RB Auto Service is the best European auto shop in Pinellas Park, and you can count on us to take excellent care of your European automobile. If your European beauty is equipped with hydraulic power steering, you will need a new power steering pump at around 100,000 miles. Usually, the pump will give you a sign that it is going bad. Bring your vehicle to our shop if you have one or more of the following problems.
Noises When Turning the Wheel
The steering pump can start to make noises when it is malfunctioning. You will hear the pump groan or moan when you turn the steering wheel. Either noise will get louder if you keep turning the wheel. The steering system can also start to squeal if the pump is having problems. Bring your vehicle to our shop right away if you hear any of these noises.
Difficulty Turning the Wheel
You may also find that it is harder to turn the steering wheel than it used to be. This is a sign that the pump is malfunctioning. The pump is used to circulate the power steering fluid through the system to make it easier to turn the steering wheel. If the pump is unable to do its job, you may not have the benefit of hydraulic fluid to help you turn your steering wheel.
Unresponsiveness to the Steering
Eventually, the pump can fail completely and your vehicle may start to become unresponsive when you turn the steering wheel. This makes driving your automobile dangerous because you cannot control its direction. It is important to pull over and call for a tow truck rather than continue to drive the vehicle. Don’t take unnecessary chances.
Leaking Red Fluid/Low Fluid Level
The steering pump can also start to leak the steering fluid once it gets old. If it is doing so, you will see spots or puddles of red fluid on the garage floor. Check the power steering fluid level to see if this is the fluid that is leaking out of the engine. If the level is low, the pump likely has a leak.
Silver Flakes in the Steering Fluid
Finally, silver flakes in the steering fluid are a very bad sign. This is an indication that the pump is dissolving. Naturally, we cannot fix this. Rather, we will have to replace the steering pump.
Call RB Auto Service in Pinellas Park, FL, today to set up a service visit for your European automobile.