Back to all

Stay Headed in the Right Direction, Troy

October 10, 2020

Power steering is standard on nearly every vehicle in Troy, Michigan, these days. Now there are some exotic, new types of power steering systems, but for the most part, the general setup is a pump that's driven by a belt powered by the engine.

Contact the automotive professionals at Auto Lab Troy in Troy for questions about your power steering.

The pump generates power that assists drivers as they steer their vehicle around Troy, Michigan. Power steering systems use hoses to move pressurized fluid back and forth. These hoses can develop leaks so it's a good idea to have Auto Lab Troy inspect them at every oil change.

A check of the power steering fluid level is on the list for every full service oil change at Auto Lab Troy because low fluid can damage the power steering pump. And the fluid needs to be compatible with the hoses and seals, so it's important to use the correct type – just ask your service advisor at Auto Lab Troy.

In addition to providing a boost, the fluid cleans, cools and lubricates the power steering system. Over time, the lubricants and detergents diminish so Troy drivers need to replace their old fluid with clean, fresh fluid periodically.

Excess moisture can collect in the power steering fluid as well. That can lead to rust and corrosion as well as reduce the effectiveness of the fluid. Many outline power steering service intervals in the owner's manual. Unfortunately, this service is sometimes left off the maintenance schedule. For Troy drivers who are not sure, every two years is a good rule of thumb. 

At Auto Lab Troy, we use a detergent to clean the system, flush out the old fluid and replace it with new fluid.

Now, if you are experiencing high steering effort, erratic power assist or loud whining coming from the pump, you may have a power steering problem. Another sign is having to frequently top off the fluid.

Holding the steering wheel to the far right or left for more than a few seconds at a time can wear your pump out quickly. We want you to be sure to service your power steering system regularly at your service center, or Auto Lab Troy in Troy, to keep you headed in the right direction.

Auto Lab Troy
2790 West Maple Rd.
Troy, Michigan 48084
(248) 643-7690

Need Service?

Request a Quote

More articles from Auto Lab Troy

Putting a Stop to Brake Problems (Brake Service)

December 15, 2024

It's safe to say that most drivers take their brakes for granted. You press on the brake pedal and the vehicle slows down or stops. It's easy to see why it is so important for your vehicle's brakes to be working correctly. Brakes are an important safety feature of any vehicle. When it comes to... More

Why is Air Not Coming Out of My Vents?

December 8, 2024

You climb inside your vehicle, start the ignition, and reach for the fan control for the heating or air conditioning. But when you try to crank it up, no air comes out of the vents. It can make for a very uncomfortable trip, whether its hot or cold outside. Its important for the comfort of you a... More

Your Vehicle's Other Power Plant (Alternator Replacement)

December 1, 2024

Your vehicle's engine is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a power plant. But it has another power source that is vital as well: the alternator. The alternator is what puts out the electricity that powers such things as your lights, power windows, sound system, and na... More