We’ve come a long way from the days of needing to pull horses' reins to steer our
carriages to commute to our desired destinations. The modern steering system
allows us to direct a vehicle effortlessly and precisely at the lightest touch of the
wheel. This great level of power over the vehicle makes the driver feel safe and in
control, making panic swerves and steering corrections as effective as possible.
Over time, with so much movement to be controlled under heavy force, the
components of the steering system may start to wear out. The correct kind of
preventative maintenance given at the right time will extend the life of the
steering components and keep them in good and safe working conditions.
Maintenance
The maintenance of the steering system consists of regular inspection, lubrication,
and adjusting of components to compensate for wear and tear. The best and most
cost-effective way to maintain the power steering system of your vehicle is to
regularly check the level and condition of the power steering fluid. Changing this
fluid on time can help prolong the life of other, more expensive steering
components. Power Steering Fluid maintenance involves draining your car's old
power-steering fluid and replacing it with new, fresh fluid.
It is strongly recommended to have leaks repaired as soon as they appear and to
have the fluid flushed at about every 80,000 km to ensure that it is free from
contaminants.
Warning Signs Of Steering Problems
Unlike some mechanical problems, steering problems will generally give you many
warning symptoms, and these symptoms will persist until the problem is fixed or
the system fails. These symptoms include:
- Difficulty in turning the wheel
- Slipping of the steering wheel when you attempt to turn it or hold it
in a turned position
- Loose steering
- Excessive steering vibration
- Pulling to the side
- Unusual noises when turning the steering wheel
- A shimmy or shake in the steering wheel
- Fluid leaks from under the vehicle
Ignoring these warnings could result in an accident that may not be covered by
your car insurance, so if your car exhibits any of the aforementioned
symptoms, bring it to our mechanics for inspection and repair before it
becomes costly to repair and dangerous to drive. To schedule an appointment
for our Steering System service, please contact us online
or call us (905) 381-9285.