Back to all

Stay Headed in the Right Direction, Kentwood

September 4, 2016

Power steering is standard on nearly every vehicle in Kentwood, Michigan , these days. Now there are some exotic, new types of power steering systems, but for the most part, the general setup is a pump that's driven by a belt powered by the engine.

Contact the automotive professionals at Tuffy Kentwood (Kalamazoo Ave SE) in Kentwood for questions about your power steering.

The pump generates power that assists drivers as they steer their vehicle around Kentwood, Michigan . Power steering systems use hoses to move pressurized fluid back and forth. These hoses can develop leaks so it's a good idea to have Tuffy Kentwood (Kalamazoo Ave SE) inspect them at every oil change.

A check of the power steering fluid level is on the list for every full service oil change at Tuffy Kentwood (Kalamazoo Ave SE) because low fluid can damage the power steering pump. And the fluid needs to be compatible with the hoses and seals, so it's important to use the correct type – just ask your service advisor at Tuffy Kentwood (Kalamazoo Ave SE).

In addition to providing a boost, the fluid cleans, cools and lubricates the power steering system. Over time, the lubricants and detergents diminish so Kentwood drivers need to replace their old fluid with clean, fresh fluid periodically.

Excess moisture can collect in the power steering fluid as well. That can lead to rust and corrosion as well as reduce the effectiveness of the fluid. Many outline power steering service intervals in the owner's manual. Unfortunately, this service is sometimes left off the maintenance schedule. For Kentwood drivers who are not sure, every two years is a good rule of thumb. 

At Tuffy Kentwood (Kalamazoo Ave SE), we use a detergent to clean the system, flush out the old fluid and replace it with new fluid.

Now, if you are experiencing high steering effort, erratic power assist or loud whining coming from the pump, you may have a power steering problem. Another sign is having to frequently top off the fluid.

Holding the steering wheel to the far right or left for more than a few seconds at a time can wear your pump out quickly. We want you to be sure to service your power steering system regularly at your service center, or Tuffy Kentwood (Kalamazoo Ave SE) in Kentwood, to keep you headed in the right direction.

Tuffy Kentwood (Kalamazoo Ave SE)
4384 Kalamazoo Ave. SE
Kentwood, Michigan 49508
616.301.1436

More articles from Tuffy Kentwood (Kalamazoo Ave. SE)

The Light Many Drivers Fear (Check Engine Light)

January 12, 2025

Ask just about any driver about one thing they fear seeing inside their vehicle and they'll say it's the Check Engine light coming on. You know, that little light on your instrument panel that is in the shape of a vehicle engine, often accompanied by the words Check, Check Engine, Check Engine Se... More

Getting from E to F (Fuel Gauge Problems)

January 5, 2025

Who thinks about their fuel gauge? You probably don't until it doesn't work any more. Then you have to guess how much fuel is in your tank, and that's no way to live life on the road. Fuel gauges, like every other part in your vehicle, can fail. And when yours stops working, you will probably... More

Out of Joint (CV Joint and Boot Replacement)

December 29, 2024

If you have a front-wheel-drive vehicle, it has components called CV joints which enable you to turn your wheels smoothly. The CV stands for constant velocity. In essence, its a set of gears that connect a shaft that allows power from the transmission to be sent to the wheels. When you turn the ... More