Hydraulic Power Steering System: Maintenance Tips

Hydraulic power steering is a friend to the steering mechanism. If it suddenly fails, you're in trouble. How can you avoid being stranded in the middle of nowhere with a broken power steering? There are tricks and life hacks that slow down wear and prevent hydraulic power steering failure. Read about them in our article.

Let's get straight to the point:

1. Don't keep the steering wheel in the extreme position for more than 5 seconds with the engine running if you want to give a long life to the hydraulic power steering pump system. Holding the steering wheel in the extreme position puts unnecessary stress on the power steering pump and high-pressure hose. The consequence is that the pump wears out much faster.
2. When leaving your car parked, keep the wheels in the "straight" position, especially in winter when the oil thickens in the cold. This is necessary to relieve the hydraulic system when you start the engine next time. Cooled oil becomes sticky and moves less smoothly along the oil lines.
3. The hydraulic power steering oil also needs to be warmed up. After starting the engine, turn the steering wheel several times from the extreme right position to the extreme left position.
4. Monitor the condition and level of oil in the hydraulic power steering reservoir. If the oil has darkened, foamed, or started emitting a strange and/or unpleasant smell, it should be changed promptly. We have a whole article about it. By the way, check the oil level only when the system is warmed up; otherwise, the inspection will not provide information about the oil's condition.
5. Change the power steering reservoir filter at least once every 2 years. If you missed the moment and did not change the oil in the hydraulic power steering system, which turned into a thick dark liquid, you will most likely have to change the filter as well.
6. Monitor the condition of the hydraulic power steering pump repair kit. All sealing rings should be intact and in their places. And don't think that the seals will save you!
7. It is important to use exactly the oil recommended by the manufacturer of your car for the hydraulic power steering system. Different models of steering mechanisms have their own requirements that you may not be aware of.
8. If we're already talking about hydraulic power steering oil, here's a life hack. Take a round magnet in the shape of a small bagel, no larger than a coin. Tie it with a string to the cover of the hydraulic power steering reservoir. Lower it into the reservoir with fresh oil. Ta-da! - this mini-helper will collect metal shavings from the oil circulating in the system. There is a lot of it, and the oil darkens and thickens precisely because of these shavings. The magnet should be removed once a week and wiped from metal deposits. This way, you can extend the life of the hydraulic power steering pump and not have to change the oil so often.

What if the hydraulic power steering pump fails on the way?

• So you're on the road, maybe driving at high speed. The first reaction when the driver realizes that the hydraulic power steering system has failed is panic because the steering wheel has become tense! Stay calm, just stay calm. Activate the hazard lights, informing other road users that you intend to park unexpectedly.
• You still want a smooth ride, but the steering wheel is tight, literally pulling out of your hands. In this case, grip the steering wheel tightly and try to park carefully on the side of the road.
• Brake gradually, shift down a gear, or brake by reducing speed while driving on gravel — this will help you stop safely.
• You're on the side of the road. Restart the engine if it has turned off. Turn the steering wheel from one extreme position to another. If it was a temporary failure of the hydraulic power steering, breathe a sigh of relief and drive to the service, as even with the power steering running, such failures are suspicious and should be urgently repaired. And if the steering is still tight or doesn't turn at all, call a tow truck and also head to a trusted service.
• In any case, you need to go to a repair shop.

And the most important tip: if the steering system behaves strangely, go to a specialized repair shop immediately! Because even a seemingly minor malfunction can lead to sad consequences. Don't skimp on safety and keep an eye on your hydraulic power steering system.