Power Steering
An automobile steering system is a bit more complicated then most people think. When you turn the wheel of your vehicle, each of the front wheels take a slightly different path with the inside wheel turning a tighter radius and the outside wheel following a wider radius. Automotive manufactures use several techniques to accomplish this, but in general, most new vehicles employ an assisted steering method that includes power steering.
Typical Rack and Pinion Power Steering Design The diagram depicts a simplified version of a typical rack and pinion power steering design used in many front wheel drive vehilicle. Each vehicle manufacturer may use a slightly different setup so consult your owners manual for more information about your vehicle.
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When you turn the Steering Wheel to the right or left, a Universal Joint allows the steering column to change direction slightly as the steering column leads through the Rotary Valve and ends with the Pinion which is the gear-threaded end of the steering column. The gear teeth of the Pinion mesh with the gear teeth on the Rack to move the rack left or right depending on how you turned the wheel. On either end of the Rack are Tie Rod ends that connect to the steering Linkage that connects to the Spindle that pivots and turns the Wheels. It takes a great deal of force to turn the wheels with a standard rack and pinion setup, so most new vehicles have a power steering assisted system. In the power steering system, when you turn the steering wheel, the Rotary Valve directs power steering fluid down one of two Fluid Lines to a Fluid Chamber that the Rack travels through. As you turn the steering wheel, power steering fluid is sent to one side of the chamber and pushes on the Piston that is attached to the Rack. The Piston helps push the Rack in one direction or the other taking most of the strain off the Rack and Pinion gear teeth. Other parts of the sytem include the Fluid Reservoir where you need to maintain the proper power steering fluid level, the power steering Pump that is driven by the Serpentine or V-Belt and pumps the power steering fluid throughout the power steering system. |
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Power Steering System
The power steering system is designed so you only need to turn the steering wheel a small amount to significantly affect the direction of the front wheels. As long as the system is working properly, power steering creates additional leverage to make turning the vehicle easier. If the power steering system fails, you may still be able to turn the vehicle but it will take considerably more force on the wheel and you could easily loose control of the vehicle.
Power Steering Fluid Level
The power steering fluid level should be checked whenever you have an oil change or as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. If the fluid levels are allowed to become low, air bubbles can enter the system and create steering response problems. If this occurs or the fluid becomes contaminated, then the power steering system should be flushed and refilled with new fluid according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
Power Steering Checked with Every Oil Change
EZ Lube checks power steering fluid levels and tops the fluid levels off as part of every Full Service Oil Change.
Power Steering Fluid Levels Check Service Info>>
Power Steering Flush at EZ Lube
EZ Lube also offers a Power Steering Fluid Flush service that removes the worn or contaminated fluid from the reservoir, lines, power steering gearbox and pump through the use of a vacuum system. New power steering fluid, to match your manufacturer’s recommendation, is then pumped back into the system while maintaining a vacuum to ensure no air bubbles enter into the power steering fluid system.
