What Causes Power Steering System Failure?
2 Answers
Heavy steering, abnormal steering noise, and steering system oil leakage. Here are the detailed explanations: 1. Heavy steering: The power steering system contains excessive air, leading to abnormal car steering; foreign objects in the steering hydraulic pipeline cause the steering pump flow control valve to stick; loose connections in the power steering system result in steering fluid leakage; excessive wear of the steering gear piston cylinder, poor oil seal sealing, or control valve sticking or damage. 2. Abnormal steering noise: Overloading of the steering system causes excessive wear of the stator and rotor inside the steering pump, leading to irregular oil movement and noise; loose installation of the steering gear or steering pump on the bracket, internal wear of the steering gear, and improper adjustment of gears and racks. 3. Steering system oil leakage: Generally, the steering pump does not leak oil if undamaged. However, it is still necessary to inspect the connecting parts and joints in the power system and steering system for any leaks.
As a veteran driver with years of experience, I've encountered power steering failures several times, where the steering wheel suddenly becomes as heavy as lifting bricks. The most common causes are issues with the hydraulic power steering system, such as a broken oil pump or oil leakage leading to insufficient oil pressure; a loose belt is another culprit—last time I replaced the belt, the problem improved. For electric power steering systems, potential issues include motor failure, sensor errors, or software bugs in the control module. Remember to regularly check the fluid level and belt tension—these small actions can significantly reduce the failure rate, as encountering such problems at high speeds is extremely dangerous. I always advise fellow drivers not to skimp on maintenance; safety should always come first.
