Auto Mechanics | Services | Power Steering Repair

We Offer Customers Power Steering Repairs Including:

• Power steering belt replacement: The power steering pump is responsible for providing hydraulic pressure to help you steer your car easily. Over time, the pump can wear out, leak or stop working altogether, requiring replacement.

• Power steering pump replacement: The power steering pump is responsible for providing hydraulic pressure to help you steer your car easily. Over time, the pump can wear out, leak or stop working altogether, requiring replacement.

• Steering rack and pinion replacement: The steering rack and pinion work together to convert the rotational motion of your steering wheel into the linear motion needed to turn the wheels. If they become damaged or worn, you may experience difficulty steering or even lose control of the vehicle.

• Steering column repair: The steering column connects the steering wheel to the rest of the steering system. If it becomes damaged or worn, you may experience problems with steering, such as a loose or wobbly steering wheel.

• Power Steering leak repair: If your power steering fluid is leaking, it can cause your steering system to malfunction. This is usually caused by a damaged or worn seal, hose or pump.

It's important to have any steering problems addressed promptly to ensure your safety and avoid further damage to your vehicle's steering and suspension.

Power Steering Belt Replacement

There are a few symptoms that you may notice if your power steering belt needs replacement:

• Squealing noise: If you hear a high-pitched squealing noise coming from the engine bay, it could be a sign that the power steering belt is worn out and needs to be replaced. This noise is caused by the belt slipping or not providing enough tension, which can cause it to slip on the pulleys.

• Difficulty turning the steering wheel: If you notice that it's harder to turn the steering wheel than usual, or if the steering feels jerky or stiff, it could be a sign that the power steering belt is slipping or not providing enough power to the steering system. This can make it harder to steer the vehicle, especially at low speeds or when parking.

• Visual inspection: If you inspect the power steering belt and notice that it is frayed, cracked, or worn down, it's a clear indication that the belt needs to be replaced. You can also check the tension of the belt by pressing down on it with your finger. If it feels loose or has a lot of give, it may need to be tightened or replaced.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to have your power steering belt checked and replaced if necessary. Driving with a worn or damaged belt can cause further damage to your vehicle's steering system and put you at risk of losing control of your vehicle.

Is Power Steering Belt Replacement Necessary?

Replacing your power steering belt before it breaks is crucial to protect your power steering pump. The pump will be ruined if the belt breaks which will mean an expensive power steering pump repair versus a belt replacement.

On most vehicle you can visually inspect your power steering belt for a replacement. Or visit our garage and have our mechanics perform the check.

Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, replacing your power steering belt takes about 2 hours.

Power Steering Pump Replacement

There are a few symptoms that may indicate a need to replace the power steering pump in a vehicle. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Whining noise: One of the most common signs of a failing power steering pump is a whining noise that occurs when turning the steering wheel. The noise may become louder as the RPMs increase and may indicate that the pump is not functioning properly.

• Difficulty steering: If the power steering pump is failing, you may notice that it is more difficult to turn the steering wheel, especially at low speeds or when parking. This is because the pump is not providing enough hydraulic pressure to assist with the steering.

• Leaking power steering fluid: A leaking power steering pump is often the result of a damaged or worn-out seal. If you notice a puddle of fluid under your car, it may be a sign that the power steering pump needs to be replaced.

• Stiff steering: Another symptom of a failing power steering pump is stiff steering. This can happen when the pump is not providing enough hydraulic pressure to assist with the steering, and you may feel like you need to use more force than usual to turn the steering wheel.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to have your power steering inspected to determine if the power steering pump needs replacement.

Is Power Steering Pump Replacement Common?

For many older model vehicles a common repair is a cars power steering pump replacement.

Your engine powers the steering pump which is connected to the crankshaft by your power steering belt.

Over time this belt will wear, crack and eventually break if not replaced and your power steering pump will no longer work.

Inspecting the belt for signs of wear and determining if it needs to be replaced is part of a car's routine maintenance.

Another common problem is a power steering pump wearing out.

If the pump begins to fail it will be less efficient at pressurizing the fluid reducing the effectiveness of the power in your steering.

If your power steering pump makes noise when turning the steering wheel it may be your power steering pump or belt needs replacement.

Steering Column Repair

The symptoms that are specific to a steering column repair will depend on the specific issue with the steering column. However, some common symptoms of steering column problems that may require repair include:

• Difficulty turning the steering wheel: If you are having trouble turning the steering wheel, or it feels stiff or jerky, this could be a sign of a problem with the steering column.

• Strange noises when turning the wheel: If you hear clunking, grinding, or other strange noises when turning the steering wheel, this could indicate a problem with the steering column.

• Loose or wobbly steering wheel: If the steering wheel feels loose or wobbly, or if it moves excessively, this could indicate a problem with the steering column.

• Steering wheel not centered: If the steering wheel is not centered when driving straight, this could indicate a problem with the steering column.

• Ignition key won't turn: If you can't turn the key in the ignition, or if it gets stuck, this could indicate a problem with the steering column lock.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to have your steering column inspected to diagnose the problem and recommend the necessary repairs.

Power Steering Leak Repair

There are several symptoms that can indicate a power steering leak and the need for repair. Some of the specific symptoms include:

• Steering wheel vibration: If you feel a vibration or shaking sensation in the steering wheel while driving, it could be a sign of a power steering leak. This can happen if there is air in the power steering system due to low fluid levels.

• Power steering fluid leaks: If you notice puddles of fluid under your car, especially near the front wheels, it could be a sign of a power steering fluid leak.

• Burning smell: If you smell a burning odor coming from under the hood of your car, it could be a sign that the power steering fluid is leaking onto hot engine parts and burning.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to have your power steering leak repair checked and as soon as possible to avoid further damage and ensure safe steering.

Checking For a Power Steering Fluid Leak

In addition to some tell tale signs that your power steering has a leak, there are a few checks you can perform to see if there's a leak in the steering system. 

Red fluid leaking underneath the car and a continuous topping up of your power steering fluid are two common visuals to look for. 

So where should you start to see if your car, truck or SUV is leaking power steering fluid?

• Check your power steering pump reservoir - Located on the front or side of the engine, along with the vehicles other accessories such as the AC and water pump is your power steering pump. The pump is driven by a belt with a reservoir fill tank at the top. On most vehicles, when you open the cap, you should find a dipstick with indicators displaying the available fluid in the pump. If the pumps power steering fluid is low, fill it to the maximum dipstick level and monitor for leaks.

• Check underneath the vehicle for power steering fluid - A quick inspection underneath the engine area to notice red power steering fluid leaking on the ground will give you a good indication if a leak is present. Unlike dark brown to black oil from an engine oil leak, the power steering fluid will be dark reddish to brown and likely fresh. If you notice reddish fluid it may be a steering fluid leak or transmission fluid.

• Listen to your power steering - Start your engine and let it warm up for a minute. Then, turn the wheel from left to right and right to left. Notice any stress or whining sound as you turn the wheel. A well functioning power steering pump with fluid topped up and without a leak should not make any sound when you turn the wheels either side.

• Check the power steering feel - There should be no effort required as you turn your steering wheel. To add to any sounds when your turn the wheels you should be able to turn the steering with a couple of fingers. If the steering has become difficult, this may be a sign of low power steering fluid or a leak.

If the power steering reservoir is low on fluid, you notice reddish fluid on the ground or hear steering noise and it's harder than usual to turn the wheel, chances are there a power steering problem or a leak in the steering system.

We're happy to perform a complete inspection of your steering system. Request an appointment for service today.

Some Tips To Extend Power Steering Repairs

To extend the life of your power steering repair in Ontario, there are a few precautions you can take. One important step is to avoid driving on rough or uneven terrain, as this can place undue stress on your vehicle's power steering system.

Similarly, you should be careful when carrying heavy loads in your vehicle, especially if you plan to transport materials like concrete or gravel. Overloading your vehicle can strain the power steering system, causing it to wear out faster. To prevent such issues, be sure to stay within the recommended weight limits for your vehicle.

Finally, you should be mindful of the condition of your power steering system when driving in areas with lots of curves or sharp turns. Taking these precautions can help to prolong the life of your power steering repair, ensuring that your vehicle remains safe and reliable.

Best Price For Car Truck & SUV Power Steering Repair

A little different than repairng a leak in the steering system is a complete power steering pump replacement. For most vehicles a power steering replacement can become expensive. However, you do have options. 

If you'd like great value with plenty of options for a repair or replacement steering pump, belt or leak repair, contact our local mechanics for a free estimate first!