If your car groans every time that you make a turn, your power steering pump is going bad. This sounds horrible, but don’t worry; Vielhaber’s Garage can fix the problem. There are five common signs of a bad power steering pump that we are going to list below. If your car has over 100,000 miles on it and is exhibiting any of the listed symptoms, bring it to our shop today for a power steering pump inspection.
Groaning Noises
As we just mentioned, one of the most common signs of a malfunctioning power steering pump is groaning noises when you make turns. Your car will sound as if making the turn is impossible. The groaning sounds tend to come from in front of you because this is where the steering system is located. The longer you wait to have the power steering pump replaced the louder the groans will get.
Slow Response
Another sign that you are driving with a bad power steering pump is a slow response to your steering commands. You may turn the steering wheel, but your vehicle will be slow to actually change its direction. This can be dangerous if you are caught in an intersection trying to make a turn. You may also notice that your vehicle does not respond to the steering when you are going around curves.
Squealing Noises
Squealing noises when you start your automobile definitely point to the power steering pump. The squealing will stop after you start your automobile and you shouldn’t hear squealing anymore. In rare cases, you may hear squealing when you turn your automobile, but the usual sound is the groaning noises we discussed above and the whining noises we will discuss below.
Stiff Wheel
If your power steering wheel feels stiff and difficult to navigate, such as a manual steering wheel, this, too, points to a problem with the power steering pump. Low tire pressure can also make it harder to steer your automobile, so check your tire pressure, as well. If it is fine and the steering wheel feels stiff, it’s time for a new power steering pump.
Whining Noises
Finally, we saved the best for last. Well, actually, we saved the most common for last. If your car whines when you steer it, the power steering pump is the culprit. Steering your automobile should not be a noisy affair.
Vielhaber’s Garage in Findlay, OH, would be happy to help. Call us today to schedule an appointment for a steering system inspection.
