Power Steering Service
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Have you had your Subaru in for a power steering service lately?
M45 Automotive can quickly do a power steering service for you. The Steering System Here is a look at what the steering system components include:
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How the Power Steering System Works
The majority of power steering systems work by generating pressure to the system through a rotary valve pump that the vehicle engine drives by use of a belt.
The belt needs the correct tension. Otherwise, you can hear squealing, or vibration noises; if you hear these sounds check the tension on the belt and tensioner adjustment.
The pressure from the pump is sent to the steering gear or box through hoses; one for high pressure and one for low. There is also, a relief valve, to prevent over pressurization of the system.
Maintaining your Power Steering System
When our vehicles are new, we tend to ignore things, but you need to get into the habit of checking more than just the oil.
Once a month or every 3,000 miles, you should also check the level of the power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and your radiator level.
Doing this when the car is new, builds a routine that will allow you to notice problems early before the problem gets severe. You have to replace a power steering pump or gearbox.
Things to Look For with your Power Steering
Here are some things to watch for, that point to problems with your power steering:
Always follow the manufacturer’s specifications on fluid, belt, and other parts.
The majority of power steering systems work by generating pressure to the system through a rotary valve pump that the vehicle engine drives by use of a belt.
The belt needs the correct tension. Otherwise, you can hear squealing, or vibration noises; if you hear these sounds check the tension on the belt and tensioner adjustment.
The pressure from the pump is sent to the steering gear or box through hoses; one for high pressure and one for low. There is also, a relief valve, to prevent over pressurization of the system.
Maintaining your Power Steering System
When our vehicles are new, we tend to ignore things, but you need to get into the habit of checking more than just the oil.
Once a month or every 3,000 miles, you should also check the level of the power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and your radiator level.
Doing this when the car is new, builds a routine that will allow you to notice problems early before the problem gets severe. You have to replace a power steering pump or gearbox.
Things to Look For with your Power Steering
Here are some things to watch for, that point to problems with your power steering:
- Noises such as squealing or vibrating noises; these can mean the belt needs or tensioner adjustment needs to be checked.
- Hard to steer around corners at low speeds; your fluid could be low.
- Spots left under the vehicle after you park it; this could be many different things but also, could be power steering fluid. Always check your power steering fluid frequently, and remember as the vehicle heats up from running the power steering fluid rises on the dipstick so always check this before you start the car when it is cool. Another note, do not overfill the fluid in the system.
- Check your belt for cracks and thin areas in the belt, if you find cracks or light spots, replace it immediately. Also, when inspecting your belt, it is an excellent time to check your hoses for cracks or thin spots and make sure they are tight. When you change the belt, never pry on the pump housing as it could damage it.
- Changing hoses, wear eye protection and gloves to start with. Another thing, you want the hoses tight but not over tight where you could strip the nut; use a tubing wrench or a flare nut to avoid stripping the nut and watch out for cross threading.
- Power steering pressure check and bleeding the system of your Subaru; you should have done by a professional like M45 Automotive.
Always follow the manufacturer’s specifications on fluid, belt, and other parts.
