Driving your car with power steering makes handling easier, especially when turning corners or maneuvering in tight spots. However, what happens when you lose power steering at idle? It can be a frightening and potentially dangerous situation, especially when you’re trying to turn or park. In this article, we’ll discuss the possible causes of no power steering at idle and the solutions to help you avoid this issue.
Contents
What is Power Steering and How Does It Work?
Power steering is a system that helps drivers to steer the wheels of their vehicles easily. The power steering pump is driven by a belt connected to the engine, which pumps fluid into the power steering system. The fluid pressure helps to turn the steering wheel with less effort.
The power steering system comprises a power steering pump, power steering fluid, power steering hoses, and a power steering gearbox or rack and pinion. When you turn the steering wheel, the power steering pump increases the fluid pressure, which causes the steering gearbox or rack and pinion to turn the wheels.
Why does No Power Steering at Idle
There are many causes of no power steering at idle, including –
Low Power Steering Fluid Level
Low power steering fluid levels can cause the power steering system to malfunction. If you notice that your power steering is not working properly, it could be due to low power steering fluid levels. The power steering pump needs an adequate amount of fluid to create pressure and provide assistance to the steering system.
A Damaged Power Steering Pump
The power steering pump is a crucial component of the power steering system. If the power steering pump is damaged or faulty, it won’t be able to create pressure, and the steering system won’t receive the assistance it needs. A damaged power steering pump could be due to worn bearings, a damaged shaft, or a leak in the pump.
Faulty Power Steering Hoses
Power steering hoses transport fluid from the power steering pump to the steering gearbox or rack and pinion. If the power steering hoses are damaged or have leaks, the system won’t be able to generate the necessary pressure, resulting in no power steering at idle.
A Failing Power Steering Gearbox or Rack and Pinion
The power steering gearbox or rack and pinion is responsible for translating the fluid pressure from the power steering pump into turning the wheels. If the power steering gearbox or rack and pinion is failing, it won’t be able to perform this function effectively, leading to no power steering at idle.
How to Fix No Power Steering at Idle
Follow the ways below to fix no power steering at idle issue –
Check the Power Steering Fluid Level: The first thing you should do if you experience no power steering at idle is to check the power steering fluid level. If it’s low, top it up with the recommended fluid. Make sure to check for leaks in the power steering hoses or pump and have them repaired if necessary.
Inspect the Power Steering Pump: If the power steering fluid level is adequate, the next thing to do is to inspect the power steering pump. Check for worn bearings, damaged shafts, or leaks, and have them repaired or replaced if necessary.
Check the Power Steering Hoses: Inspect the power steering hoses for damage or leaks. If you find any, have them repaired or replaced.
Check the Power Steering Gearbox or Rack and Pinion: If the power steering pump and hoses are in good condition, the issue could be with the power steering gearbox or rack and pinion. Have them inspected and repaired or replaced as necessary.
Precautions to Take When You Experience No Power Steering at Idle
You should take some precautions when experiencing the issue, including –
Avoid Sudden Turns: If you experience no power steering at idle, avoid making sudden turns or abrupt maneuvers, as it can lead to accidents.
Drive Slowly: When you experience no power steering at idle, drive slowly and cautiously. This will allow you to better control the vehicle and avoid any potential accidents.
Pull Over and Stop: If you feel uncomfortable driving the vehicle with no power steering, pull over to a safe location and stop the engine. Call for roadside assistance or have the vehicle towed to a nearby mechanic for inspection and repair.
How to Prevent No Power Steering at Idle
Here is some prevention tips to avoid the issue. These are –
Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance of your vehicle’s power steering system is crucial in preventing no power steering at idle. Have the power steering fluid checked and changed as recommended by the manufacturer. This will ensure that the power steering pump and hoses are in good condition.
Avoid Overloading the Power Steering System: Overloading the power steering system can put a strain on the pump and hoses, leading to damage and ultimately no power steering at idle. Avoid turning the steering wheel too far or too quickly, especially when the vehicle is stationary.
Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect the power steering hoses, pump, gearbox, or rack and pinion for leaks. If you notice any leaks, have them repaired immediately to prevent further damage to the power steering system.
Drive Safely: Safe driving habits, such as avoiding rough roads and potholes, can also prevent no power steering at idle. These road conditions can damage the power steering system and cause it to malfunction.
Conclusion
No power steering at idle can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous situation for drivers. It can be caused by low power steering fluid levels, a damaged power steering pump, faulty power steering hoses, or a failing power steering gearbox or rack and pinion.
Regular maintenance of your vehicle’s power steering system, safe driving habits, and prompt repairs of any leaks or damage can prevent no power steering at idle. If you experience no power steering at idle, drive cautiously, pull over to a safe location, and call for roadside assistance or have the vehicle towed to a mechanic for inspection and repair.