Power steering is standard on nearly every car and truck in Kent, WA these days. Now there are some exotic, new types of power steering systems, but for the most part, the general setup is a pump that’s driven by a belt powered by the engine.
Contact the automotive professionals at Central Avenue Automotive in Kent for questions about your power steering.
The pump generates power that assists you as you steer your SUV around Kent, WA. Power steering systems use hoses to move pressurized fluid back and forth. These hoses can develop leaks so it’s a good idea to have your Kent technician inspect them at every oil change.
A check of the power steering fluid level is on the list for every full service oil change at Central Avenue Automotive because low fluid can damage the power steering pump. And the fluid needs to be compatible with the hoses and seals, so you need to use the correct type –just ask your service professional at Central Avenue Automotive.
In addition to providing boost, the fluid cleans, cools and lubricates the power steering system. Over time, the lubricants and detergents diminish so Kent motorists need to replace their old fluid with clean, fresh fluid periodically.
Excess moisture can collect in the power steering fluid as well. That can lead to rust and corrosion as well as reduce the effectiveness of the fluid. Many auto makers outline power steering service intervals in the owner’s manual. Unfortunately, this important service is sometimes left off the maintenance schedule. If you’re not sure, every two years is a good rule of thumb.
At Central Avenue Automotive, we use a detergent to clean the system, flush out the old fluid and replace it with new fluid.
Now, if you are experiencing high steering effort, erratic power assist, loud whining coming from the pump you may have a power steering problem. Another sign is that you have to frequently top off the fluid.
Holding the steering wheel to the far right or left for more than a few seconds at a time can wear your pump out real fast. AutoNetTV wants you to be sure to service your power steering system regularly to keep you headed in the right direction.
Central Avenue Automotive
1514 Central Ave S Ste A
Kent, WA 98032
253.854.6762
