Power Steering Heavy? Here's How to Safely Overcome It
One of the common problems that often occurs in four-wheeled vehicles is a power steering that feels heavy and is sometimes accompanied by noise. So, how do you fix heavy power steering? Read on until the end below, okay!
A power steering that suddenly feels heavy on one side or both sides is actually one of the common issues in cars.
Generally, this heavy power steering occurs in older cars and causes oil to leak from the reservoir. This problem will certainly be very disturbing as it will make your body quickly tired when driving.
The steering wheel, which is usually easy to turn, feels very heavy if there is a disturbance in the power steering system.
Read Also: Understanding 6 Components of Power Steering in Cars and Their Functions
Causes of Heavy Power Steering & How to Overcome It
Can the power steering pump be repaired? Yes, of course, it can. To address heavy power steering, you need to know the cause first.
Here are the steps that can be taken to address heavy power steering based on its causes, including:
1. Presence of Leaks
Why does the power steering feel heavy? One of the causes of heavy electric power steering is leaks. It is important to know that power steering consists of several component parts, one of which is the power steering fluid that is channeled from special pipes or hoses.
The presence of this leak causes the power steering fluid to run out and allows air to enter.
Several conditions can cause this channel pipe to leak. If power steering oil leaks, the pressure of the power steering pump will also not be optimal. The impact felt by the driver is that the steering becomes heavy when turned.
So, how do you fix this? To address it, the oil channel pipe must be replaced. The pipe should be replaced according to the car's specifications.
2. Running Out of Power Steering Fluid
What causes the power steering to not function? Besides leaks, it is also possible for the power steering to feel heavy without leaking. One of the causes is running out of fluid.
Power steering operates on a hydraulic system principle. This system requires sufficient pressure. The power generated can help you turn the car's steering wheel.
To provide pressure, the hydraulic system requires fluid. This fluid is referred to as power steering oil.
Therefore, if the power steering oil is low or depleted, it can be ensured that the power steering feels heavier.
To resolve this issue, you need to refill the power steering oil, choosing oil according to the engine's needs.
Additionally, avoid randomly selecting oil, as it can have dangerous effects. Not only that, but you also need to ensure that the oil measurement is correct.
Read Also: How Does Power Steering Work? Here’s the Explanation
3. Problematic Worm Steering Component
When driving a car, we often feel the steering wheel is heavy to the right. This condition is usually caused by a problematic worm steering.
Sometimes the worm steering shifts out of its intended position. If the worm steering shifts out, it can cause a leak in the steering oil.
This leak reduces the hydraulic pump pressure and is a cause of heavy power steering.
When this issue occurs, you should immediately take the car to a workshop. Later, the technician will repair the component so that its position returns to normal.
Once the seal is restored, the leak will stop, and the pump pressure will operate optimally.
How to Prevent Heavy Power Steering?
To prevent the power steering from feeling heavy, you first need to know what system is used, whether it is EPS (Electric Power Steering) or HPS (Hydraulic Power Steering).
The HPS system is a power steering that uses a fluid pressure system, while the EPS uses an electric motor.
In the HPS system, maintenance can be done when the engine reaches 40 thousand kilometers. Meanwhile, EPS maintenance is much easier because it does not require fluid refills as its driving force.
Of course, the way to repair electric power steering is different from hydraulic, okay.
After knowing how to address heavy power steering along with its causes, if you experience this problem, immediately visit the nearest official Daihatsu workshop for a check-up. Experienced Daihatsu technicians will help you resolve this component issue quickly, responsively, and efficiently.