Power Steering Control Valve & Sensors Explained

Power Steering Pressure Valve

As you turn the steering wheel, the power steering control valve directs the fluid to where it should go. For instance, if you turn the wheel to the right, the power steering control valve will rotate so that the pressure is given to the correct side of the cylinder. This will make your vehicle go in the right direction.

Power Steering Pressure Sensor

Also, known as the power steering switch, it gives the vehicle’s computer information that is needed for the power steering system. Hydraulic pressure is used by the power steering system using hydraulic pressure that is generated by a pump which is driven by the crankshaft through a belt. The demand which is on the power steering system will further put a demand on the engine. When you turn at low speeds, the engine must speed up, like parking a car or truck. If that doesn’t happen, the engine may stutter or stall.

Power Steering Control Valve 

A cotter pin is fixed through a bolt and nut that is found on top of the pitman's arm. This bolt helps to connect the power steering control valve to the vehicle.

Power Steering Control Sensor

You will be able to find the power steering switch by following the lines from the power steering pump of the car or truck to the steering rack or steering gearbox. The pressure sensor is fixed to the line near the rack or gearbox.

Here is the working of the power steering valve and sensor:

Power Steering Control Valve

To push the fluid through the system into the power steering rack, power steering pumps create high pressure and it also helps to provide good handling. Several components play a crucial role during this process, and the power steering control valve is one of them. To correct the PSI, it regulates the pressure of the fluid in the line. The fluid pressure may become too high or low if the valve is damaged. If the pressure is excessive, then the supply line may get damaged, start leaking, and cause fire hazards.

Power Steering Control Sensor

There is a diaphragm in the power steering pressure sensor that starts the switch. A spring keeps pushing against the diaphragm and the fluid from the power steering lines keeps pressing on the diaphragm. As the pressure on the diaphragm gains control over the spring, the diaphragm will press the switch, which shows to the computer that there is a high demand for the power steering system. In response to this, the computer will speed up the engine so that the power steering pump can function more efficiently.

The following are the symptoms of a faulty power steering control valve:

Symptoms of Power Steering Control Valve

1. Leaking power steering fluid

Leakage is one of the common problems with the valve. A puddle of power steering fluid under your vehicle is a good indication that the power steering fluid is leaky. The smell of the power steering fluid has burnt the marshmallow. You will have to clean up the power steering fluid as it is flammable.

2. Difficulty steering

Do you find parking difficult? Then the steering control valve may be faulty. The fluid will not flow to the correct side of the cylinder if the valve is not working properly. The fluid pressure will be dropped and the vehicle will not steer as it will cause problems while driving.

3. Whining noise while turning the wheel

If the power steering control valve is faulty, then you will hear a whining noise. While turning the wheel or turning in the corner you will hear this noise. When the vehicle is idle, you will hear the whining noise. This is a big red flag and this issue has to be noted quickly. Unless and until there is a problem, the power steering control valve will normally not be inspected. If you replace the valve, then the power steering pump must also be replaced. The following are the symptoms of a faulty power steering control switch.

Symptoms of Power Steering Control Sensor

1. Engine slowing down

The computer will not be able to keep up with the demand of the power steering system or make correct adjustments as soon as the power steering pressure switch turns out to be faulty. While you turn in the corner or drive at low speed, the engine will slow down and this is one of the symptoms.

2. Engine stalling

The engine will stall and slow down while you turn the wheel. This happens again because the computer will not be able to meet the changing demands of the power steering system, which will make the engine idle to fall below the line. If the vehicle is stalling, then it is not safe to drive the vehicle.

3. Speeding up and slowing down

To keep up with the demand of the power steering system, the engine will slow down and then overcompensate by speeding up with an erratic idle. If it speeds up unexpectedly, then it can be too dangerous as it can lead to an accident if you lose control.

4. Check Engine Light comes on

The check engine light will be indicated in the dashboard if the computer finds that the pressure switch is not functioning properly. If this light illuminates, then you will have to check your vehicle as soon as possible. The indication of check engine light could mean several things. So, it is better to get them checked.

Do you want to repair your Power Steering Control Valve & Sensors? If yes, then you surely need some tools to meet the demand of your car body structures. There is no need to worry as we are here to help you out. Have a look at the tools below which you will need while repairing your Power Steering Control Valve & Sensors.

Tools Needed for Power Steering Control Valve

• Boxed end wrench or ratchet wrench

• Flashlight

• Hydraulic line wrenches- 7/16”, 1/2", 9/16"

• Large flat blade screwdriver

• Liquid containment drain pan

• Pickle wrench

• Penetrating oil (WD-40or PB Blaster)

• Replacement power steering control unit

• Safety equipment (safety glasses & gloves)

• Side cutters

Tools Needed for Power Steering Control Sensor

• Boxed end wrench or ratchet wrench

• Hydraulic line wrenches

• Liquid containment drain pan

• Replacement power steering pressure switch

• Safety equipment (safety glasses & plastic or rubber gloves)

• Scan tool

Searching for a specific brand for your Power Steering Control Valve & Sensors? In that case, you have arrived at the correct place. All you have to do is have a look below:

• Ascension Power Steering Power Steering Control Valve & Sensors

• Blue Streak (Hydride Motor) Power Steering Control Valve & Sensors

• Dorman (OE Solutions) Power Steering Control Valve & Sensors

• Cardone Industries Power Steering Control Valve & Sensors

• Edelman Power Steering Control Valve & Sensors

• Dorman/Techoice Power Steering Control Valve & Sensors

• Beck/Armley Power Steering Control Valve & Sensors

• Gates Power Steering Control Valve & Sensors

• Denso Power Steering Control Valve & Sensors

We believe that an investment in knowledge pays the best interest. So why not learn more about the associated parts of the car Power Steering Control Valve & Sensors? 

• Power Steering Pressure Switch Idle Speed

• Control Valve Seal Kits

• Remanufactured Control Valve

• Power Steering Relay

• Power Steering Connector

• Steering Speed Sensor

• Power Steering Assist Motor/Module

• Steering Lock Actuator

• Control Valve Rebuild Kits

• New Control Valve

• Power Steering Pressure Sensor

Here is a simple guideline as to how you should change the power steering control valve

Replacement of Power Steering Control Valve

Step 1

Separate the battery of the vehicle. Separate the positive and negative terminals of the battery before you remove any parts. This must be the first thing which you should always do in any vehicle.

Step 2

You will find this component on the driver’s side of the vehicle. You will have to lift the vehicle to gain access to this component. With the help of a hydraulic lift, finish the job so that there are not many hurdles.

Step 3

The left front wheel has to be removed with the help of an impact wrench or star wrench so that you can have the right access to the power steering control valve.

Step 4

Review the location of the hoses and find the power steering control valve. As soon as you remove the front left tire, you will be able to see the power steering control valve. It is usually fixed to the center pitman arm, above the steering box. It is always best to know the condition and location of the hose before you change any components. Replace the hoses if they are damaged.

Step 5

Note down the location of the hoses. The power steering hose has to be properly installed for the proper functioning of the power steering control valve. The power steering system can break if the lines are cross-connected.

Step 6

Now remove the hoses. Keep a bucket or liquid containment device underneath the power steering control valve and try removing the hydraulic lines, with the help of a line wrench.

The two hoses which are on top of the control valve have to be removed. You will find 4 lines that are attached to this device, and it is important to remove the top two lines carefully for proper drainage.

Now the remaining 2 hoses which are attached have to be removed. The valve clamp screw that is present on the side of the control valve has to be removed.

Step 7

Before you install the new power steering control valve, make sure that all hoses are properly connected.

Step 8

The left wheel has to be turned in the opposite direction, and the front wheel to the left so that you can easily remove the control valve from the pitman's arm.

Step 9

The cotter pin is fixed through a bolt and is placed on top of the pitman arm. This bolt attaches the power steering control valve to the vehicle, and it has to be removed.

Step 10

Use a pickle wrench and remove the power steering control valve from the pitman's arm.

Step 11

The power steering control valve has to be unscrewed from the control arm drive link. Rotate the power steering control valve in a clockwise direction to remove it.

Step 12

Once you remove the old control valve, install the new one, and this can be simply done in the reverse direction. Fix the new hose in the same place from where it was removed and finally fix the left front tire that was removed, and torque it as per the manufacturer’s recommendation. The power steering fluid has to be refilled. Check its level by starting the vehicle. Once everything is done, connect the battery cables again.

Step 13

Now start your vehicle and ensure that the power steering is functioning properly. Test drive the vehicle and make sure that the vehicle does not face any issues on the road. Test drive for at least 10-15 minutes in different road conditions and make sure that the steering system is working properly.

Replacement of Power Steering Control Sensor

Here is a simple guideline as to how you should change the power steering control sensor

Step 1

Separate the battery of the vehicle. Separate the positive and negative terminals of the battery before you remove any parts. This must be the first thing which you should always do in any vehicle.

Step 2

Engine cover, as well as the ancillary parts, have to be removed. It is easy to access the power steering pressure switch in many vehicles, but you will have to remove the engine components such as engine cover, air filter, and hoses, and the battery in a few vehicles to gain access. It is always best to refer to the vehicle service manual if any doubt arises.

Step 3

Remove the electrical harness of the power steering pressure switch once you locate it. Remove the harness if the electrical harness is fixed to another on the power steering switch. It is a common problem that exists in new power steering pressure switches.

Step 4

Use two wrenches and remove the pressure switch if it is fixed to the hydraulic line. You will have to tighten one side of the end wrench to the bottom of the hydraulic line and the other end to the actual sensor switch.

As you loosen the top power steering pressure switch, hold the bottom wrench in place. Once it is set loose, you must be able to hand screw the power steering pressure switch off the hydraulic line. The hydraulic fluids may be leaky and so make sure to place rags beneath them.

Step 5

Make sure that the new power steering pressure switch is similar to the old one. Ensure that the connection screws into the hydraulic line or the power steering pump. 

Step 6

Fix the new pressure switch and screw it into the hydraulic lines. Once you tighten the switch with your hand, use 2 wrenches to fix the new switch. Do not tighten them as they may slip.

Step 7

Fix the electrical harness to the sensor or the relay. Make sure it is properly connected before you complete the task.

Step 8

Clear the error codes with the help of a scan tool before you test the vehicle. Start the vehicle and check if there are any leaks. It is best to test drive the vehicle for about 5 miles.