The ability to steer a vehicle comes from its power steering system. Power steering systems have changed significantly over the past 5 to 10 years. There are currently two types of power steering systems in use: electric and hydraulic.
Electric power steering, which uses an electric motor to generate the power needed for steering, is now used in most new cars. However, hydraulic power steering systems are still used by the majority of vehicles on the road today.
Importance of Power Steering
Without power steering, a driver would not have the strength to turn the steering wheel quickly enough to perform basic turns in the same way as a car equipped with power steering. Essentially, it would be exhausting to drive the vehicle because there would be no assistance.
Yes, before power steering became a standard feature, it was still possible to drive cars without it. But steering systems were much less complex, and cars weighed on average less than modern cars. This made it easier to turn the steering wheel with less effort.
A power steering system provides the steering mechanism with the necessary power it needs to allow the wheels to respond smoothly after the steering wheel is turned. At the heart of the system is the power steering pump, which relies on hydraulic fluid (also known as power steering fluid) to make the process possible.
Similarly, just as a sufficient amount of engine oil is important for the engine, it is essential to have enough power steering fluid for steering. A power steering fluid leak somewhere is usually the only reason for low power steering fluid levels in your system.
Symptoms Your Power Steering Fluid Level Is Low
In a hydraulic power steering system, power is transmitted to the steering mechanism through the use of fluid. If you were to have a low amount of power steering fluid, your steering ability would be compromised. To understand the full range of symptoms you are likely to experience due to low power steering fluid, here are the top 5 symptoms.
1) Steering Problems
Obviously, the main symptom of low power steering fluid will be steering problems. You will find that your steering wheel becomes stiff and difficult to turn and maneuver.
If you let this issue persist for too long, you will likely have an accident because it will be almost impossible to drive your vehicle properly.
2) Noisy Turning
The power steering system uses a pump to add pressure to the steering mechanism. The pump must circulate the fluid to allow for smooth steering. However, if there is more air in the pump and less fluid, strange noises will be generated when you turn the steering wheel.
All you need to do is refill your fluid reservoir with more power steering fluid, and you should then notice that these noises disappear shortly after. Of course, if the noise persists, you may have other issues, such as a faulty power steering pump.
3) Steering Wheel Jerking
When you turn your steering wheel to make a turn, it jumps and feels very jerky and not smooth. For example, if you turn the steering wheel to the right, it may move to the left and then back to the right.
You will notice this happening more when you are driving slowly on the road or turning into parking spaces. This is often the result of low power steering fluid.
Do not let this problem persist because the jerking will only get worse. Then, it could cause you to have an accident when you try to turn in one direction but are pulled in another.
4) Leaking Fluid
A clearly visible sign that your power steering fluid is low is if it is leaking under the vehicle. You simply need to check under your vehicle and see if there is a puddle of fluid inside.
Of course, this fluid could also be something other than power steering fluid, such as oil, transmission fluid, coolant, or windshield washer fluid.
However, if the fluid has a reddish color, it is likely leaking power steering fluid.
5) Steering Wheel Locks
In addition to jerking and difficulty turning the steering wheel, sometimes having an insufficient amount of power steering fluid will completely lock the steering wheel. You could be driving calmly and find that your steering wheel does not turn at all.
This would be under extreme circumstances where you have almost no power steering fluid left. Hopefully, you will not let it get to this point because the previous four symptoms should occur before this one.