How to Find Hydraulic Power Steering Faults with a Diagnostic Tool?

How to Find Hydraulic Power Steering Faults with a Diagnostic Tool?

One of the most sensitive issues for drivers when buying a car is not losing driving pleasure.

Vehicles that are safe and easy to drive make journeys more enjoyable and comfortable.

When choosing a vehicle, convenience from auxiliary systems such as hydraulic power steering matters as much as speed, appearance or model.

Considering driving comfort, hydraulic power steering is one of the first systems that comes to mind on many newer models.

Based on hydraulic oil pressure to make steering easier, this system not only lets the driver turn safely while driving but also helps when parking in tight spaces.

What Is Hydraulic Power Steering?

Hydraulic power steering is a system with a history of nearly 50 years.

Simply put, these are steering systems that work with hydraulic fluid. This auxiliary system not only provides comfort while driving but also maximizes vehicle maneuverability.

Hydraulic power steering uses the relationship between pressure and force.

When the steering wheel is turned, it has a system that adds force from hydraulic pressure to the force applied by the driver.

Working on the Pascal principle, these steering systems use the extra force created while driving to soften the steering wheel and act on the wheels.

The hydraulic cylinder system in the gear box and the bidirectional pistons inside it determine movement according to oil pressure direction.

It is not enough to say hydraulic power steering is only a maneuverability system.

Other advantages of this steering system:

• Prevents the risk of losing steering control during emergency braking or tire blowouts.
• Produces strong assist at low speeds to soften the wheel, then reduces assist as speed increases to prevent loss of steering control in emergencies.
• Minimizes the effort needed to turn the wheel and makes driving easier.
• Reduces vibration during driving for a more comfortable journey for passengers and driver.

Today this system is generally used on heavy-duty and light commercial vehicles.

Almost all newly produced passenger cars use electric power steering.

Components of the Hydraulic Power Steering System:

• Steering wheel
• Steering column
• Steering gear
• Steering damper
• Pitman arm
• Tie rods and tie rod ends
• Power steering pump
• Steering universal joint
• Idler arm

What Faults Occur in the Hydraulic Power Steering System?

Faults can occur in almost all of the steering components listed above.

However, the steering gear box and power steering pump are the most commonly failing parts.

Because these parts are used heavily, wear and failure occur more often. You can also check steering faults by performing diagnostics on your vehicle with the Launch X-431 Pro4 Lite device.

What Should You Do to Avoid Hydraulic Power Steering Faults?

• Do not move the steering wheel when the engine is off. This damages tie rods and tie rod ends.
• Check power steering fluid frequently.
• Avoid rough roads whenever possible and drive slowly on such surfaces.
• Have shock absorber maintenance and replacement done regularly.
• When you need a full steering lock, do not turn to the absolute end stop.
• Such full-lock turns overstress the steering pump and increase the risk of failure.

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