Steering
When you have driven your automobile for some time, you may notice some changes in the steering wheel, which may become noisy or loose. The most likely culprit in such circumstances is the power steering belt. You do not necessarily have to go to a repair shop for the faulty power steering belt to be fixed, as you can easily do it on your own by following a few simple steps.
Necessary tools and materials
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Wrench
- Power steering fluid
- Belt dressing spray
- Gloves
- Replacement power steering belt
Lift the lid
Secure the lid well after lifting it so that you can reach the power steering belt safely.
Loosen the steering pump
Locate the bolt on the upper part of the steering pump and remove it with a wrench. Loosen the bolt securing the steering pump to the lower mount without removing. This will help you to release the tension on the steering belt.
Remove the faulty steering belt
Pry the steering belt carefully to remove it. Ensure that you note its position well before doing this so that you will fix the new one properly. The process is easier when you first remove a motor pulley in some types of cars.
Fix the new power steering belt
Place the new power steering belt in proper position in the pulley, ensuring that its edge fits into the appropriate pulley groove. Ensure that the belt is not gathered together or twisted.
Final touches
Put back everything in reverse order and then use belt dressing to spray the new power steering belt well.
Check the power steering fluid and top up as necessary.
Let someone turn the steering wheel while you check the replaced power steering belt to ensure that everything is in order.
How to Replace the Steering Box
Written by Staff on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 | Comments Off
Categories: Steering Tags: steering box
The steering box plays an important role in the vehicle, whether it is manual or automatic. You may need to replace the steering box to upgrade it or because of age. The following steps will help you to do this without going to a mechanic.
How to Deal with Squealing Noise from the Power Steering Pump
Written by Staff on Thursday, January 13, 2011 | Comments Off
Categories: Steering Tags: noises, power steering
When the power steering pump produces some noise, your ears will not enjoy it, unless of course, you ignore the noise for so long that you get used to it. However, the squealing noise is an indication that there is something wrong that you need to address in the power steering system. If you ignore the noise, more complications will develop that will increase your repair costs or even ground your car.
Here’s How to Deal with Rack and Pinion Issues
Written by Staff on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 | Comments Off
Categories: Steering Tags: rack and pinion
There are some common problems affecting rack and pinion that you need to be aware of and solve before they get out of hand. This is part of the power steering system that makes it easy to drive an automobile. This means that when there are some problems with the rack and pinion, you will experience some steering difficulties, such having to deal with a car that keeps going to one side.
If you use your car frequently, you should pay particular attention to rack and pinion issues, which begins by knowing how to make a proper diagnosis.
Problems with leakage
You may not experience any problems with the rack and pinion for a number of years. As time passes, however, the normal process of wear and tear, car vibrations, and fluid pressure may create some leakage problems.
A variety of things can cause leakage on the driver’s side, including worn seals, cracked hoses, and problems at the input shaft. Unfortunately, repairing the leak is sometimes not easy and you may need to replace the whole assembly.
Playing of the steering wheel
It may reach a point when you start noticing that the steering wheel plays excessively. One of the possible reasons is a problem with the rack and pinion, which you will need to check closely. Use a jack to lift the rear of your car and let someone turn the steering wheel.
Discolored power steering fluid
Power steering fluid may also cause rack and pinion problems. When the fluid gets dirty, its chemical composition changes, which affects the way the various steering components operate. Flush the whole system when you notice discoloration.
Different steering components
Some rack and pinion issues are as a result of problems with other components of the steering system. You should therefore check the whole system to ensure that the other components are in good working condition.
