Some of the common things that can damage your power steering pump include; overheating, contamination, low fluid, belts, and degradation of seals and hoses.
You've had to deal with a damaged power steering pump for just too long that you can't help but ask, what causes power steering pump damage? The cause of power steering pump damage differs, but overlooking the symptoms can lead to escalated issues.
Your power steering pump is a crucial part of your car, not one that you can easily ignore the arising problems. The truth is, you can drive with a bad power steering pump, maybe for short distances, but nobody wants to go through that difficulty.
The best way to reduce how frequently your power steering pump spoils is to learn what causes these damages and prevent them from happening regularly.
Let's discuss some of the major causes of power steering pump damage.
Five Major Causes of a Power Steering Pump Damage
1. Overheating and Intense Pressure
One of the major causes of power steering pump failure is overheating and Intense Pressure. When enormous force is introduced to the power steering system, more than it can handle, maybe from irregular road conditions, or poor driving habits.
This can come from road bumps, potholes, hard turns, or even regular off-road driving. It is important to mention that towing heaving loads, or driving at unusually low speeds for a long distance can also cause continuous stress on the pump.
These factors will introduce too much strain to your power steering, all of which will damage it.
2. Fluid Contamination
Another popular cause of damage to the power steering pump is fluid contamination. When strange objects and components are introduced to the steering fluid, the system gets clogged, and there's wear and tear or an increase in friction in the system. All of these can have adverse effects on the power steering pump.
The Power Steering runs on a hydraulic system which means the liquid (fluid) in the system is pushed with an amount of force to create ease of motion. When foreign particles and debris get into the system, the harmony is broken. Friction is introduced to the system, the components can get clogged or some of the fittings will spoil gradually.
Sometimes, fluid contamination might not be the reason why your power steering pump is damaged. There's a chance that you are using the wrong steering fluid.
If you're a regular fan of vehicle maintenance, you should notice that there are different kinds of steering fluids. However, not all of these fluids are compatible with your vehicle. Using the wrong steering fluid can damage your pump.
3. Low Fluid Level
Aside from aiding motion, the steering fluid also acts as a lubricant for the power steering pump. When the fluid is low, and lubrication is reduced, friction builds up and this van damages the steering pump.
With the required supply of fluid in the steering pump system, you will experience a metal-to-metal contact of the moving components in the car and this can damage some of the parts, including the pump.
You can notice this “contact” from the shrieking and cranking sounds that will come from your car whenever you turn the steering wheel. Always check your fluid levels whenever you start noticing strange noises from your car as you make a turn.
4. Wear and Tear
The components of the steering pump can gradually start degrading even without anything causing the damage. This can happen due to aging or neglect.
A poor maintenance culture can lead to damage to power steering system components, and your pump can become a victim of these damages. Some of the components in your power steering pump that can wear and tear include the seals, belts, hoses, etc. A crack in the steering pump case can also cause fluid leaks in the system and this will reduce lubrication thereby damaging the pump and its components.
5. Overtightening
Overtightening the fittings can damage some of the components of the steering system, which can have adverse effects on the pump. You can have so much strain on these systems that the belts become damaged.
Because the belt connects the steering pump system to the engine, any damage can lead to the complete failure of the steering pump.
Overtightening the belt can also cause an overload of your pump's shaft bearings.
This wouldn't look good on your pump, especially if you're driving with manual belt tensioners.
What is the most common failure in a power steering system?
The most common failure in a power steering system is low fluid level. A visit to the mechanic shop showed me that 3 out of 5 cars that came in for power steering repairs suffered fluid-related problems. Some of which are caused by leaks, cracks, or damaged seals.
Tips for Protecting Your Power Steering Pump
Here are five common tips to protect your Power steering pump:
1. Avoid Bad driving conditions
2. Inspect your fluid levels
3. Develop a regular maintenance habit, and check your hoses and pressure levels while at it.
4. Avoid regular hard turns and forced steering.
5. Steer clear of potholes and bad roads
CONCLUSION
Understanding the factors that can damage a power steering pump is crucial for maintaining your vehicle's health. Overheating, fluid contamination, low fluid levels, wear and tear, and overtightening are common culprits. Regular maintenance, proper fluid checks, and cautious driving can significantly extend the lifespan of your power steering pump, ensuring a smoother and more reliable driving experience.
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