Are power steering issues giving you trouble? Visit us in Glenfield
Are you finding that your car’s steering just doesn’t feel right? Is your vehicle leaking fluid or making odd noises when you turn the wheel? If you are having any of these power steering issues, then speak to the team at Porana Power Steering in Glenfield. We can help you enjoy a smoother, safer and more comfortable ride!
Turning steering wheel is stiff (no assist)
Stiff steering is very frequently caused by a weakened pump. The O-rings inside can get squashed and become stiff. This can reduce the pressure from the pump and diminish the assist performance. A faulty piston ring inside the steering rack can also cause this problem. Occasionally, it is because of the linkage in the steering system.
Noise
If you hear unusual noises coming from your power steering components, the pump is most likely the problem. Noise in the system occurs when the pump sucks air in. The possible cause of the noise is the hose between the reservoir and the pump, a leaking main seal, a faulty bearing, or the seal or O-rings in the pump.
Leaks
The most common problem seen in power assist steering systems is a leak. The majority of leaks are caused by wear in the high pressure seals that hold the power steering fluid in the steering racks and boxes. Under pressure, the fluid heats up and makes rubber seals stiff. This causes the seals to fail, resulting in leaks.
O-rings that are used in racks, boxes and pumps can erode over time and also cause leakage.
Leaks may also occur due to scratches on the shaft of the steering rack. Dirty power steering fluid contains a lot of small particles that make scratches on the shaft. When these scratches are deep enough, they enable fluid to leak.
Corrosion on the steering components from split rubber boots can lead to leaks. Damage to the seals can be avoided by replacing these boots.
Play in the shaft
A play in the shaft occurs when the rack pad behind the pinion shaft or the bush on the left side of the steering rack are worn. When the right side of the shaft moves up and down most likely the rack pad is worn. When the bush has wear, the left side of the shaft has more play.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to source the parts required to rectify these problems. Thankfully, our team will be pleased to custom make a new part to suit your requirements.
Example of faulty components
Power steering fluid is contained within high pressure seals which can start to deteriorate due to heat and wear. A scratched or corroded shaft is often the cause of system failure.
On certain makes and models, rust may form on the surface of this steering shaft. This is the main cause of premature system failure.
Our team can repair surface rust on shafts by grinding, then adding a layer of chrome plate. After plating, the shaft is again ground and polished to achieve a mirror smooth finish that seals can slide effortlessly along.
The main shaft of most power steering pumps is supported by a bearing. Bearings are generally completely replaced during the reconditioning process. New bearings offer a reliable solution to pump failure and noise.
The high pressure seals can start leaking power steering fluid due to ageing or foreign matter getting inside the system. Reconditioning is the only way to stop leaks from high pressure seals. Second hand steering racks are frequently either already leaking or not far from it, so we do not recommend them.
If the end bush of the steering rack has too much clearance it can cause premature failure. Most rebuild kits do not contain this bush. At Porana Power Steering, we manufacture our own top quality bushes in-house. Some steering racks have a pressure switch mounted which may also create leaks. We always check these parts for leaks when testing reconditioned steering racks.
A worn or broken valve ring on the pinion can cause operational trouble, a very common problem on some models. That is why we always suggest new replacements over second-hand components.