How To Buy The Best Power Steering Cylinder?

Ever wondered how the steering wheel returns to its initial position after a turn? Well, all thanks to the power steering. The power steering cylinder is a basic piston that elongates or shortens every time the steering wheel is turned.

All the components of the Power Steering Cylinder are usually located on the steering rack in the front along with the firewall. It can be accessed from the bottom of the car.

The essential features of a car power steering cylinder are as follows:

• It assists the driver when turning the wheels.

• It helps take some of the wheel disturbances experienced by the front wheels through the tie rods and provides better handling.

• It increases steering feedback time, especially in sports vehicles when handling characteristics are crucial.

The working of car power steering cylinder is as follows:

The power steering control valve opens a route that directs fluid (power steering fluid) to flow into the power steering cylinder as the steering wheel is cranked; this increase in fluid pressure forces the piston to extend in the opposite direction. The piston is connected to the tie rods, which move the wheels in the desired direction. When the steering wheel is returned to its original or "center" position, the fluid channel is closed, causing the piston to return to neutral and the wheels to spin.

Some of the common Car Power Steering Cylinder Problems are:-

1. Darting or Oversteering - This might happen if the power steering cylinder provides too much feedback due to broken seals or a malfunctioning control valve.

2. Piston Injuries - If the rod is not properly removed from the center stud, the piston or rod may deform and become unusable. Even a broken seal, cup, or washer can allow the piston to scrape against the metal surface of the cylinder, causing rapid wear. Daily use over a long period might cause wear and tear. Age and heat can harm the seals, making them stiff and brittle.

3. Oil leaks from the outside - The power steering fluid may leak due to broken seals, cups, or washers along the cylinder lining and housing. Excessive wear on the pistons and cylinder inner tube may be caused by contaminated fluid.

4. Corrosion - Water can enter the piston and cylinder chamber through the seal and washers of a ruptured boot, corroding the metal. When manipulating the rod by hand, the corroded surface generates roughness.

In an event of failure of the power steering cylinder, the following symptoms may occur as an indication of maintenance or possible replacement of the power steering cylinder:

1. The steering wheel requires immense effort to move - This may occur due to piston seizure, which in turn can be due to many factors like low fluid or bent piston rod.

   
   

2. The feedback is partial - Both directions require a lot of steering effort, or only one direction requires a lot of steering effort. Low amounts of power steering fluid in the cylinder or a faulty control valve could be the cause.

   
   

3. Leakage - Leakage can happen as a result of faulty seals or, in the worst-case situation, a broken or damaged cylinder body.

Several skilled auto mechanics have a goal of opening their car repair shop in their career. But let’s face it; if you want to put up an efficient and profit-making shop, then you might need much more than mechanical skills. There are several tools that you might need to perform the car repairs quickly as well as reliably. Auto repair equipment that you will need to repair your Power Steering Cylinder may include:

• Torque wrench

• Wrench 

• Pliers

• Gloves

• Screwdrivers

• Fluid/Oil Catch Pan

• Jack stand

If you know which car parts brand suits the best for your Power Steering Cylinder, then it would save a lot of your decision-making time. What we believe is that picking a particular brand would always help reduce the clutter, and would make it easier for the customers to find what they are looking for. That’s why we have listed out some top brands for Power Steering Cylinder below:

• Ascension Power Steering Power Steering Cylinder

• Cardone Industries Power Steering Cylinder

• Fabtech Power Steering Cylinder

If you are like most of us, then you won’t know much about the related components of car Power Steering Cylinder. Fear not! Here is a quick and easy guide to explain the related parts of the Power Steering Cylinder.

• Inner Tie Rod

• Outer Tie Rod

• Pitman Arm

• PS Control Valve

• Torsion Bar

• Steering Shaft

• Power Steering Pressure Hoses

• Steering Wheel

• Steering rack

• Tie rod boot

• Bushings

• O-Rings

• Cotter pin

• Drag Link

There are a lot of factors that should be considered when you are thinking of replacing the Power Steering Cylinder. First, you have to decide if you require some related parts of the Power Steering Cylinder or a whole Power Steering Cylinder. Then after that, the next step is to decide what type of make as well as the type of Power Steering Cylinder you are dealing with, and from where will you get a brand new one. Just keep in mind that a brand new Power Steering Cylinder which would come from a warehouse would cost much more than the one you will get in a junkyard. After that, the next point which should be considered is where you are going to get it replaced and how quickly it needs to be done. The power steering cylinder lasts a long period in most cases, however, there are a few circumstances that may necessitate repair or replacement. 

The power steering cylinder replacement cost ranges between $85 - $381. One of the most common failure locations is the inner O-ring, which requires the complete disassembly of the cylinder to replace. At your local garage, this may cost between 450$ - 500$.

Follow along with these steps carefully to change the Power Steering Cylinder:

Step 1

Using a jack, raise the front of the vehicle. To make reassembly easier, mark the location of the hoses.

Step 2

Drain and dispose of the liquids. Connect the hoses and cover the ends with a cap. Remove the bushing, cotter pin, nut, and retainers. At this point, check the threads and the rod for rust.

Step 3

Disconnect the tie rod ends from the wheel spindle with a wrench. Remove the dust boot which protects the inner tie rods from dirt and dust. If it is torn, replace it. To check and repair the hydraulic cylinder, remove it.

Step 4

To check for cracks in the tubing, clean the outside of the hydraulic cylinder. When you move the rod in and out, you may notice a rough patch. This is corrosion in the inner tube caused by water that has gone past the seals. The piston seal will be damaged as a result of the corrosion, and the inner cylinder will not be sealed. Because the fluid leaks beyond the seal, the cylinder will not give full pressure to the steering linkage. Replace the cylinder if the rod binds when moving it in or out, or if the chrome surface is pitted or corroded in the middle or at the bracket end. Examine the ball stud.

Step 5

The hydraulic cylinder's design prevents the cylinder, piston, or rod from being repaired. Replace the complete assembly with a new or rebuilt (exchange) hydraulic cylinder if these parts are damaged. It is possible to change seals and hose seats. Make sure you get the right rebuild kit.