Power Steering Went Out Then Came Back – What's Wrong?

Imagine yourself in your precious car, speeding across a busy street, then suddenly, as you approach a sharp bend, the steering wheel becomes hard to turn. You try to pull over while doing your best to avoid hitting objects by exerting more force on the steering wheel.

Isn't it a scary ordeal? Well, yes. But if you own or frequently drive a car, you need to know that steering failure is a prevalent problem in many vehicles. If you have at some point or occasionally find it challenging to steer the wheels while driving, you need to consider working on the power steering system.

For many reasons, your car's steering wheel can go out and suddenly come back unexpectedly. While some causes of power steering failure are vehicle-specific or inadequate servicing, some problems are common among several types of vehicles.

This article will supply lots of information on how the power steering system works, why it fails, and what you should do about it.

The Power Steering System

Power steering technology has been around since 1951 when it was first installed in the Chrysler Imperial. The system enhances your degree of control of a vehicle, especially while in motion. It saved drivers from exerting a lot of energy wrestling with the steering wheel to direct the car.

With a gearing mechanism of a rack and pinion, the power steering makes driving not only effortless and safe but also comfortable and enjoyable. Power steering technology can be hydraulic, electric, or a merger, depending on your vehicle.

In the hydraulic power steering system, a hydraulic pump is used to exert pressure against a piston which moves with the front wheels turning and fluid movement along a mechanical steering valve system. The steering wheel that the driver holds is mechanically attached to the said piston. The car's engine propels the hydraulic pumps in this steering system. Electric steering mechanisms utilize electric-powered hydraulic pumps.

Power Steering Failure: Common Problems, Causes, and Solutions

Most vehicles tend to develop different steering wheel complications. While most of these problems are less complex to diagnose and solve, others are more complicated and require professional attention. The following are the three most common steering wheel problems that you should consider.

1. Poor Steering Wheel Returnability

The steering wheel is mechanically designed to return to the center without fail each time you turn it. However, your steering wheel may suddenly or frequently refuse to return to the center after you turn it.

Mechanical problems in the steering system often cause poor steering returnability. Poorly adjusted cogs or tight gears can make it difficult for the steering to return to the center or cause it to return less swiftly than it should.

You must take your vehicle to an accredited garage for a proper diagnosis to solve this problem. Professional mechanics will find it a walk in the park to remove faulty steering wheel components that cause poor returnability.

2. Stiff Steering

Your car's steering wheel can develop stiffness for various reasons. However, aerated or low steering fluid and worn-out components are the primary reasons behind stiff steering.

You must frequently check the steering fluid compartment to determine if it has reduced in level due to a leak or is contaminated. Timely vehicle service is also handy when it comes to detecting and replacing worn-out parts.

3. Steering Wheel Vibrations

Vibrations often manifest problems in the power steering mechanism or system. There is a problem if you constantly hear beats along the steering column as you drive. Improper wheel balancing, worn-out rims, and suspensions may be behind the vibrations.

You need to consult a professionally trained mechanic to determine the specific cause. Steering vibrations are often caused by worn-out motor vehicle parts that may be unrelated to the maneuver system.

When the Power Steering Goes out, then Comes Back: What's Wrong?

Does your steering wheel fail at times but work perfectly at other times? If yes, then your car's power steering system is dying. Steering system failure can occur at any place and point in time.

Below are the reasons why your power maneuver mechanism is failing.

One: Insufficient Power Steering Fluid

Hydraulic pumps in the steering wheel mechanism cannot function if the needed fluid is insufficient or contaminated. Dysfunctional pumps translate to loss of steering power as the pumps work by supplying pressure that facilitates steering. Leaks are the most common culprit behind a low fluid level.

With the help of a professionally trained mechanic, you need to check the steering fluid tank, the hoses, and the pumps to identify the fluid level and spot the leak respectively. In addition, a good mechanic will determine whether or not the fluid is contaminated.

Two: Faulty or Leaking Hydraulic Pumps

Your steering wheel can come out unexpectedly due to Faulty or damaged pumps. Pumps can be damaged or rendered faulty by an insufficient steering fluid supply. With damaged pumps, the steering system becomes noisy and develops frequent failures.

You need to check the pumps to determine whether or not there is a leak. You should also take note of the sounds that come from the steering compartment to know if damaged pumps cause your power steering failure. If your steering has shifted from soft to hard over time, then be sure the loss is a result of damaged hydraulic pumps.

Three: Worn-Out Electronic Components/Parts

A minor electrical component breakdown can potentially cause a power steering failure for electric-powered steering systems. For example, a simple wiring problem in the fuses, sensors, or motor can lead to a loss of power in the steering mechanism.

Contracting a professional vehicle wiring technician is the best way to diagnose the cause of power loss in an electric-driven maneuver system.

Four: Broken Serpentine Belt

The serpentine belt is critical in the hydraulic steering system as it is responsible for spinning the pumps. When it slips from the crankshaft, the belt is arguably unable to turn the pumps, eventually rendering them powerless because they cannot distribute the hydraulic fluid throughout the system.

With a broken serpentine belt, the steering system suddenly loses power, and the system loses energy supply due to an inadequate work of alternator. You should read your vehicle manual or consult your mechanic to know when you are supposed to replace the serpentine belt.

Should I Worry that Power Steering Went out and then Came Back?

You need to be worried if your steering went out and then came back. Chances are that your car's power steering system is failing. The going and coming back is a sign of a mechanical problem in your vehicle's steering system.

Failing to steer is seriously dangerous. Can you imagine what can happen if the steering goes out while cruising at the top highway speed? Unimaginable!

Therefore, you must know what to do if your steering erratically goes out and comes back.

What to do when Power Steering goes out and Comes Back

• Slow Down and Pull Over

It would help if you slowed down immediately after the steering goes out and returns gradually. You must pull over because the problem might worsen if you continue driving. You may be lucky that the steering came back, but you are unsure whether the issue will pop back up when you least expect it.

• Examine the Steering System

After safely pulling over the car, you should scrutinize the steering system by checking if leaks, destroyed components, or weird vibrations exist. You can turn the front wheels from side to side while the engine runs. You need to call a professional if you cannot examine the system.

• Slowly Drive to a Garage or Call a Tow Truck

If the steering goes and returns, then chances are that the problem has not gotten worse. The best thing you can do after assessing the steering compartment is to slowly take the car to the nearest garage for proper diagnosis. It would be best to avoid busy roads and highways for safety reasons.

You can also call a tow track if you are too afraid to drive after the steering goes out and comes back. A breakdown will help you transport your car to your preferred garage for diagnosis.

Final Thoughts

If your power steering went out and came back, you have sufficient reason to be concerned. The steering system in your car has a problem. There are different types of steering wheel problems. The most notable are stiff steering, poor steering returnability, and vibrating steering compartment.

Steering failure is, however, the most common of power steering malfunctions. Depending on your car model and type, the problem might be caused by insufficient fluid level, worn-out parts, and a broken serpentine belt. For hydraulic power steering systems, damaged pumps can cause steering failure.

It would help if you considered taking your car to a trusted professional mechanic for a proper diagnosis of the problem. A well-trained mechanic can swiftly identify the cause of your steering failure and determine the best way to solve the problem.

If the steering goes out and returns while driving along a busy road, do as follows:

• Do not panic
• Slow down before stopping the car
• Safely park the car
• Call a mechanic or a tow truck