Power Steering Pump

Many people drive their vehicles every day without thinking about all of the parts that work together to keep the vehicle moving and working safely. In vehicles with power steering, one of these parts is the power steering pump. Learning more about the power steering pump can help you understand how it works and give you the information you need to maintain the pump properly.

Power steering pump defined

The power steering pump is a pump that is operated by a belt that comes from the engine to the pump itself. The pump style is considered to be the vane style of pump, which doesn't have metal to metal contact and can maintain peak performance when working with several different types of liquids. While a power steering pump works well with many types of liquids, low viscosity liquids will result in the best performance of the pump.

Power steering pump use

In a car without a power steering system, it is very easy for a driver to get tired, especially when sharp turns need to be made. A power steering pump generates high pressure that reduces the amount of effort needed by the driver to steer a vehicle successfully. Power steering is particularly useful when you live in an area that has a lot of curves or if you frequently travel a route that has a lot of turns. Some power steering systems are known as variable-assist systems. Instead of providing high pressure on a constant basis, the system is able to adjust to the driving speed. If the car is traveling at low speeds, the power steering pump will generate high pressure. If the car is traveling at a higher rate of speed, the power steering pump will reduce the amount of steering assistance it provides. This helps to avoid over-steering and improves fuel efficiency.

Maintaining power steering pump

There are many steps a responsible vehicle owner can take to maintain a power steering pump properly and reduce the chances of damaging the pump. When you are driving, you should never keep your steering wheel all the way to the right or the left. This can cause you to damage the power steering pump in some way. In order to keep your power steering pump running properly, you should check your power steering fluid levels regularly. Some experts recommend that you should have your power steering fluid checked every time you have your oil changed. Don't use just any power steering fluid for your vehicle without checking your owner's manual. Some power steering pumps have hoses and seals that require a specific power steering fluid to operate at peak efficiency.

Safety issues

Never operate your vehicle with low levels of power steering fluid, as the power steering pump can become damaged. Always take your car to a qualified mechanic if there are any signs of power steering pump malfunction. Some of the common signs of power steering pump damage are having to make a lot of extra effort to steer your vehicle, running low on fluid frequently, or very loud whining sounds coming from the power steering pump itself. If you notice any of these signs of damage, stop driving your vehicle immediately and have the power steering pump and any other damaged parts repaired by a professional.

Purchasing power steering pumps

When purchasing a power steering pump, you need to think about several things. One is the brand that you purchase. If your vehicle is still under warranty, you may need to purchase an original equipment manufacturer pump. If the vehicle is not under warranty, you may want to consider buying an aftermarket power steering pump to save money. Price, performance, and the product's reputation are all other factors you should consider before making a purchase.