Power Steering Repair
Also called heavy steering repair
Power steering makes the wheel light, either with a belt-driven hydraulic pump or an electric motor. Heaviness and whining can come from low or old fluid, a slipping belt, a failing pump, a collapsed hose, or on electric systems a motor, sensor or wiring fault. Because those repairs differ enormously in scale, the job starts as a diagnosis and the cost is quoted once the cause is known rather than estimated in advance.
What the job includes
- Fluid level and condition check on hydraulic systems
- Drive belt tension and condition check
- Pressure test of the pump where fitted
- Hose and pipe inspection for leaks and internal collapse
- Fault code reading on electric power steering systems
- Clear report of the cause with a separate quote for the repair
Signs you need this
- Steering has become heavy, particularly when parking
- Whining or groaning that rises as you turn the wheel
- Fluid leaking under the front of the car
- Steering heavy for a moment on a cold start then improving
- Power steering warning light on an electric system
Not all of these have to be present, and one of them on its own can mean something else entirely. That is what the diagnosis is for.
How we do it
Check the simple things
Fluid level and condition, belt tension and pulley condition are checked before anything is dismantled.
Test the pressure
A gauge on the hydraulic circuit shows whether the pump is producing the pressure the system needs.
Find the leak
Hoses, pipes, pump seals and rack boots are inspected, since a hose can collapse internally without leaking at all.
Quote the repair
You are told which component is at fault and what the repair involves before the work is agreed.
How we work
The same on every job, which is why we can write it down.
Diagnosis before quote
We find the fault first. A price given over the phone for a noise nobody has heard is a guess.
The price is agreed first
You approve the work and the cost before a spanner is picked up. Extra work means another call.
Parts you can check
We tell you whether a part is genuine, OEM, aftermarket or used, and what each one costs.
Old parts returned
Ask and we will hand back whatever we replaced. It is the simplest proof that the job was done.
Book power steering repair
Fill this in and a person will call you back to confirm the time and the price. Only your name and one way to reach you are required.
Before you book
Questions we get asked
If your question is not here, ask it. We would rather answer honestly now than have you find out after booking.