Power Steering Service in Mays Landing, NJ

If turning your steering wheel has started to feel heavier than usual, or if you hear a whining or groaning sound when you turn, your power steering system is telling you something needs attention. Power steering makes it possible to turn the wheel with minimal effort, and when it starts to fail, driving becomes physically harder and potentially unsafe, especially at low speeds where power steering assistance is needed most.

Most people do not think about their power steering system until something goes wrong. But like every other system on your vehicle, it requires periodic maintenance to function properly, and when components wear out, they need repair or replacement. At Kneble’s Auto Service Center, we diagnose and repair power steering problems on all makes and models, including both hydraulic and electric power steering systems.

Signs Your Power Steering Needs Service

Stiff or heavy steering. If the steering wheel feels noticeably harder to turn than it used to, particularly at low speeds or when parking, the power steering system is not providing adequate assist. On hydraulic systems, this can indicate low fluid, a worn pump, or a failing rack. On electric systems, it can indicate a motor, sensor, or control module issue.

Whining or groaning when turning. A whining noise that gets louder when you turn the steering wheel is one of the most recognizable symptoms of a power steering problem. On hydraulic systems, this is usually the power steering pump struggling due to low fluid, air in the system, or internal pump wear. The noise is typically loudest when turning at low speed, such as pulling out of a parking space.

Jerky or erratic steering feel. If the steering feels inconsistent, with moments of light effort followed by sudden resistance, there may be air in the hydraulic lines, a restriction in the system, or an intermittent electrical issue on electric power steering systems.

Fluid leak. Power steering fluid is typically clear, amber, or reddish in color. If you see this fluid pooling under the front of your vehicle, one of the hoses, seals, or the rack itself may be leaking. Running a hydraulic power steering system low on fluid damages the pump rapidly.

Steering wheel does not return to center. After completing a turn, the steering wheel should naturally return to the centered position as you straighten out. If it stays turned or returns sluggishly, the power steering system or the may need attention.

Power steering warning light. On vehicles with electric power steering, a warning light on the dashboard indicates a fault in the EPS system. This requires diagnostic scanning to identify the specific component or circuit that has failed.

Hydraulic vs. Electric Power Steering

Most vehicles on the road today use one of two types of power steering, and the maintenance needs are different for each:

Hydraulic power steering (HPS) uses an engine-driven pump to pressurize fluid, which flows through hoses to a steering rack or gear box where it provides the turning assist. Hydraulic systems are found on most vehicles built before 2010 and many trucks and larger SUVs still in production.

Hydraulic systems require periodic fluid service because the fluid degrades over time from heat, contamination, and moisture absorption. Degraded fluid loses its lubricating properties and can damage the pump and rack seals. A power steering fluid flush at the right interval prevents this degradation and keeps the system functioning smoothly.

Electric power steering (EPS) uses an electric motor, mounted either on the steering column or directly on the steering rack, to provide turning assist. There is no pump, no fluid, and no hoses. EPS systems are found on most newer passenger cars and crossovers. They are more fuel-efficient than hydraulic systems because they only draw power when the steering wheel is being turned, rather than constantly like a belt-driven pump.

EPS systems have fewer maintenance needs than hydraulic systems, but they can still develop problems. The electric motor can fail, the torque sensor that measures steering input can malfunction, and the control module can develop faults. These issues require diagnostic scanning and are typically more complex to diagnose than hydraulic problems.

Power Steering Fluid Flush

For vehicles with hydraulic power steering, a fluid flush is the primary maintenance service. Over time, power steering fluid breaks down from heat exposure and accumulates microscopic debris from internal component wear. This degraded fluid becomes less effective as a lubricant and can accelerate wear on the pump, hoses, and rack seals.

A power steering fluid flush involves removing the old fluid from the system, including the fluid trapped in the rack, hoses, and pump reservoir, and replacing it with fresh fluid that meets your manufacturer’s specifications. Different vehicles require different types of power steering fluid, and using the wrong type can damage the system.

Most manufacturers recommend a power steering fluid flush every 50,000 to 75,000 miles, though some do not include it in their official maintenance schedule at all. Based on what we see in our shop, vehicles that go beyond 75,000 miles without a fluid flush tend to develop pump noise and steering feel issues that a fluid service could have prevented.

For vehicles with electric power steering, there is no fluid to service. EPS maintenance is limited to diagnosis and repair of electrical components when issues develop.

Power Steering Pump and Component Repair

When power steering components wear out, we diagnose and repair them:

Power steering pump replacement. The pump is the most common failure point on hydraulic systems. Symptoms include whining noise, increased steering effort, and fluid leaks from the pump body or shaft seal. When replacing a pump, we always flush the system to remove contaminated fluid and debris that could damage the new pump.

Power steering rack replacement. The steering rack contains internal seals that can wear over time, causing fluid leaks and reduced assist. Rack replacement is a more involved job than pump replacement but restores full steering performance.

Hose replacement. The high-pressure and return hoses that connect the pump to the rack can develop leaks at their fittings or develop cracks in the hose material. Leaking hoses reduce system pressure and can cause intermittent loss of assist.

Electric power steering motor and module service. For EPS systems, we diagnose issues with the electric motor, torque sensor, and control module using manufacturer-level diagnostic equipment. Depending on the fault, the repair may involve replacing the motor, recalibrating the sensor, or updating the control module software.

Power Steering Repair FAQs

Schedule Your Power Steering Service

At Kneble’s Auto Service Center we always want to make the process of getting your car serviced as convenient as possible. If you need power steering service, call us at (609) 625-3286 or schedule an appointment online.

We are able to accommodate those who desire to wait as we feature a comfortable waiting area complete with TV, complimentary refreshments, a library, a desk, and a charging station. And yes, we even have free Wi-Fi!

Call before drop-off to discuss available transportation options; availability is not guaranteed.