Top Picks For Power Steering Pump Related Parts

Most modern cars today are equipped with power-assisted steering systems. These systems allow the driver to turn the wheels of the vehicle easily. This is accomplished by using a power steering pump, which is driven by the vehicle's engine using a belt and pulley system. The power steering pump supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid into the steering gearbox, which assists in turning the wheels. A power steering pump is attached firmly to a pulley which spins with the help of a belt attached to the engine. When the steering wheel is turned, the pump generates pressure with the help of vanes or georotors to push hydraulic fluid that then pushes the piston in the steering rack in the desired direction. With advancements in technology, modern cars are being equipped with electro-hydraulic systems or complete electric motor-driven gear systems to drive the power steering system.

A power steering pump pulley drives and is attached to the power steering pump. The pulley is driven with the help of engine power via a V-type belt, also known as the serpentine belt. As the pulley is driven, it turns a shaft connected to the power steering pump, which generates pressure inside the steering gearbox and allows the wheels to turn easily. The power steering pump pulley is usually made of aluminum or steel and is designed to withstand and rotate at speeds faster than the engine.

Given the construction and its function, the power steering pump pulley can wear out or break with time. When the pulley starts to wear out or has broken, it may display some common symptoms like whining sounds from the pulley, increased steering effort, or a choppy and vibrating steering wheel. Usually, before the pulley fails completely, it starts to bind intermittently and makes your car steering system unresponsive. If the pulley binds for long, you can also notice a burnt smell under the hood of your car, which is caused due to the belt rubbing across the pulley surface. If you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, then change your power steering pump pulleys to ensure reliable functioning of the power steering pump and to ensure proper handling of your vehicle.

A power steering hose is a key component of the steering system that carries high-pressure fluid to and from the power steering pump and steering gears, allowing the steering and the wheels to turn easily. A power steering system has at least two hoses, high pressure, and a low-pressure hose. The high-pressure hose (supply hose) delivers high-pressure fluid from the pump to the steering gear, whereas the low-pressure hose (return hose) carries the fluid back from the gear to the pump reservoir. The high-pressure hose is made from reinforced synthetic materials and is usually provided with flared compression fittings, making them capable to withstand high pressures. A low-pressure hose is similar in construction but may not be provided with compression fittings due to comparatively low pressure.

Power steering hoses operate in harsh environments, high temperatures, pulsating pressures, oils, and other adverse factors that contribute to their eventual failure. While there is no specific interval to replace your power steering hoses, they are usual maintenance components and should be inspected regularly for signs of wear or leaks. If your hoses wear out too much, it's possible that you can experience difficulty in turning the steering wheel. Any cracks, rust on the metal connectors, or bulges in the hose can cause the power steering fluid to leak and it can be hazardous as it can get in contact with a hot surface such as your exhaust and burn as the fluid is flammable. Get your power steering hoses checked and replaced if you see any cracks, signs of wear, or symptoms of probable hose damage. It is also advised to get the complete power-steering system flushed and checked to avoid further issues.

In order for your power steering system to operate optimally, the seals have to be in a good condition to ensure the required pressure and a leak-free functioning of the system. One of the most important parts of the power steering pump is the input shaft seal. This seal prevents the fluid from leaking and overheating the system. 

The power steering pump seals are subjected to wear and tear, which makes their replacement inevitable. Keeping these seals in a good condition is vital to keep the power steering system functioning properly. Any failure of the seals can cause the power steering fluid to leak. This further leads to symptoms like whining noises from the steering while taking a turn, low fluid level, visible leaks, or oil puddles on the ground. The power steering fluid is flammable and can also lead to fire hazards if it leaks due to a bad seal and gets in contact with any hot surface. Always change your power steering pump seals while repairing or replacing your steering pump.

Just like oil filters, a power steering filter keeps your power steering system functioning properly by keeping it protected from dirt, metal particles, and other contaminants in the power steering fluid. The power steering filter is located in the reservoir tank and features a safety bypass that ensures full flow if the system is completely contaminated. Old vehicles used a mechanical fluid filter for steering systems which had a cotton or paper element to block out particles, whereas modern vehicles are equipped with magnetic filters. The old filters had a cartridge or a removable filter that could be swapped with new ones, but new filters have to be replaced entirely. 

The power steering filter has to be replaced whenever you are flushing or changing your power steering fluid. To keep your power steering system in great condition, a clean steering fluid is necessary so the debris and dirt do not hamper the performance of the steering system. Power steering filters are available in various types and designs, so it is necessary to check your owner's manual to determine what type is needed for your vehicle. With time and age, the steering rack wears out and leaves tiny bits and metal particles in the steering fluid. These flakes and chips, if not kept in check, can destroy your power steering pump and seals. In order to avoid heavy replacement costs and steering problems, you should change your power steering filters once a year or at the manufacturer's recommended intervals.