Why is the power steering buzzing when turning the steering wheel? Causes

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:55

Modern car is literally "stuffed" with various additional systems aimed at improving comfort. We can no longer imagine a car without air conditioning, heated seats, power windows and, of course, hydraulic power steering. It is called GUR for short. However, during operation, this mechanism may fail.

A reason to think seriously if the power steering is buzzing when the steering wheel is turned in place. What can these unpleasant sounds indicate? Why is the power steering buzzing when turning the steering wheel? How to deal with this, we will consider in this article.

Characteristic

Hydraulic booster is a steering element. Unlike mechanical type systems, in this case, additional force is generated to turn the wheels, based on a hydraulic drive.

The device works from the crankshaft pulley. The performance of an amplifier is proportional to the speed of a given pulley. That is, the higher the speed, the easier it is to turn the steering wheel (which is contrary to real requirements). In this regard, more expensive cars are equipped with electric assistants. They allow you to reduce the gain when the car picks up speed and vice versa.

Working fluid

Those who have a hydraulic booster know that the main component in it (besides the pump) is the liquid. The oil in the power steering system also has its own resource. No need to think that it is flooded for the entire period of operation. The fluid has to be periodically topped up or changed completely. The last option is more reasonable in terms of system maintenance.

How often to change a little in the hydraulic booster system? Many manufacturers do not regulate this figure. However, experts say that the oil needs to be changed at least once every 5 years. Every 60 thousand kilometers, the fluid level in the tank should be checked. If these rules are not followed, the hum of the amplifier is possible when turning the steering wheel.

How to determine the condition of the liquid?

Look into the tank. Power steering fluid should be its original color (usually tinted red), free of impurities and deposits.

Dirt on the walls of the tank should also not be. An important point - when adding oil, do not mix products from different manufacturers. If you don't know what liquid wasfilled earlier, it is recommended to change it entirely. Old oil will not be pumped well by the pump. Over time, the steering wheel speed will become tight, and the pump itself will begin to make a characteristic sound. But this is not the only reason why the power steering hums when the steering wheel is turned.

Rail

Modern cars no longer use worm and screw steering. All machines are now equipped with rails. The Mitsubishi Lancer 9 was no exception. The power steering buzzes when the steering wheel is turned, sometimes precisely because of the rack. What is the reason for this phenomenon?

The problem lies in temperature fluctuations and reagents that are sprinkled on roads in winter. This problem is especially relevant for residents of large cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg. S alt gets on the rubber anthers and the rail oil seal. As a result, they "tan", crack, and the steering mechanism begins to flow. After a short stop, you will find that a puddle of oil has formed under the car.

This is the hydraulic booster fluid. Also, the problem is accompanied by a hum. After all, the oil level in the reservoir gradually drops. If this is not checked in time, the pump can be damaged. If the power steering hums strongly when the steering wheel is turned and fluid often disappears, first of all inspect the condition of the anthers. The rail must be dry.

If the problem was identified in time, everything is solved by replacing the damaged boot or oil seal. After such a repair, the liquid stops flowing out. In advanced cases, if the power steering is buzzing when the steering wheel is turned all the way, the rack and pinion mechanismchanges entirely.

Drive

The next reason is the drive mechanism. The hydraulic booster is driven by the crankshaft pulley. The knots are connected by a belt drive. It should have good tension. Otherwise, the pump pressure will be insufficient. In addition to the hum, you will feel that the steering wheel has become much tighter, in addition there will be increased vibration. Check the condition of the belt.

Adjust the position of the tension roller. Usually, a key of 14 is used for such work. Also check the condition of the belt itself. Of course, when it breaks, the valves will not bend, as on the timing. The pump will simply stop producing pressure. However, driving with a cracked belt is not worth it. If the element has scuffs and small cracks, it needs to be replaced. At the same time, check the condition of other belts (generator and timing mechanism) that are nearby.

Check how the belt bearing rotates: it should not whistle. If so, replace the element with a new one.

Pump

And the last reason why the power steering is buzzing when the steering wheel is turned is a faulty pump. This happens due to ignoring the oil change schedule and improper operation of the steering.

The element is changed entirely, without repair kits. The pump is the most expensive part (with the exception of the rack) in the car's control system. Therefore, you need to know how to properly operatecar with power steering.

How to save power steering?

There are a number of rules that should be followed when operating a car with power steering:

• Don't park your car with the tires turned out, especially in winter.
• Do not overheat the power steering fluid. To do this, do not unscrew the steering wheel all the way. Leave a small gap of 5-10 degrees. The load on the pump will decrease significantly, and the liquid will not boil.
• Watch the oil level in the tank. If the liquid began to leave, check the condition of the rack and rubber tubes. The leak must be fixed.
• Change the power steering oil regularly. This will keep the pump and rail from premature failure.
• Do not ride with a loose seat belt. If there are any extraneous sounds from under the hood (often this is a characteristic whistle), check the tension level.

Conclusion

So, we found out why the power steering buzzes when the steering wheel is turned and how to prevent this malfunction. The hydraulic booster makes driving easier, especially during maneuvers such as parking. However, do not forget that power steering is a separate mechanism that uses its own oil and its own drive. With proper care, this assembly will delight the driver with long and silent operation.