If you love your German automobile, bring it to HQ Autosport for all of its maintenance and repair needs. Our certified and experienced technicians are experts when it comes to German engineering and manufacturing. One of the things that we have vast experience in repairing is a faulty power steering pump. If your German automobile is doing any of the things listed below, it’s time to replace the pump.
Noises When Steering
You turn the steering wheel tightly because you are making a U-turn. All of a sudden, you hear a loud groaning noise coming from the engine. This is an indication that the steering pump is going bad. You may also hear moaning or squealing. The noise will continue every time you turn the wheel until you have the steering pump replaced. Think of it as the pump protesting.
The Wheel Is Stiff
As you are cranking to make the sharp turn, you notice that the steering wheel feels stiff. This, too, is an indication that the power steering pump is going bad. The pump’s primary responsibility is to move the power steering fluid through the system so your steering wheel is easy to turn. If the wheel feels tight, this is a sign that the pump is unable to push the fluid through the system.
The Vehicle Doesn’t Turn
Even worse, you press down on the accelerator and your German automobile does not turn. It keeps going straight. This is definitely an indication that there is a serious problem with the steering system. In some cases, your car will respond this way if the steering pump is malfunctioning. If you can, get your vehicle off the road and call for a tow truck to bring it to our shop.
Red Fluid on the Garage Floor
You realize that you should have known there was something wrong because you saw fluid spots on the garage floor when you backed out of the garage this morning. Hindsight is always 20/20. If the spots were red, this is the same color as the steering fluid in your German automobile.
Metal Flakes in the Red Fluid
Finally, it may behoove you to check the power steering fluid while you are waiting for the tow truck. Do this carefully because your engine is hot. Unscrew the cap to the steering fluid reservoir to see if the level is low. If you see metal in the steering fluid, the pump is wearing down.
HQ Autosport in Escondido, CA, is here to help, so give us a call today to set up a service appointment for a steering pump inspection.
