How to Adjust the Pressure Spring of the Power Steering Pump?
2 Answers
Methods to adjust the pressure spring of the power steering pump: 1. Connect a thin tube from the pump's outlet to the pump's inlet, install a regulating valve on this tube, and adjust the pump's pressure spring by regulating this valve; 2. Add a regulating valve at the pump's outlet and adjust the pump's outlet pressure by regulating the valve's opening to tighten the pressure spring. Power pumps are mainly divided into steering power pumps and brake power pumps. The steering power pump, as the power source for vehicle steering, is the 'heart' of the steering system. The brake power pump is a large-diameter vacuum chamber with a diaphragm (or piston) in the middle equipped with a push rod, dividing the chamber into two parts: one part is connected to the atmosphere, and the other part is connected to the engine intake pipe through a pipeline.
Regarding adjusting the tension of the power steering pump's pressure spring, I think the first step is to locate the adjustment nut or screw on the pump, which is usually hidden under the hood near the steering mechanism. Just carefully tighten it a bit with the appropriate wrench, but don't overdo it, as excessive pressure can make the steering wheel heavier and even damage the pump. I've encountered many car owners who ended up with stiffer steering after DIY adjustments when I worked as a mechanic, so I recommend testing the steering wheel feel after adjustment. If it doesn't feel smooth, loosen it immediately. It's best to refer to your vehicle's manual, as the location varies by model, and safety comes first—driving with steering system issues is very dangerous.
