stiff Steering Wheel – If the power steering pump is not supplying sufficient pressure, or has a fault internally that is causing a fluid leak, the power steering fluid and pressure will be reduced. This will make it difficult to turn the steering wheel, and it can become increasingly stiff.

4. Delayed Response – Is your car lagging when you turn the wheel? This could be caused by a problem in your power steering pump. When you turn the wheel, the power steering system should respond accordingly and with minimal effort. When the power steering pump isn’t working correctly you will notice a certain amount of delay before the car responds.

5. Stuttering Steering Wheel – When your car’s power steering system isn’t working properly, the steering wheel may stutter when turning, jump in and out of a power-assisted mode or may fail altogether. This can happen when there isn’t a sufficient amount of fluid in the power steering pump, or there is a leak or fault in the system which allows air to seep in.

If any of these symptoms apply to you, be sure to check the power steering fluid levels and get your car to a garage as soon as possible. A broken power steering pump could cause serious problems with the steering of your car, and more extensive damage if left unchecked. A trained technician can diagnose the issue and will recommend the necessary repairs.