Car Parts Plus

Does Your Car’s Power Steering Need Bleeding?

If your vehicle were not equipped with power steering (PS), turning the wheel and maneuvering safely would be problematic. Doing so would require enormous effort. PS systems are based upon hydraulic pressure that makes the task of steering your car far easier than would otherwise be the case. This pressure is provided by a component called the rotary-vane pump. The pump is powered by a belt and pulley system as your vehicle’s engine turns.

Anything that operates based on hydraulics can be severely affected by the presence of air. This is also true of your automobile. In this article, we’ll take a look at the problems caused by air within your power steering system. I’ll describe the warning signs that air is present and explain how you can safely bleed it out.

When Air Gets Into The System

The most common sign that air exists within your power steering system is a groaning sound whenever you turn the wheel. Moreover, the wheel will be more difficult to turn. These are the same symptoms that can manifest if the fluid level is low. Both will continue to worsen unless the underlying problem is resolved.

The first step is to check the fluid. If the level is low, replenish it within the reservoir. If the symptoms return after a few days, that usually means the system has a leak; the leak is allowing air to enter while letting fluid escape.

How To Bleed The System

Leaks will normally occur in the pressure hose when cracks or fissures form. A lot of people replace the hose, but neglect to remove the air that enters the PS system during the process. The system needs to be bled.

First, turn your engine on and crank your steering wheel from left to right to left. Repeat this a few times before checking the fluid. If you notice foam in the fluid, this is a sign that air is caught within.

Second, with your vehicle off, place a length of clear tubing on the system’s bleed valve. Then, allow the free end of the tubing to run to a pan or similar container. The container will catch the fluid as you bleed the system.

Third, start your car and slowly open the valve. Then, crank your steering wheel from side to side again. This will force air out. Continue to do this while checking whether air is present within the tubing. You may need to add fluid during this process; otherwise, you’ll run the power steering dry. Eventually, there will be less air visible as the remnants are forced out.

Your power steering system will rarely present problems that cannot be resolved by replenishing the fluid and bleeding the air. It’s relatively easy to do and will help you avoid taking an expensive trip to your mechanic.

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Understanding The Reasons Your Car’s Tires Fail

You’re driving to work or taking your children to school when you suddenly hear a pop. That sound is immediately followed by a flapping noise. Chances are, you’ve experienced a blowout.

Most people who get a flat or go through a blowout blame the tire, road, or an object that has punctured the tread. All of these cases may be true. In fact, considering the punishment we give our vehicles, it’s astonishing the rubber lasts as long as it does. That said, there are many circumstances that can cause a tire failure that are entirely within your control.

In this article, we’ll take a look at how pressure and load-related problems can lead to a blowout. I’ll also describe a few road imperfections to watch for.

Pressure-Related Problems

First, let’s address situations in which underinflation is an issue. When there is insufficient pressure within your tires, the load will cause your sidewalls to flex. That creates excess heat. Imagine the temperatures rising in your sidewalls on a hot day, when the sun has already baked an enormous amount of heat in the road. The treads separate and a blowout becomes a bigger risk.

Overinflating your wheels can also cause a problem. The pressure within them is obviously higher that the psi recommended by the manufacturer. The elevated level causes the tires to be more susceptible to blowing out. Hitting a sharp pothole or other type of road defect might be enough to leave you stranded.

Is The Load Too Heavy?

You’ve seen them: drivers who have piled everything into their vehicles to the point where their cars are groaning under the pressure. Most people realize that their wheels come with a recommended psi from the manufacturer – even if they routinely neglect to follow it. However, the manufacturer also includes a load rating. Exceed it and you’ll be in danger of a blowout.

Look on the sidewalls. The load rating should be listed there as a numeric value. Once you have it, ask your mechanic to translate the rating into pounds.

Road Conditions And Hazards

To be fair, potholes, sharp objects, and other hazards that lie in your path are outside your control, especially if you’re driving at high speeds. That said, you should always avoid running over them if you can safely maneuver around them. Such hazards will rarely cause a tire failure on their own. It is typically when they are combined with overinflation, underinflation, or a too-heavy load that they can tip the scales toward a blowout.

Your tires can also fail due to excessive tread wear and speed. Drivers often let their treads wear too thin; this is usually due to procrastination. Excessive speed is different. Few motorists are aware that their wheels have a specific speed rating. Travel faster than that rating for long periods of time – especially on a hot day – and a blowout becomes imminent.

Inspect your tires periodically. If they appear worn, replace them. Otherwise, they might pose a serious safety issue.

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