The steering wheel makes noise in extreme positions. Why is my power steering humming? What to do if the power steering hums? Causes and ways to solve them. How to determine power steering problems

If there is a knocking, humming, squeaking or grinding noise when turning the steering wheel, this is, in fact, not always a problem that requires a solution. So, cars with power steering make noise quite often (a kind of quiet hum) when turning the steering wheel, and this is a feature of power steering systems. Another thing is if this hum turns into a grinding, squeaking or even knocking sound or simply gets worse - then there is a chance that you will have to contact a mechanic.

Can you describe the noise? Is it a crunching, squealing, humming, knocking, grinding, etc. sound when you turn the steering wheel? It is very important that you can correctly characterize this type of sound. In any case, below for each of the symptoms we will look at additional clues to finding exact problem. But you still need to take into account the following nuances of this noise:

  1. What is the nature of this noise: knocking, grinding, humming, crunching, creaking or something else?
  2. Does the noise appear only when turning the steering wheel, when entering a turn, or under some other circumstances and actions?
  3. Does the noise always occur or does it depend on the weather, humidity, warming up of the suspension/steering components, vehicle load, etc.?
  4. Does the sound occur when you turn the steering wheel left or right or in both directions?
  5. What additional symptoms or problems occur with this noise?

The answers to all these questions will provide valuable information for correctly diagnosing noise when turning the steering wheel.

The front of your car performs many different tasks:

  • prevents car roll when cornering;
  • moves wheels up and down for shock absorption;
  • allows you to turn the wheels with the steering wheel;
  • transmits power from the engine to the wheels, setting the car in motion, on front-wheel drive cars.

With all this in mind, there are many reasons for the front suspension and steering mechanisms to wear out. Fortunately, as these components wear out, many of them begin to make strange noises, warning that they need to be replaced, lubricated, or fixed. However, by the time they start making noise, they are usually very close to failure, so it is best to have a particular unit diagnosed as quickly as possible. Some sounds made when turning the steering wheel are similar to a knock, others to a squeak, others to a hum, and so on.

Here is a list of all such noises that your car may make when you turn the steering wheel, and possible problems associated with them. These are places to start diagnosing, but remember, this is not an exhaustive list. possible reasons. So, what could be the reasons for knocks, creaks, and hums when turning the steering wheel?

Noise when turning the steering wheel in place

This type of noise when turning the steering wheel when the car is stationary is typical for cars with power steering (power steering). And this is a normal condition for any car with power steering. If you get into the car for the first time and hear this quiet hum, then know that it will accompany you quite often. In very rare cases, a hum may appear only when the steering wheel is turned in one direction: left or right.

However, if you have owned the car for a long time, and the hum has become obviously louder, appearing not only when turning the steering wheel in place, but also while driving, then perhaps you should check the power steering. Don't worry, the most common problem with such a symptom as a hum when turning the steering wheel can be easily solved by adding power steering fluid. Just check its level under the hood (a special reservoir with marks for the minimum and maximum fluid levels and identification in most cases that it is power steering fluid). A low fluid level may indicate a possible leak, so after adding fluid, check the level at least once a week for the first time.

Power steering in the steering system

Other problems with this symptom could be a faulty power steering pump, air trapped in the power steering system, or a loose power steering belt. In this case, only a specialized service will help.

Almost all of the above power steering malfunctions manifest themselves, in addition to a hum when turning the steering wheel, with even more difficulty turning the same steering wheel.

Knocking noise when turning car while moving

The next symptom is a characteristic knocking sound when you enter a turn. Moreover, the knocking can be stronger the smaller the turning angle and the worse the road. This knocking noise is typical for shock absorber struts that have become unusable - they simply stopped working properly and need to be replaced. Due to the fact that shock absorbers on one axle do not always wear out evenly, knocking is usually accompanied when turning in one direction, but not in the other.

Schematically illustrated shock absorber

Another symptom, in addition to knocking when cornering, characteristic of this malfunction is the appearance of knocking on uneven surfaces, including when driving in a straight line. The fact is that the load on the shock absorbers increases when turning, and they knock more often. Also pay attention to the presence of wet spots on the shock absorbers - this may indicate a leak.

If your car is more than one year old, it already has an impressive mileage (we will not give numbers, since the struts for different models can deteriorate in different ways, and, in addition, many other factors influence this), its shock absorbers are at risk (a disease of your model, which you can find out about on a thematic forum, for example, or from a dealer), then it is quite possible that the shock absorbers are the cause of the knocking when turning. You can check this by visiting a professional mechanic.

Knocking sound when turning the steering wheel with play in the steering wheel

Although the steering joints do not require maintenance for almost the entire service life of the car, they still wear out under the conditions of our roads. The main symptom of wear on the steering joints is their weakening with the appearance of play and a characteristic but quiet knocking sound when the steering wheel begins to turn. The most accurate way to determine the cause of such a knock when turning is to stand on level ground in a parking lot and try to turn the steering wheel from side to side - first with small movements of the steering wheel, and then more and more until play and knocking are detected. You can also get out of the car, look at the wheels and do the same work with the steering wheel through an open car window or door. If you see that when you twist the steering wheel with small amplitudes the wheels remain motionless, then there is play in the steering system that needs to be eliminated.


You can overcome this malfunction by having a specialist diagnose all the hinges for wear and play, and replacing the worn hinges and connections and tightening the corresponding mechanisms that give the steering wheel play.

Creaking or grinding noise when turning the steering wheel both at a standstill and while moving

Another noise that can be heard when it comes from the steering wheel and reacts to steering wheel turns is a squeaking or grinding noise. These sounds are usually also a symptom of worn joints in the steering system or front suspension. As in the previous case, it is necessary to diagnose the connections in the steering or suspension and replace them as necessary.

But the most common problem with this symptom is worn steering tips or a lack of lubrication in them.

Also, the cause of squeaking (sometimes to the point of crunching) when turning the steering wheel, regardless of whether the car is standing or driving, can be the support bearings of the strut or lower ball joints. In the latter case, an additional symptom is wheel play when the car is suspended.

Crunching when cornering in front wheel drive cars

It also happens that the car crunches when entering a turn. Moreover, the sharper the turn and the higher the speed, the more characteristic and louder the crunching noise produced. It seems that this crunch does not depend on the turn of the steering wheel, but comes precisely during a turning maneuver on the road and is emitted from under the wheel that bears the load - that is, the wheel on the outside of the turning path. At the same time, the crunch most often occurs when turning only in a certain direction: to the right or to the left.

This crunch is typical only for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles. And the cause of the crunching noise when turning the car is the CV joint, better known among common people as a “grenade”.

A CV joint is a connection that allows the front wheel to turn in all directions at a certain angle while maintaining a constant axle speed. Because the CV joint is constantly spinning and under severe stress, it sometimes wears out and must be replaced.


CV joint internals

You can check the condition of the grenades in the car by turning the steering wheel all the way and driving the car slowly and then a little faster in a circle - first in one direction, then in the other. If you hear a crunching sound during this maneuver, then your CV joint is worn out. Please note that if such a crunch is also accompanied by vibration, then the car should be taken to a specialist as soon as possible.


Grenade (highlighted in red) in anther

The grenade should always work inside the boot, which protects it from dirt and dust getting into the system. It often wears out due to damage to this boot. And the crunch of a grenade is nothing more than the grinding of dirt particles inside it or scattered grenade bearings.

Your vehicle is an extremely complex system, and the steering and suspension systems are made up of many components and vary in their structure, operation and components from model to model and even often from modification to modification of the same model. Therefore, this or that noise can indicate not only everything that we have given above. Often different types of sounds are produced by the steering column, steering rack, steering knuckles, shock absorbers and hinges. Even a simply fallen off or weakened part that is completely unrelated to the control or suspension system can, for example, begin to touch elements of the steering system or suspension when turning the steering wheel or on bumps, respectively.

However, the optimal course of action when one or another extraneous noise appears when turning the steering wheel or the entire car is to first identify additional symptoms of noise (steering wheel pulls to the side, more accurate identification of sounds). Next, you should inspect all the boots of the steering system and suspension under the car, check the steering wheel, and then the wheels for play.

move to page

When cold, the power steering hums, just howls, it works for about five minutes and everything goes away. After replacing the power steering fluid, nothing changed. I was at a car service center, they told me that there was nothing wrong with it, but for some reason I didn’t trust them. Has anyone encountered this problem, an incomprehensible buzzing sound from the power steering when cold? Maybe it's worth changing the pump or maybe there are other options? Won't it jam? Chevrolet Lanos car.

The noise or hum or even an increased squeal that the power steering pump makes can be heard both when the steering wheel is rotated and without rotation, when the engine is running. The cause of noisy operation may be the working pair, the rotor with lamellas and the ellipse, or the bearing. When the working pair is in perfect condition, the ellipse has a smooth surface. The ellipse of the faulty pump, arrows indicate places of wear. What causes wear and tear? Due to the lack or absence of fluid level in the power steering reservoir or extreme driving!!! Also, due to the lack of fluid, the so-called working mirrors wear out - the sliding surfaces on which the rotor with lamellas rotates. With such wear, normal operation of the power steering pump is simply not possible and therefore the worn parts need to be replaced. If the pump runs dry for a long time, it will jam. So, in the future, to prevent this from happening to your car, it is recommended to periodically look into the power steering reservoir to check the level and quality of the fluid. The color of the liquid must be unambiguous. There are only three colors of power steering fluid: red, yellow and green.

First option: if the liquid is in order, the level should be brought to normal, according to the marks, since there is possible variant noise, low level of power steering fluid (at extreme steering positions, the system is completely filled with fluid and the level in the reservoir drops - the pump is emptied and makes noise when operating “dry”). But this noise occurs when turning both right and left. If this happens and you add fluid frequently, then look for a leak. The second option, of course, can make noise even when the fluid is normal. At the top of the gearbox there is a valve box that controls the directions of hydraulic flows. When the steering wheel is turned to the extreme position, it blocks the pressure that enters the power steering section of the gearbox and the pump begins to work on itself, i.e. in a small circle, distilling the liquid only through the expansion tank and in this situation the pump can make noise, and in cold weather the viscosity of the liquid increases and especially immediately after startup the noise increases. The third option is already symptoms of a dying power steering pump: the fluid is dirty; extraneous noises in all operating modes and at all speeds; Pump performance decreases, steering wheel constantly bites.

If you just replace the power steering fluid, you can only delay the repair of the pump, but the problem is in the pump’s exhaustion, it needs to be repaired. And you also need to look at the fluid level when it’s cold, to see if it’s normal.

You unscrew the expansion tank and move it to the side, do not remove the pipes, then use a head with a long knob to unscrew the upper pipe on the power steering, then the valve itself, which consists of two parts: the stationary part, which also needs to be unscrewed with the head, and the moving part, which remains in the socket ( there are two springs under it), you can safely take it out and after inspecting it, wipe it, if there are a lot of abrasions, then get ready to replace the pump, but if there are not many, then change the fluid, bleed the pump and everything should be fine.

Don't let it jam, and if it does jam, then cut the belt to the pump and drive without power steering. You will definitely get to the right place for repairs, or even further) and another piece of advice, you don’t need to buy a new pump right away, there are plenty of restored originals everywhere.

Or maybe you have an air leak somewhere? Noisy operation may occur due to air leaks. As experts explain, this can happen for several reasons: the entire system is airy (at one time they did not keep track of the liquid level); the liquid may lose its properties due to age and contamination; the power steering pump simply begins to deteriorate over time - scuffs appear on the inner working surface, with such a problem the only way to repair or replace the pump. But if it is airy or dirty, then by flushing the power steering and replacing the fluid, you can fix everything.

8.4.1. Bleeding the power steering system
Bleeding (removing air) hydraulic system power steering is necessary after any work related to depressurization of the system (replacement of the pump or pipelines). A sign of air in the system is the steering wheel jamming when you try to turn it sharply. In addition, the pump makes increased noise when the steering wheel is turned, and the fluid in the reservoir usually foams.
1. Fill the power steering system with working fluid (see “Checking the level and adding working fluid to the power steering system”) to the “MAX” mark.
2. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel all the way in one direction.
WARNING
Do not hold the steering wheel in the extreme position for more than 10 seconds.
3. Turn the steering wheel all the way in the opposite direction.
4. Turn the steering wheel to the center position and turn off the engine.
5. Check the level of working fluid in the power steering reservoir and add if necessary.
NOTE
The level of working fluid in the tank when the engine is warm should not be higher than the “MAX” mark, and when the engine is cold – not lower than the “MIN” mark.
6. Repeat steps 2–5 until the level of working fluid in the tank stops decreasing.

I would replace the tube, and then do it in the following sequence: 1. In a small stream, so that there are fewer bubbles, the fluid in the power steering should be filled to the MAX mark; 2. Smoothly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times; 3. Start the engine, but do not be alarmed when you hear loud sounds made by the power steering pump, this is how it should be. The pump begins to circulate liquid through the system, but there is air in the system. You need to check if there are any leaks in the connection that you disconnected; 4. A few minutes after you start the engine, it begins to smoothly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock, thereby removing air from the power steering pump system. Do not stay in extreme positions for more than one second. As air is removed, the sounds will subside. Turn the steering wheel until the pump operates silently, and also monitor the fluid level in the tank and the connection through which you drained the fluid so that there are no leaks; 5. When the power steering pump begins to operate silently, make several control turns of the steering wheel to make sure that the pump operates quietly and the steering wheel rotates easily; 6. If the noise does not stop, it means that the air has not been removed from the power steering system, the liquid has partially become a suspension (saturated with air bubbles) and needs to settle, leave the car until the next day; 7.Add fluid to the power steering reservoir to the MAX mark and close the reservoir cap.

I had a case where the power steering pump hummed, it hummed both when it was cold and when it was hot, and when you turned the steering wheel, and just when the engine was started. I tried the power steering, but there was no effect. But somehow I couldn’t start because the battery was dead, as it turned out the diode bridge in the generator burned out (the battery light didn’t light up, although it was working). Apparently the pump didn’t have enough voltage, and that’s why it was humming. When the diode bridge was changed, everything returned to normal.

Possible causes of power steering hum

move to page

When cold, the power steering hums, just howls, it works for about five minutes and everything goes away. After replacing the power steering fluid, nothing changed. I was at a car service center, they told me that there was nothing wrong with it, but for some reason I didn’t trust them. Has anyone encountered this problem, an incomprehensible buzzing sound from the power steering when cold? Maybe it's worth changing the pump or maybe there are other options? Won't it jam? Chevrolet Lanos car.

The noise or hum or even an increased squeal that the power steering pump makes can be heard both when the steering wheel is rotated and without rotation, when the engine is running. The cause of noisy operation may be the working pair, the rotor with lamellas and the ellipse, or the bearing. When the working pair is in perfect condition, the ellipse has a smooth surface. The ellipse of the faulty pump, arrows indicate places of wear. What causes wear and tear? Due to the lack or absence of fluid level in the power steering reservoir or extreme driving!!! Also, due to the lack of fluid, the so-called working mirrors wear out - the sliding surfaces on which the rotor with lamellas rotates. With such wear, normal operation of the power steering pump is simply not possible and therefore the worn parts need to be replaced. If the pump runs dry for a long time, it will jam. So, in the future, to prevent this from happening to your car, it is recommended to periodically look into the power steering reservoir to check the level and quality of the fluid. The color of the liquid must be unambiguous. There are only three colors of power steering fluid: red, yellow and green.

The first option: if the fluid is in order, the level should be brought to normal, according to the marks, since there is a possible noise variant - a low power steering fluid level (at extreme steering positions, the system is completely filled with fluid and the level in the tank drops - the pump is emptied and when operating at " dry" makes noise). But this noise occurs when turning both right and left. If this happens and you add fluid frequently, then look for a leak. The second option, of course, can make noise even when the fluid is normal. At the top of the gearbox there is a valve box that controls the directions of hydraulic flows. When the steering wheel is turned to the extreme position, it blocks the pressure that enters the power steering section of the gearbox and the pump begins to work on itself, i.e. in a small circle, distilling the liquid only through the expansion tank and in this situation the pump can make noise, and in cold weather the viscosity of the liquid increases and especially immediately after startup the noise increases. The third option is already symptoms of a dying power steering pump: the fluid is dirty; extraneous noises in all operating modes and at all speeds; Pump performance decreases, steering wheel constantly bites.

If you just replace the power steering fluid, you can only delay the repair of the pump, but the problem is in the pump’s exhaustion, it needs to be repaired. And you also need to look at the fluid level when it’s cold, to see if it’s normal.

You unscrew the expansion tank and move it to the side, do not remove the pipes, then use a head with a long knob to unscrew the upper pipe on the power steering, then the valve itself, which consists of two parts: the stationary part, which also needs to be unscrewed with the head, and the moving part, which remains in the socket ( there are two springs under it), you can safely take it out and after inspecting it, wipe it, if there are a lot of abrasions, then get ready to replace the pump, but if there are not many, then change the fluid, bleed the pump and everything should be fine.

Don't let it jam, and if it does jam, then cut the belt to the pump and drive without power steering. You will definitely get to the right place for repairs, or even further) and another piece of advice, you don’t need to buy a new pump right away, there are plenty of restored originals everywhere.

Or maybe you have an air leak somewhere? Noisy operation may occur due to air leaks. As experts explain, this can happen for several reasons: the entire system is airy (at one time they did not keep track of the liquid level); the liquid may lose its properties due to age and contamination; the power steering pump simply begins to deteriorate over time - scuffs appear on the inner working surface, with such a problem the only way to repair or replace the pump. But if it is airy or dirty, then by flushing the power steering and replacing the fluid, you can fix everything.

8.4.1. Bleeding the power steering system
Bleeding (bleeding air) of the hydraulic power steering system is necessary after any work related to depressurization of the system (replacement of the pump or pipelines). A sign of air in the system is the steering wheel jamming when you try to turn it sharply. In addition, the pump makes increased noise when the steering wheel is turned, and the fluid in the reservoir usually foams.
1. Fill the power steering system with working fluid (see “Checking the level and adding working fluid to the power steering system”) to the “MAX” mark.
2. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel all the way in one direction.
WARNING
Do not hold the steering wheel in the extreme position for more than 10 seconds.
3. Turn the steering wheel all the way in the opposite direction.
4. Turn the steering wheel to the center position and turn off the engine.
5. Check the level of working fluid in the power steering reservoir and add if necessary.
NOTE
The level of working fluid in the tank when the engine is warm should not be higher than the “MAX” mark, and when the engine is cold – not lower than the “MIN” mark.
6. Repeat steps 2–5 until the level of working fluid in the tank stops decreasing.

I would replace the tube, and then do it in the following sequence: 1. In a small stream, so that there are fewer bubbles, the fluid in the power steering should be filled to the MAX mark; 2. Smoothly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times; 3. Start the engine, but do not be alarmed when you hear loud sounds made by the power steering pump, this is how it should be. The pump begins to circulate liquid through the system, but there is air in the system. You need to check if there are any leaks in the connection that you disconnected; 4. A few minutes after you start the engine, it begins to smoothly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock, thereby removing air from the power steering pump system. Do not stay in extreme positions for more than one second. As air is removed, the sounds will subside. Turn the steering wheel until the pump operates silently, and also monitor the fluid level in the tank and the connection through which you drained the fluid so that there are no leaks; 5. When the power steering pump begins to operate silently, make several control turns of the steering wheel to make sure that the pump operates quietly and the steering wheel rotates easily; 6. If the noise does not stop, it means that the air has not been removed from the power steering system, the liquid has partially become a suspension (saturated with air bubbles) and needs to settle, leave the car until the next day; 7.Add fluid to the power steering reservoir to the MAX mark and close the reservoir cap.

I had a case where the power steering pump hummed, it hummed both when it was cold and when it was hot, and when you turned the steering wheel, and just when the engine was started. I tried the power steering, but there was no effect. But somehow I couldn’t start because the battery was dead, as it turned out the diode bridge in the generator burned out (the battery light didn’t light up, although it was working). Apparently the pump didn’t have enough voltage, and that’s why it was humming. When the diode bridge was changed, everything returned to normal.

Possible causes of power steering hum

Why do you need power steering? Most car enthusiasts will answer that it makes it easier to turn the steering wheel. There is some truth in this. In addition to increasing comfort, maneuverability, controllability, and sharpness of the driver’s movements are improved, which is very important in emergency situations. But not every car owner is well acquainted with the system, much less knows what it means if the power steering hums when turning. Let's talk about malfunctions and possible ways to eliminate them.

Power steering diagram

The hydraulic booster is installed on cars with different types of steering. IN Lately More and more cars are equipped with variable gain systems, where the degree of gain can be dependent on driving speed. This allows for high maneuverability, especially when cornering. Sooner or later, all units and components break down, and you need to know Why does the power steering hum when you turn the steering wheel?. A working system cannot hum. The reason for this is simple: the circulation of the hydraulic fluid is disrupted, which creates a turbulence; air can also get into the pump, which can cause scoring. A knock may also occur due to high pressure in the pressure part.

The hydraulic booster suffers most from careless driving on a dusty road.

If the driver neglects to be careful when driving on a bad road, then an unusual sound from the power steering will soon appear when turning the steering wheel. The most the first symptom of a malfunction is a knocking sound. Only the worm pair or the rod can knock on the body. Such signs of power steering malfunctions cannot be ignored, and even better, they should not be allowed to occur.

Drives to the “edges”, sudden accelerations when the steering wheel is in the extreme position, increase the load on the steering gearbox. The result of this behavior appears hum when turning the steering wheel. Externally, signs of a power steering malfunction can easily be confused with other problems, so more detailed diagnostics are needed. First you need to replace the fluid in the reservoir. If it foams and bubbles form on the surface, then the pump needs to be repaired. The cause of extraneous sounds may be a worn bearing. Sometimes, in order to find a breakdown, you need to completely disassemble the steering wheel.

How to determine power steering problems?

Main symptoms such:

  • on uneven roads there is a knocking sound when turning;
  • a hum is heard when turning the steering wheel at low speed;
  • tight steering, which usually manifests itself when turning to one side.

And if, in addition to everything else, the steering wheel jams when turning, then this is a reason to turn to specialists. Now it is clear that close attention to the behavior of the steering rack and a thorough inspection of this element will help diagnose malfunctions.

What to do if the power steering hums

Filling fluid into power steering

The most common complaint from car owners is Power steering buzzes when turning the steering wheel in place. The first thing that comes to mind is replacing or repairing the pump. Sometimes this is true, but even after replacement, complaints about buzzing remain.

Another common problem is Power steering jams when turning the steering wheel. This indicates loss of mobility, “sticking” of the pump bypass valve. There may be several reasons, including dirty fluid, overheating, lack of fluid, or holding the steering wheel in the extreme position for more than 5-10 seconds. If the power steering pump is humming, then the problem can be eliminated. Usually, this requires a complete overhaul of the power steering pump, flushing the components and replacing worn parts.

To prevent the power steering noise from suddenly appearing when turning the steering wheel, you need to look into the reservoir more often and monitor the fluid level.

Another common problem is The power steering hums both hot and cold, and the noise level is quite high, it can even be called “squealing”. The reasons should be sought in the rotor with lamellas, the ellipse, and the bearing.

Does the rpm drop when you turn the steering wheel? The fluid needs to be replaced again. If this does not help, then the problem is in the pump. When the engine speed drops when you turn the steering wheel, this may indicate a problem with the idle air control.

Gur bites when turning the steering wheel or useful tips

How to avoid problems with power steering

Power steering is designed to make driving comfortable, enjoyable and hassle-free. Proper care Maintenance of this unit will help prevent a number of problems and difficulties, such as the appearance of uncharacteristic sounds, leaks, and decreased performance.

Here is a list of things that will help prevent most of the listed malfunctions:

  • try not to run over a curb;
  • do not drive on bad roads at high speed;
  • do not hold the steering wheel in the extreme position for more than 5 seconds;
  • in the cold season, after warming up, you should not turn the steering wheel and immediately drive off;
  • do not forget about the fluid level and its condition in the tank.

However, the motorist is not required to know why extraneous sounds appear, and the hum disappears when turning the steering wheel. But this knowledge will help him quickly find the problem and try to solve it.

For more information about power steering weaknesses, watch the video on our website!

A modern car is literally “stuffed” with various additional systems aimed at improving comfort. We can no longer imagine a car without air conditioning, heated seats, electric windows and, of course, hydraulic power steering. It is called GUR for short. However, during operation this mechanism may malfunction.

It’s a reason to think seriously if the power steering hums when you turn the steering wheel in place. What could these unpleasant sounds indicate? Why does the power steering hum when you turn the steering wheel? We’ll look at how to deal with this in this article.

Characteristic

The hydraulic booster is an element. Unlike mechanical systems, in this case additional force is generated to turn the wheels, based on a hydraulic drive.

The device operates from the crankshaft pulley. The performance of the amplifier is proportional to the rotation speed of a given pulley. That is, the higher the speed, the easier it is to turn the steering wheel (which contradicts real requirements). In this regard, more expensive cars are equipped with electric assistants. They allow you to reduce the gain when the car picks up speed and vice versa.

Working fluid

Those who have a hydraulic booster know that the main component in it (besides the pump) is liquid. The oil in the power steering system also has its own resource. There is no need to think that it is flooded for its entire service life. The fluid must be periodically topped up or changed completely. The latter option is more reasonable from the point of view of system maintenance.

How often should I change a little in the hydraulic booster system? Many manufacturers do not regulate this figure. However, experts say that the oil needs to be changed at least once every 5 years. Every 60 thousand kilometers the fluid level in the tank should be checked. If you do not adhere to these rules, the amplifier may hum when turning the steering wheel.

How to determine the condition of a liquid?

Look into the tank. The power steering fluid should have its original color (usually red), without impurities or deposits.

There should also be no dirt on the walls of the tank. An important point - when adding oil, do not mix products from different manufacturers. If you do not know what fluid was previously filled, it is recommended to change it entirely. Old oil will be difficult to pump through the pump. Over time, the steering wheel speed will become tight, and the pump itself will begin to make a characteristic sound. But this is not the only reason why the power steering hums when you turn the steering wheel.

Rail

In modern cars, worm and screw drives are no longer used. All cars are now equipped with racks. The Mitsubishi Lancer 9 was no exception. The power steering hums when you turn the steering wheel, sometimes precisely because of the rack. What is the reason for this phenomenon?

The problem lies in temperature changes and reagents that are sprinkled on roads in winter. This problem is especially relevant for residents of large cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg. Salt gets on the rubber boots and the rack seal. As a result, they become dull, crack, and the steering mechanism begins to leak. After parking for a short time, you will find that an oil puddle has formed under the car.

This is the amplifier. The problem is also accompanied by a hum. After all, the oil level in the tank gradually drops. If you do not check this in time, you can damage the pump. If the power steering hums loudly when you turn the steering wheel and fluid often disappears, first of all, inspect the condition of the boots. The lath must be dry.

If the problem was identified on time, everything is solved by replacing the damaged boot or oil seal. After such repairs, the liquid stops flowing out. In advanced cases, if the power steering hums when you turn the steering wheel all the way, the entire rack and pinion mechanism changes.

Drive unit

The next reason is the drive of the mechanism. The hydraulic booster is driven by the crankshaft pulley. The nodes are connected by a belt drive. It should have good tension. Otherwise, the pump pressure will be insufficient. In addition to the hum, you will feel that the steering wheel has begun to turn much more tightly, and in addition there will be increased vibration. Check the condition of the belt.

Adjust the position of the tension roller. Typically, a 14mm wrench is used for such work. Also check the condition of the belt itself. Of course, when it breaks, it’s not like at the timing belt. The pump will simply stop producing pressure. However, you should not drive with a cracked belt. If the element has burrs and small cracks, it needs to be replaced. At the same time, check the condition of other belts (alternator and timing gear) that are located nearby.

Check how the belt bearing rotates: it should not whistle. If so, replace the element with a new one.

Pump

And the last reason why the power steering hums when you turn the steering wheel is a faulty pump. This happens due to ignoring the oil change regulations and improper operation of the steering.

The element can be changed entirely, without repair kits. The pump is the most expensive part (with the exception of the rack) in the car's control system. Therefore, you need to know how to properly operate a car with power steering.

How to save power steering?

There are a number of rules that should be followed when operating a car with power steering:

  • Do not leave your car in a parking lot with its wheels turned out, especially in winter.
  • Do not overheat the power steering fluid. To do this, do not twist the steering wheel all the way. Leave a small gap of 5-10 degrees. The load on the pump will decrease significantly, and the liquid will not boil.
  • Monitor the oil level in the tank. If the fluid begins to leak, check the condition of the rack and rubber tubes. The leak must be fixed.
  • Change the power steering oil regularly. This will save the pump and rack from premature failure.
  • Do not drive with a loose belt. If there are any extraneous sounds from under the hood (often a characteristic whistle), check the tension level.

Conclusion

So, we found out why the power steering hums when turning the steering wheel and how to prevent this malfunction. Hydraulic booster makes driving easier, especially during maneuvers such as parking. However, do not forget that power steering is a separate mechanism that uses its own oil and its own drive. With proper care, this unit will delight the driver with long and silent operation.

Similar articles

2024 my-cross.ru. Cats and dogs. Small animals. Health. Medicine.