What are the disadvantages of hydraulic power steering system?

The power steering problems are detected easily. If maneuvers suddenly require more effort from the driver, or a sound is heard when the steering wheel is turned, it is time to have a professional review or check the condition and level of the fluids. even. A summary operation that avoids many problems.

Symptoms of power steering system problems

This driver assistance system has been present on all new cars for about fifteen years. This is a mechanism that relieves the driver during his maneuvers. Thus, when the latter wants to take a different direction to its wheels by a single shot of the steering wheel, an auxiliary power source lightens the load almost instantly. Driving in urban areas is more enjoyable and parking becomes child's play.

If the power steering system has a fault or is close to the fault, the driver will realize it immediately. And for good reason: all the maneuvers will be more difficult to achieve. The steering wheel is hard and you must force to steer the wheels in one direction when performing a simple slot . Hardening can be felt only when the steering wheel turns to the right, or to the left and even to both sides. It all depends on the origin of the breakage.

Good to know : a loud rumbling or hissing noise can also prevent a malfunction in the power steering.

Causes and consequences of a power steering system problem

Like all other key parts of automotive mechanics, power steering components can wear out and cause failure throughout the system. That's why, before fixing it, it is important to understand where the breakage comes from. Here are some tracks:

if a hissing noise is heard while maneuvering, check the fluid level: if they are below the usual level, add the difference in the instant;
if the power steering works harder on one side than the other, the assistance cylinder is certainly involved: it may need to change;
if both sides are so difficult, it may be a lack of hydraulic pressure: contact a professional if a leak is found.

Other more common causes may be the cause of a malfunction: a worn seal, a faulty control valve, or a corroded assist pump. In any case, contact a professional as soon as possible before the whole system will give up.

How to the disadvantages of hydraulic power steering system problem?

The power steering works through liquids: oil for automatic gearboxes, LHM for hydropneumatic suspensions.

In both cases, the hydraulic fluid is responsible for the pressure emitted by the system to engage the mechanism. In order to ensure the good health of the power steering, it is essential to check the level of these regularly. Otherwise, it is premature wear and breakage.

Good to know : the entire structure of the power steering must be drained every 4 to 5 years.

The fluids eventually degrade to wear. Harmful components can penetrate the mechanism.

Example : To check for air in the hoses, you can ask someone to turn the steering wheel all the way while you observe the fluid level in the tank. If it does not decrease significantly, there is air: it must therefore drain and purge.

How to drain a power steering system?

To empty the power steering system, you can follow the following instructions:

place your vehicle on candles so that you can steer the wheels during the maneuver;
shut off the engine and wait for it to cool down completely before any action;
insert a syringe into the pump jar to draw the oil out of the mechanism;
Once the syringe has drawn in as much oil as possible, remove the return hose and place a basin under the car;
Maneuver the steering wheel from left to right to expel the remaining fluid and air as you would drain the brakes: you push to the end;
when the power steering cylinder is empty, replace the hose and pour a new oil into the system by gently turning the steering wheel from left to right.