Back to all

Steer Clear (Power Steering Pump Replacement)

October 12, 2025

When it comes to ease and precision of steering, today’s vehicles are engineering marvels.  One of the keys to just how good steering is lies in the refinement of power-assisted steering which we know simply as power steering.  At the heart of the system is an electrically or belt-driven power steering pump.  It can apply hundreds of pounds of hydraulic pressure to the steering gear so you can turn your heavy vehicle with little effort.

The more time and distance your vehicle travels, the more wear your power steering pump experiences. One sign your pump may be aging is that you hear a whining or groaning sound coming from your wheels when you turn. You also may feel a vibration through the steering wheel, or the wheel is harder to turn or responding more slowly than normal.  Another sign of trouble with the power steering pump is power steering fluid (reddish-brown) leaks on the ground around your vehicle.

If you encounter these symptoms, have us check your vehicle sooner rather than waiting.  If your steering fails, you may find the wheel may lock up or it may become extremely hard to steer.  Both scenarios can be dangerous.  A technician will check out your vehicle and recommend the necessary repairs.  

They’ll also evaluate the belts, hoses and fluids that are part of your power steering system.  A well-maintained power steering system can ensure that feeling of confidence and precision that makes driving safe, easy and a pleasure.

Tuffy Pelham
3422 Pelham Parkway
Pelham, Alabama 35124
205-624-2190
http://www.tuffypelham.com

More articles from Tuffy Pelham

It's (Not) Complicated (Engine Air Filter)

November 30, 2025

While many components of your vehicle are complex and composed of lots of mechanical and electrical parts, there's one that isn't complicated but still important. It's your engine air filter. (And, we should point out, the engine air filter isn't to be confused with the cabin air filter. The ca... More

Passing the Test (How to Prevent Emissions Test Failure)

November 23, 2025

Vehicle emission testing has become ubiquitous in North America and for a good reason. Clean air quality is important for the environment and all of us. Since vehicle emissions are among the main causes of air pollution, emission testing can alert you to problems in your vehicle than can be fix... More

Easy on the Wheel (Power Steering)

November 16, 2025

Steering a vehicle these days doesn't take much effort, but if you got behind the wheel back before power steering was invented, you'd need to practically have the strength of Hercules to turn the wheel. The first power steering systems widely available changed everything. Chrysler introduced... More