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The first sign of failure
The hydraulic power steering fluid works in conjunction with the piston, allowing the steering wheel to turn easily and without feeling too much resistance. As a result, it becomes increasingly difficult to turn the steering wheel in the event of a breakdown. According to Tomas Mareckas, head of the Vilnius-based car service, most drivers turn at low speed when turning, when the steering wheel that is difficult to move or gets stuck becomes more noticeable.
“It’s worth worrying when you feel the first signs of failure. They usually cause the power steering to malfunction or stop working altogether. Underneath the vehicle, there may be a power steering fluid leak, a noise audible when you turn the steering wheel or the warning lights come on to indicate a fault. These signals clearly indicate that there is a problem with the power steering system of your car, “the expert warns of the first signs of failure.
The cause of the failure is the wrong fluid.
The most common causes of power steering failure are the use of inferior quality oil and its premature replacement.
“Most of the time, power steering failures occur when there is too little hydraulic fluid left in the power steering system, making it difficult to turn the wheel when cornering. This problem is usually caused by a fluid leak from the hydraulic hose. Sometimes the hose breaks or just relaxes and the liquid escapes. If you don’t eliminate the leak in time, the power steering pump will eventually fail and it will really cost a lot to replace it, ”T. Mareck warns drivers.
However, if the power steering fluid is sufficient, the hydraulic fluid may be out of date and condensed.
“Like other automotive fluids, power steering fluid can thicken over time. If the car manufacturer’s recommendations are not followed and the fluid is not changed in time, it will become too thick over time and will not be able to effectively lubricate the system. This will make it difficult to turn the steering wheel, especially at low speeds. If you find that the booster fluid is dark and thick, you should change it as soon as possible ”, says the expert, who emphasizes that the deterioration of the oil quality is influenced by the driving style: system overheating caused by prolonged and intense maneuvers without interruption or heavy use of the power steering.
Maintenance required
According to Andrzej Husiatynski, head of the technical department of the oil and lubricants manufacturer Total in Poland, although the steering fluid works under less demanding conditions than, for example, diesel, it also has special properties and must be changed periodically; To avoid problems, it is recommended to check the level of this liquid every month.
“Today, power steering fluids are divided into mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic. Mineral fluids are used in vintage cars or special needs vehicles. Many modern power steering systems use synthetic hydraulic ATF fluids, usually red in color, thanks to special improvements, they are effective in all operating conditions. The basic rule is that it is strictly forbidden to mix these liquids with each other, as there is a risk that their consistency will change. After mixing these liquids, the liquid must be replaced by a new one as soon as possible ”, emphasized the representative of Total.
These fluids also vary in color, but it is not advisable to choose a fluid based on its color: “Power steering fluid packaging generally provides information on the standards the fluid meets and the car brands it can be used in. “shares A. Husiatynski, noting that 90 percent. All power steering failures can be avoided if drivers inspect their vehicle in a timely manner.
The car manufacturer specifies how long it is necessary to change the power steering fluid; Many automakers, including Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, Ford, recommend changing the fluid once every 1-2 years or every 100,000 kilometers. The fluid should also be changed if the pump or other power steering components have been repaired.
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