What to Do When Power Steering Assist is Temporarily Limited?
2 Answers
If the power steering assist is temporarily limited, you should take the vehicle to a repair station for maintenance. Below are the relevant inspection procedures for the power system: 1. Inspection of the steering gear: (1) Inspection of the mechanical steering gear: Check for wear and damage on the steering pinion and rack, and inspect the steering gear housing for cracks. Note that components on the steering gear must not be welded or straightened; they can only be replaced. Also, check the wear and damage on bearings and bushings, as well as the wear and aging of oil seals and dust covers, and replace them promptly if necessary. (2) Inspection of the steering damper: Check the travel of the steering damper. The working travel (L) should be the difference between the maximum length (Lmax) of 556mm and the minimum length (Lmin) of 344.5mm, which is 211.5mm. Replace the damper if the travel is insufficient. Check the damping force of the steering damper; the maximum damping load is 560N, and the minimum damping load is 180N (tested on a bench). Inspect the damper supports for cracks and check the rubber bushings at the ends of the damper for damage or aging. 2. Inspection of the power steering gear: Check all areas for oil leaks and replace all O-rings and gaskets. If there is an issue with the hydraulic control valve, it must be replaced entirely or the sealing rings on the valve must be replaced. Inspect the pinion and rack for damage. Check the bearings and oil seals for damage. Examine the dust cover for damage and aging. Inspect the steering gear housing for cracks and oil leaks.
I remember last time while driving, the power steering assist suddenly became limited, and the steering wheel instantly became unusually heavy, like pushing a huge boulder. I immediately slowed down and pulled over to a safe spot, turning on the hazard lights. After trying to turn off the engine and waiting for five minutes, I restarted it, and the system returned to normal—possibly due to overheating or a minor fault that automatically reset. If restarting doesn’t work, you should check whether the battery voltage is insufficient or if the wiring connections are loose. If that still doesn’t resolve the issue, you’ll need to visit a repair shop to diagnose potential sensor or fuse problems. Avoiding aggressive driving in daily use and reducing the burden on the steering system can help prevent such issues. Regular maintenance of the battery and electrical system is crucial—don’t wait until problems arise to take action.
