Mitigate the Chances of a Power Steering Leak in Your Acura

by techplusaadmin October 20, 2020

It’s important to remember that most issues with your Acura can be fixed quickly as long as they are spotted early on. You should always trust a professional to handle repairs and service on your vehicle, rather than try to fix issues by yourself. To that end, there are a few components of your vehicle that are more important than others and warrant closer attention.

The power steering of your vehicle is such an example and ensuring it is working properly should always be on your mind when you suspect there is an issue. In order to understand why it is so important to fix the power steering of your vehicle, you first need to understand what this system does, as well as what can go wrong with it.

How does power steering work?

Within the power steering system, there are a number of components that ensure your vehicle can move smoothly. To begin with, there is a hydraulic pump that provides power and is known as the rotary vane pump. As the car’s engine turns, the pump is driven via a belt and a pulley system.

Within this pump are retractable canes that spin inside a chamber. This rotation pulls hydraulic fluid from its low pressure resting position and forces it into another area at high pressure. A rotary valve is also inside this system and detects when the driver is moving the steering wheel. When this occurs, extra assist is used so that any tiny movement of the steering wheel can translate into the vehicle’s movement.

This is done through a torsion bar that connects to the steering wheel with gear that turns the wheels on your vehicle. This bar twists and the rotation is powered via hydraulic fluid. This helps maintain the optimal pressure needed for the wheels to respond to a driver’s movement. Without this torque provided by power-steering, it would be extremely difficult for any driver to turn the entire weight of their vehicle.

Thinking about how often and how important it is to turn the steering wheel in one journey. It becomes clear just how important the power steering system is to your car as a whole. Ensuring this system works properly should be your biggest priority. If you notice the signs of a leak, don’t think twice about taking your vehicle into the shop.

Signs of a Power Steering Problem or Leak

As mentioned, a power steering leak can be a serious issue under the hood that warrants immediate attention. There are a few warning signs of a power steering leak or problem that any driver can use as an indication for when it is time to service their vehicle.

Whining or Squealing Noise When Turning

If your power steering fluid has been leaking for some time, it’s extremely likely that the fluid levels are far lower than they should be. When this occurs, a whining or squealing noise may happen as you turn the wheel due to the lack of hydraulic fluid lubricating the system.

Wheels Are Hard to Turn

Power steering gets its name due to how much it assists the driver in turning the vehicle. When there is something wrong with the hydraulic fluid levels in your vehicle, you may notice that it becomes far more difficult to turn the wheels on your Acura.

Vibrating Steering Wheel

Noticing strong vibrations from the steering wheel while idle in your car is a major sign that the power steering in your vehicle may have failed. This could be due to the belt or torque bar failing. Regardless of the cause, this is enough reason to take the car into a professional shop for inspection.

Tech Plus Automotive For Your Acura Needs

At Tech Plus Automotive, we understand the importance of repairing the power steering on your Acura. Bringing this system back to working order and ensuring your safety on the road is our top priority. We proudly service clients from Phoenix, Paradise Valley, McCormick Ranch, and Scottsdale, AZ. Please give us a call or come visit us today to see why we are the best in the business. We look forward to earning your trust and patronage for all your future Acura maintenance and service needs.