When it comes to vehicle maintenance and issues, we usually think of car repair consisting of needing an oil change, a new filter, replacing a belt, or other routine vehicle maintenance and repair from your local garage.
But what about the steering?
Have you ever driven a vehicle that had problems with the steering wheel or power steering? If so, it won’t be an experience you’ll easily forget. If the power steering goes out, you suddenly have to put your body weight behind something as simple as turning the car’s steering wheel. Or while you’re driving on a busy freeway, you notice that your car isn’t steering the way it should.
These can be frightening and potentially dangerous situations.
The reason your steering isn’t functioning properly could be caused by multiple culprits.
Your trusted local auto mechanic shop in East Texas, such as Stewart’s Donnybrook Automotive, can help you diagnose and repair the problem.
Here are some reasons your steering wheel/power steering feels off:
Your power steering is a hydraulic pump made to facilitate turning the wheels of your vehicle when you turn the steering wheel. If you’ve ever tried to turn a steering wheel without power steering, you truly understand how important this component is to driving safely and smoothly. It’s hard to believe that at one time, vehicles didn’t have this important feature!
If you experience this issue, you might have a leak and be losing power steering fluid. Steering fluid is necessary for the pump to work correctly. You might also be having issues with the power steering pump or motor. Depending on what your auto mechanic is able to diagnose, you might need to replace one or more of these important parts.
Especially if your regular commute is on fast-moving, many-laned highways, you don’t want to suddenly feel a looseness in your steering.
The biggest concern with this issue is that it compromises your control of your car, truck, or SUV. This is especially dangerous at high rates of speed and makes it harder for you to keep your vehicle going straight or turning smoothly.
Loose steering could be a result of multiple issues having to do with connections to your steering column or steering box. These problems require an experienced Texas mechanic to diagnose and fix. If you notice loose steering, it’s important to get your vehicle checked right away, as it could be dangerous.
No matter what, unusual sounds are a sign for concern. This is especially true if they have something to do with your steering.
You might be experiencing issues with components necessary to your steering, such as your vehicle’s tie rods, ball joints, or other steering parts. Take your vehicle to your local mechanic and have the sound diagnosed and fixed as soon as possible.
There’s always a sinking sensation when you move your car or truck and notice a wet spot on the pavement. Then it becomes a guessing game of “name that leaking fluid.” Even if you’re able to diagnose the type of fluid, it’s important to have your mechanic diagnose the leak, fix the problem, and refill the fluid.
If you’re also having issues with your steering, the leak might be a result of leaking steering fluid. Your vehicle’s hydraulic parts won’t function properly without steering fluid. Not only will this make it harder to steer, but you might also permanently damage important parts in your vehicle that would then need to be replaced.
If you think you have a leak in your power steering fluid, it’s necessary to have your local mechanic fix it right away.
If you’ve noticed your vehicle seems to drift to one side or the other, you could have issues with your steering system. It could also be a problem with your tires not being aligned. If your steering and alignment are correct, your car should stay centered when driving.
Get your car to a mechanic to have it diagnosed and the problem corrected.
Steering is an essential component of driving your vehicle safely. If you notice any of the above issues or are experiencing other problems with your steering, it’s necessary to have your car, truck, or SUV checked and repaired at a trusted auto repair shop as soon as possible.
