Car power steering pump

Servo pump is a part of the steering system in modern cars. Everybody who had drove the car without servo-assisted steering gear, knows that it was a combustion stroke when driving with low speed or idle running. Today power steering is dominating on the car market. Power steering is a system for reducing the force required for steering. Servo pump is a hydraulic pump. The technical process in the operating of the power steering is quite complicated. Power system includes motor, pump, oil reservoir, servo pump, hydraulic filter, pressure pipe. The oil located in the oil reservoir moves to the system through the servo pump. If it is not necessary for the steering booster, it flows back into the oil reservoir. This occurs when moving in a straight line or when a slight moving.

Usually servo pump operates for a long period of time. Still, occasional failure is not excluded. If the power steering fails, the force required for steering is significant. It is necessary immediately to repair the fault. The reason may be a faulty servo pump. Or it may be a worn-out gasket that serves as a radial seal and must be replaced.

If the problem is in power steering functioning, it is necessary to visit a repair shop. Only competent mechanics can analyze the failure and repair it. Everything depends on what power steering parts are affected. In our online shop you will find all necessary car parts: ignition system, water-cooled radiator, washer pump and many others.

How to detect malfunction of the hydraulic steering pump

First of all, check fluid level in the system. If the level is insufficient, top up the fluid. In case of high consumption of the fluid, check junction points and the pump for leaks.

You can detect the fault by measuring oil pressure at the pump outlet with a pressure gauge. The most accurate result will be obtained from bench diagnostics that can be performed at a service station.

You may notice that the hydraulic steering pump needs diagnostics by the following symptoms:

• insufficient pressure in the steering system;
• the component squeaks in cornering;
• he steering wheel is too tight;
• the steering wheel vibrates;
• the steering wheel is tighter when being turned in one direction than in another;
• the steering system is functioning incorrectly;
• turns are accompanied by excessive noise;
• the system whistles when the steering wheel is turned to the extreme position.

Reasons of the hydraulic steering pump malfunctions

One of the most common reasons of the hydraulic steering pump malfunction is air ingress into the system. This takes place due to damaged connections of the component with hoses, and loosened fasteners (clamps). Depressurization of the mechanism is also caused by wear of the sealing rings and oil seals. In addition, it may be the result of damage of the lateral surfaces of the working chamber of the pump. Sometimes they get damaged under the influence of old or poor quality fluid.

Component damage is often the result of improper installation. Failure may also be caused by improper repair, maintenance and operation of the system. In particular, turning the front wheels until stop increases the load on the pump. This entails the risk of cylinders damage, and loss of mobility of the pump bypass valve.

Besides, often the reason of premature wear of the component is insufficient lubrication. This results in pump components jamming and pump failure. The service life of the component also depends on its quality and observance of the maintenance schedule. Regular inspection and proper removal of air from the system can increase the service life of the component.

Repairing and replacing a steering system hydraulic pump

If you suspect that there is air in the system, is should be removed. If the system is fouled, the pump is to be completely flushed.