Teach You 3 Ways to Easily Solve the Noise and Blockage Problems of the Power Steering Pump

When driving, the steering wheel suddenly becomes heavy, accompanied by a strange "woohoo" sound? Be careful! This is a sign that the power steering pump is broken. If you are worried about what happens when the power steering pump goes out, how to stop the power steering pump noise, or how to unclog the power steering pump, then you have come to the right place! Today, we will use an interesting way to help you understand the little secrets of the power steering pump fully, teach you 3 ways to deal with the problem quickly, and never let the steering "fall off the chain" again!

 

What Happens When the Power Steering Pump Goes Out?

Let's talk about what "help signals" the car will have when the power steering pump "strikes":

1. The steering wheel becomes heavy

One of the most obvious symptoms of a power steering pump, especially at low speed or when parking, you will find that it takes more effort to turn the steering wheel.

 

2. Strange noise

When starting or steering, if you hear a "buzzing" or "gurgling" sound, it may be that there is too much air in the pump or the bearing is worn.

 

3. Hydraulic oil leakage

Is there an unknown liquid mark on the ground? It may be that the hydraulic oil of the steering pump has leaked out.

 

4. The sense of direction has deteriorated or jammed

The steering wheel feels unresponsive, or even has a delay or jamming feeling when turning the steering wheel, indicating that the performance of the pump has declined.

Once you find these signs, don't delay! Continuing to drive will aggravate the damage and may even cause steering failure, which poses a safety hazard!

 

How to Stop Power Steering Pump Noise?

If you find that the vehicle makes an abnormal noise when starting or turning, you don’t have to replace the pump immediately. Try these "little tricks" first:

 

1. Check the steering fluid

The steering pump relies on hydraulic oil to work. If the fluid level is too low or the fluid turns black or has impurities, it is easy to produce noise. Open the fluid level cap to see if the oil level is normal and the color is clear.

 

Be careful to use a special steering fluid that matches the vehicle model when filling!

 

2. Exhaust air bubbles

Noise is often caused by air entering the system, like the feeling of "gas in the stomach". You can do this:

 

Start the vehicle and let it idle for a few minutes.

Open the steering fluid cap.

Turn the steering wheel back and forth several times (don't turn it sharply);

Check the fluid level and refill it.

This will help the steering system to exhaust the air, and the noise will naturally be reduced.

 

3. Check the belt tightness or wear

The power pump is driven by a belt. If the belt is aged or slipping, it will also produce a "squeaking" noise. Press the belt by hand to check the tightness, and replace it immediately if it is aged!

 

How to Unclog a Power Steering Pump?

The power pump is usually blocked because there are impurities in the hydraulic system, or the diesel engine fuel filters are blocked. The solution is as follows:

1. Replace or clean the hydraulic oil

Drain the old steering oil.

Add a special cleaning agent (optional).

After adding new oil, turn the steering wheel several times to let the cleaning agent circulate and remove the dirt.

Drain again and replace with new hydraulic oil.

This is the simplest and most common way to "detoxify".

 

2. Check the filter or filter element

The power steering system of some models has a filter, which will accumulate impurities over time. You can disassemble it and blow it clean with high-pressure air, or directly replace it with a new filter assembly.

 

3. Full system inspection

If there is still a problem after cleaning, it is necessary to suspect whether the internal components are blocked or the pump body is damaged. It is recommended to find a professional technician to check the steering valve body, pump core, and pipeline.

 

How to maintain the power steering pump daily?

To extend the life of the power steering pump, we should also pay attention to these maintenance tips:

 

1. Check the fluid level regularly

Check the fluid level every 10,000 kilometers or so. If the fluid changes color or turns black, replace it in time.

 

2. Avoid turning the steering wheel to the end for a long time

Turning the steering wheel to the end and maintaining it continuously will overload the pump body and affect its life.

 

3. Use original or compatible fluids

Different models have different requirements for fluids, and misuse may cause damage.

 

The steering wheel suddenly becomes heavy and makes strange noises. It is your car that is "talking"! Knowing how to listen and respond can make your driving experience easy and safe. Now that you know what will happen if the power steering pump is broken, and you have learned how to eliminate noise and how to unclog the power steering pump, do you feel more confident driving?