Everything About Power Steering Pumps & Hose

Power Steering Pump

The power steering pump pulley drives the power steering pump and receives the power from the crankshaft pulley via a drive belt. This drive belt can be of 2 types - a V-type or a ribbed V-type. The ribbed V-belt has several ribbed grooves on the bottom and a flat upper side. It surrounds the pulley on all the belt-driven components so that they can lie on the same vertical plane. This helps to save some space. Some power steering systems have an integral fluid reservoir, whereas the other power steering systems have a remote fluid reservoir. The high-pressure hose supplies fluid to the steering gear with the help of the power steering pump and the fluid returns from the steering gear through a low-pressure hose to the pump. The power steering pump has vanes that are fitted to the outside diameter of the rotor and sits against the housing walls as the rotor turns. The rotor and vane assembly rotate in an elliptical cam ring in the center, which allows for the change in volume as the rotor turns inside the pump housing. When the space becomes smaller between the pump housing, rotor, and vanes, the pressure is applied to the fluid. This pressurized power steering fluid is then pushed through the pump outlet fitting and high-pressure hose to the steering gear.

Power Steering Hose

The power steering hose joins the power steering pump to the cylinders which helps a vehicle to turn left and right easily. It takes a pressurized power steering fluid right into the steering rack and utilizes it to control the rate of turn of a steering wheel.

It is also used in hydraulics, air, fuel, and lubricating oil applications. It consists of a resistant fabric cover, patented synthetic rubber tube, and is prepared with standard steel recyclable fittings. It provides 1,300 psi (8,964kPa) of "boost" pressure that is needed for the proper functioning of the power-steering system.

Types of Power Steering Pump – Power steering pumps come in different types depending on their construction and functionality. Vane pumps are the most common type of power steering pump used in the vehicle which features a rotor in an oval or elliptical housing. It also comprises vanes on the rotor which pushes against the housing. The roller power steering pump features wide V-shaped grooves on the side of the rotor which allows the steel rollers to ride along the inside contour of the pump. The third type is the slipper pump or steering pump which features the rotor in housing just like the vane type but consists of scrubber type slippers instead of vanes. 

Types of Power Steering Hoses - Power steering hose is of two types

• High-pressure hose - It carries fluid from the pump to the rack.

• Low-pressure hose - It carries the fluid from the rack to the pump. The burning oil smell under the hood of the car is an indication that the hose is leaky. This issue is accompanied by a steering problem.

The working of the power steering pumps and hose is as follows:

Working of Power Steering Pump

The power steering pump distributes the fluid under pressure, allowing the steering gear's hydraulic piston to move, substantially lowering the amount of effort required to turn the steering wheel. The rotary control valve applies pressure to a piston in the desired direction while releasing it from the opposite side.

Working of Power Steering Hose

The fluid from the pump to the power steering rack is carried by the power steering hoses. The power steering hose is separated into high pressure and low pressure for pressures. Power is transferred by the high-pressure hose from the pump to the steering mechanism. The fluid is carried back to the pump by the hose. These hoses work along with each other and give a measured amount of pressure to the automobiles.

You will notice the following symptoms in your power steering pump if it is leaky or clogged.

1. Whining noise while turning the wheel - If you hear any noise while turning the wheel, then something could be wrong with the power steering system. The reason could be a low fluid level or a leaky power steering pump. This, in turn, can damage the entire power steering system. Either way, you will have to change the power steering pump.

   
   

2. Steering wheel responds slowly - The power steering pump may be faulty if it finds difficulty while turning in the corner or responds slowly. Also, you will hear the whining noise. If you find these two symptoms, then the power steering pump can be faulty and has to be replaced.

   
   

3. Stiff steering wheel - The steering wheel will not only respond slowly, but it also becomes stiff if the power steering is faulty. 

   
   

4. Squealing noises when the vehicle starts - You will hear whining and squealing noise while you turn the vehicle. This will usually happen if you make sharp turns or when you start the car. You will hear this noise from the car hood and this is a sign that the steering pump is faulty and can even slip.

   
   

5. Groaning noises - The worst noises that a power steering pump can make are groaning noises. This will continue to worsen if the power steering pump fails. But, if the power steering system fails due to lack of fluid it will damage the entire system which includes the steering rack and lines and must be replaced.

Symptoms of Bad Power Steering Hose

You will notice the following symptoms in your power steering hose if it is leaky or clogged.

1. Steering Difficulty - Difficulty in the steering is the first symptom if the power steering hose is bad or failing. The vehicle will face difficulty in turning or maneuvering if there is not enough pressure in the system to get the power steering fluid to the rack. If this happens, contact your mechanic as soon as possible and ask them to inspect the power steering hose.

   
   

2. Leaking Fluid - There may be a leak in your power steering hose if the power steering fluid drips from your vehicle. The fluid has the smell of burnt marshmallows and is usually clear or amber-colored. The color will be similar if the power steering fluid is old and will have a similar smell. You will have to clean up the power steering fluid quickly if it’s leaky as it is hazardous.

If you want to repair your Power Steering Pumps & Hose all by yourself, then let’s face it that you will need some auto body tools. You can always start by building your tool chest. Searching for some tools needed to repair your Power Steering Pumps & Hose? Don’t worry! We are here to help you out. Here are some common tools that you will probably end up needing while repairing your Power Steering Pumps & Hose.

Tools Needed for repairing Power Steering Pump

• Ratchet 

• Replacement power steering pump

• Pulley removal tool

• Pulley installation tool

• Power steering fluid

• Wrench 

• Safety eyewear

• Gloves

The brands which we use make a statement about who we are and who we will be in the future. Several car lovers are emotionally attached to a specific brand for their car parts. So if you are searching for a particular brand for your Power Steering Pumps & Hose, then you have arrived at the right place. Have a look below:-

• Dorman (OE Solutions) Power Steering Pumps & Hose

• Edelman Power Steering Pumps & Hose

• Russell Power Steering Pumps & Hose

• Ascension Power Steering Power Steering Pumps & Hose

• Gates Power Steering Pumps & Hose

• Cardone Industries Power Steering Pumps & Hose

Till now you must have understood what a car Power Steering Pumps & Hose is, but still, are you thinking about what its associated parts are? So let’s just dig out what its components are:

• Power Steering Return Hose

• Power Steering Reservoir

• Power Steering Pump Pulley

• Power Steering Hose End Fitting

• Power Steering Hose End

More than any other kind of failure in a car, there's almost nothing as heartbreaking as a completely damaged Power Steering Pumps & Hose. Now when we talk about the replacement cost, it might vary a lot even on the same car depending upon its performance, labour cost, brand, etc. The cost of a Power Steering Pump is estimated to be between $497 and $716. The labour costs between $166 and $211, while the related parts are estimated to cost between $331 and $505. The cost of a Power Steering Hose replacement is estimated to be between $492 and $1,011. Labor costs range between $70 and $89, while parts cost $922.

Here is a simple guideline for the replacement of power steering pumps:

Step 1

Allow the engine to cool before turning it off. Determine the location of the power steering pump. The power-steering belt should be removed from the pump.

Step 2

Place a container under the pump and remove the feed and return lines to drain the power steering fluid. Remove the mounting bolts and the power steering pump from the mounting bracket.

Step 3

Install the replacement power steering pump and secure it to the mounting bracket using bolts. Reconnect the pump's feed and return lines. Reinstall the power steering belt and make sure it's secure.

Step 4

Fill the new pump with power steering fluid. Turn on the engine and let it run for a few minutes before driving to allow the fluid to circulate in the new pump. Check to see if the new pump has enough fluid. Turn the steering wheel to the left and right to observe if it moves smoothly.

Here is a guideline for the replacement of the Power Steering Hose

Step 1

Turn off the vehicle's engine. Drain the power steering fluid into a pan and remove the hose from the power steering gear.

Step 2

Remove the fittings that hold the hose at the pump and steering gear by loosening and removing them. Cap both the pump and the gear fittings now. Each clip that connects the hose to the chassis should be removed.

Step 3

Remove the hose from the chassis and replace the O-rings at the hose's ends. Connect the new power steering hose to the chassis and secure it with the clips that keep it in place at the chassis.

Step 4

Once you've uncapped the cap, secure the hose fittings to the pump and steering gear. Last but not least, reattach the hose to the power steering gear. Up to the mark, fill the pump with power steering fluid. Once everything is in place, start the engine and check for leaks.