Power Steering Repair · Hurst, TX
Power Steering Repair
Heavy steering in a parking lot, a pump that whines when you turn, or fluid under the front of the car. We find out which kind of power steering you have first, because a hydraulic system and an electric one fail in completely different ways.
Signs You Need Power Steering Repair
Older and larger vehicles mostly use a hydraulic pump. Many newer cars use an electric motor and have no fluid at all. These are the signs either one is failing.
- A whine that rises as you turn the wheel: usually low fluid or air being drawn into a hydraulic pump.
- Steering heavy at parking speed: assist is weakest at idle, so a tired pump shows itself there first.
- Reddish or amber fluid under the front of the car: a rack boot that feels full of fluid means the rack seals are leaking.
- A squeal when you turn to full lock: often the drive belt slipping under the pump's load.
- A steering warning light and sudden heavy steering: on electric systems this is often a sensor fault or low voltage, not always the motor.
- Steering that feels notchy or heavier one way: internal wear in the rack, or a torque sensor fault on electric systems.
What We Do
A wet steering rack does not always mean a leaking rack. Fluid from a hose or the pump can run down and collect there, so we find the source before quoting.
- Identify the system. Hydraulic, electric or electro-hydraulic. The answer decides whether we reach for a pressure gauge or a scan tool first.
- Find the real leak source. The area is cleaned and inspected under pressure. A weeping hose fitting above the rack can make the rack look guilty when it is not.
- Pressure test or scan. Hydraulic systems get a pressure and flow test to judge the pump. Electric systems get a module scan, a check of torque sensor data, and a charging voltage check, since low voltage alone can cut assist.
- Bleed, calibrate and align. Air is bled out of hydraulic systems, the steering angle sensor is reset where the vehicle needs it, and a rack replacement is followed by an alignment, because the tie rods come off.
How We Quote It
We inspect before quoting, because recommending parts from a description is how people end up paying for the wrong ones. Once we know what your vehicle needs, you get a written estimate covering parts and labor.
If we find something extra mid-job, we stop and call you with the measurement and the cost. Nothing gets done without your approval.
Every repair carries a 1, 2 or 3 year warranty, capped at 12,000, 24,000 or 36,000 miles respectively, whichever comes first. Ask us which one covers your repair; it is printed on the invoice either way.
Common Questions
Can I just keep topping up the fluid?
For a short while, to get the car in. If the level drops, the fluid is going somewhere. Use the type your manufacturer specifies, because the wrong fluid can damage seals.
Is heavy steering dangerous?
You can still steer without assist, but it takes far more effort, especially at low speed. Assist that cuts out suddenly in the middle of a turn can catch you out, so do not leave it.
Does a small leak need fixing right away?
Not always. A light seep from an older rack can sometimes be watched for a while. We tell you whether yours is one to keep an eye on or one that needs repair now.
Does electric power steering need servicing?
There is no fluid to change, so there is nothing to service on a schedule. When it fails, it needs a scan and electrical testing rather than a new pump.
Power Steering Repair
Heavy steering, whining pumps and leaking racks.
Book Power Steering Repair- 1, 2 or 3 year warrantyon every repair
- Walk-ins welcomeno appointment needed
- ASE-certified techsall makes & models
- Quote before worknothing without your approval