Power steering systems serve to make your manoeuvres lighter, smoother and less clunky and cumbersome. However, despite the advanced technology that is used to build and fit them, there is always the potential for a component to fail or struggle at some point in your vehicle’s life.
More often than not, this component will be the power steering hose. It is unsurprising that a basic hose is prone to wear and tear, as this part takes a considerable amount of strain. But how do you know if something has gone wrong with yours, and what can you do to resolve it? Here, the specialists at BrakeQuip provide a few handy tips.
Visible leaking
If you can see clear liquid leaking from your vehicle, this is one of the most obvious signs that your power steering hose has a problem. Alternatively, the liquid may be closer to the colour of engine oil – a clear goldish hue – if it has not been replaced in some time.
The most obvious sign that the substance leaking out is power steering fluid is that it will smell a little like toasted marshmallows.
If you find that this is happening, you must carefully clear up all of the liquid as soon as you can, as it is highly flammable. After this, it is vital that you get a mechanic to inspect your vehicle immediately, who will no doubt report that you need to replace your power steering hose.
Steering difficulty
You power steering hose carries pressurised fluid from the power steering pump to the steering rack and back – so if it is damaged, it is likely that this pressure will significantly reduce. This will result in more resistance when you turn the wheel, so making turns and manoeuvres will become increasingly difficult as fluid is lost.
If you notice this problem, it’s very likely that you will need to get your power steering hose inspected and replaced.
A sudden drop in fluid level
It’s a good idea to regularly check the level of your power steering fluid, as this is one of the quickest ways to recognise when there might be a problem. If you find that it is suddenly much lower than the last time you checked, or that you’re having to replace it more frequently than normal, it’s likely that there is an issue with either your hose or your reservoir.
If you notice any of the above problems, you should arrange to have your power steering system checked over by a trained mechanic as soon as possible. You may also wish to take steps to prevent any future problems by investing in a superior replacement hose. BrakeQuip stocks high-performance, durable power steering lines with high temperature ratings that will resist wear and tear and continue to function at an exceptional level throughout your vehicle’s life.
For more information about the power steering components from BrakeQuip, simply browse our selection of products or contact our team today with any queries. We’ll be more than happy to assist you.