Can You Still Drive if the Car Power Steering Pump is Broken?
2 Answers
You can still drive if the car power steering pump is broken. Here is some relevant information about the car power steering pump: 1. If the power steering pump is damaged, it will affect driving. The steering wheel will become very heavy to turn, posing safety hazards during driving. 2. The main function of power steering is to assist the driver in adjusting the car's direction, reducing the effort required to turn the steering wheel. 3. Power steering also offers certain advantages in terms of driving safety and fuel economy. Below is how the car power steering pump works: 1. When the car is turning, the torque (steering) sensor will 'sense' the steering wheel's torque and the intended turning direction. 2. The received signal is sent to the electronic control unit via the data bus. The control unit will process the data signals such as the transmitted torque and intended direction. 3. The electronic control unit sends action commands to the motor controller, causing the motor to output the corresponding amount of turning torque as needed, thereby generating power steering.
Last time my old Passat's power steering pump failed, I tried driving it hard on the road. At low speeds, the steering wheel was extremely heavy—couldn't turn it with one hand, had to use my waist to push with all my might. On the highway, it was manageable, but changing lanes felt like lifting weights. The mechanic warned that a broken power steering pump would double the wear on the steering gear, and delaying repairs could cost an extra three to five thousand to fix the steering system. The tire wear also became uneven, so I finally gritted my teeth and called a tow truck. The lesson is: you can drive it, but it's not recommended for more than ten kilometers, especially for female drivers—calling for rescue is safer. Safety comes first.
