Causes Of Steering System Failure | Samples Ames, PLLC (2024)

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Causes Of Steering System Failure | Samples Ames, PLLC? ›

Potential Causes of steering system failure

The most likely cause of steering failure is a loss of power steering. This can happen if a hydraulic pipe breaks or is cut by debris from the road. Even in this eventuality it's unlikely that the power loss would be sudden.

If you are having a hard time turning the steering wheel, something is likely wrong with the power steering system. Low power steering fluid in the reservoir might diminish the power assist and is a sign of a leak. A faulty power steering pump or a worn (or broken) serpentine belt could also be the culprit.

Schedule a Wheel Alignment

This can cause the Power Steering Assist Fault message to appear because your vehicle thinks there's something wrong with your power steering system when, in reality, it's your wheels that are the problem.

There are multiple causes of the power steering system malfunctions. These might be lack of power steering fluid in the system, leaks from the system, failure of the master cylinder or drive belt.

There's a high chance that the steering fluid is dirty if there are no leaks or air, but the steering is sluggish. Flushing the system and replacing the steering wheel fluid is the solution. Like any other car fluid, you should replace the steering fluid often to extend the life of your power steering.

There are two main types of steering gears used for most modern vehicles: the rack and pinion steering gear and the recirculating ball steering gear.

Check mounting points for damage. Rock the steering wheel from side to side and up and down to check for any wobble or abnormal steering effort or noise. If there is excessive movement or an audible clunking or grinding sound, replace the steering column. Inspect for obvious compression of the column jacket.

Electronic failure is when the electrical systems keeping the power steering running stop functioning. This type of failure can be caused by a fuse issue, so you can easily check the fuse box to see if one of the fuses needs replacing.

Do sensors cause steering faults? ›

When a steering angle sensor fails, the vehicle may experience the following symptoms: Excessive play in the steering wheel. Steering warning light illuminated in the dash. Electronic Stability Control system is disabled.

The light warns you that the power steering system has failed and prompts you to investigate for a cause. The cause may vary according to the type of power steering system in your car. In hydraulic power steering systems, a leak in the system causing a low fluid level is the most common cause for this problem.

Common steering problems can include: Difficulty in turning the wheel, especially at rest or lower speeds. This may be caused by a problem with power steering, low power steering fluid, a fluid leak, or worn parts. Lack of response from the steering wheel or looseness.

Slipped Drive Belt — The drive belt on the power steering pump slipping off is a common problem associated with power steering. This will completely prevent your car from changing direction as there is nothing driving the pump resulting in the loss of fluid pressure.

Fluid Leaks

Most of the time it starts with a worn seal slowly starting to wear out and fail or a hose developing a minor flaw. Eventually, these small problems become bigger, and when they become bigger, they cause your pump to fail and your power steering to give out.

In some cases, power steering failure happens gradually, while, in other instances, the failure happens spontaneously. In fact, it can happen while driving and catch drivers by surprise.

Actions to be taken in case of a steering failure

Call the master and advise engineer officer on watch. Report to the office, inform port authority and fix vessel's position and time of failure. Investigate for navigational hazards and for the cause of failure.