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Why Modern-Day Cars Are Hard to Drive Without a Steering Pump

2 May 2022

Gabriella Barnett

Some older drivers may think that they could still drive their car easily if their power steering pump failed. They'd remember those "good old days" when cars were not equipped with any power-assisted steering and remember that they were certainly able to cope back then. However, this is not the case as the modern-day vehicle does not have a failsafe system should the pump or ancillaries break down, and at the first sign of a problem, you need to take action instead. What do you need to bear in mind here?

Entirely Different Technology

It's worth remembering that those manual steering systems were engineered based on the technology of the day, and the current versions are not simply an upgrade. Instead, designers have come up with a completely different solution that relies implicitly on hydraulic systems.

Problems Develop

The pump is at the centre of this system. It may be electrically operated or driven by the crankshaft, to which it is connected via a pulley and belt. If the belt were to fail or the pump developed problems, it would not be able to generate the pressure required to push the hydraulic fluid into the casing. The system might still work to a degree, but you would find it extremely difficult to turn the steering wheel, especially in tight corners.

Listen Carefully

One of the first signs that something may be amiss could be audible. As you turn the steering wheel, you may hear a groaning or whining sound from underneath the bonnet, which indicates that the pump is having problems generating the pressure required. Occasionally, you may even hear a high-pitched squealing noise which may suggest that the belt is slipping on the pump pulley, perhaps due to resistance from within the pump itself.

What to Do Next

Always ensure that there is sufficient power steering fluid within the system before you worry too much about a faulty pump. However, if you are clearly losing fluid or can see signs of a leak on the ground beneath the engine, you certainly need to act.

Taking Action

When you take your vehicle to a mechanic, they will check the fluid delivery system as well as the central pump. Unfortunately, it's not always possible to repair the pump, and a replacement may be required. If you do need to get a new one, always ensure that you buy the highest quality components possible. After all, this may help to avoid such a problem in the future.

For more information on power steering pumps, contact a professional near you.

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