{"id":7739,"date":"2021-05-26T01:10:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-26T08:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=7739"},"modified":"2025-05-08T00:42:48","modified_gmt":"2025-05-08T07:42:48","slug":"power-steering-not-working","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/power-steering-not-working\/","title":{"rendered":"Power Steering Not Working: Why This Happens and What to Do"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 9<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column7739_511407-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column7739_511407-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column7739_511407-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column7739_511407-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column7739_511407-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column7739_511407-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column7739_511407-aa{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column7739_511407-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column7739_511407-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column7739_511407-aa inner-column-1 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-77698a  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-79b25e\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7739_db7bb5-eb, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7739_db7bb5-eb[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7739_db7bb5-eb\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7739_db7bb5-eb mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7739_db7bb5-eb[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7739_db7bb5-eb\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7739_db7bb5-eb img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading7739_db7bb5-eb[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7739_db7bb5-eb\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading7739_db7bb5-eb summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading7739_db7bb5-eb\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If your power steering has failed, the cause will depend on the type of power steering system your car has.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There are three different types of power steering systems: hydraulic, electric, and electric power hydraulic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A hydraulic or electric power steering system can fail because of a loss of hydraulic fluid, a snapped serpentine belt, or a damaged hydraulic pump.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your power steering goes out, carefully direct your vehicle to the side of the road and carefully slow down.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Imagine you are driving at highway speed jamming to your favorite song when suddenly, you feel this weird resistance from the steering wheel. You find yourself having to exert more effort in directing your vehicle and you start to ask yourself: &ldquo;Why is my steering wheel hard to turn?&rdquo;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you ever find yourself having difficulties maneuvering or turning the steering wheel, chances are, your power steering has failed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Happens When Power Steering Goes Out?<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-steering-wheel-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"both hands of a woman holding on a car's steering wheel\" class=\"wp-image-7741\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-steering-wheel-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-steering-wheel-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-steering-wheel-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-steering-wheel-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-steering-wheel-600x400.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-steering-wheel.jpeg 1560w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">If you ever find yourself having difficulties maneuvering or turning the steering wheel, chances are, your power steering has failed.&nbsp;<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>There are many potential causes for a loss of power steering. Furthermore, what potentially could go wrong depends on whether your car has hydraulic, electric or hydro-electric power steering.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes the power steering works just fine but may become noisy, either because of loose or slipping belts, bad bearings, or air in the hydraulic system &ndash; this air problem can happen without warning even if&nbsp; the power steering fluid isn&rsquo;t low and hasn&rsquo;t been drained. The noise can be annoying and a slipping belt or foamy fluid may make the steering feel strange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types Of Power Steering Systems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on what car you drive, the power steering could be any of the three types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hydraulic Power Steering<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Electric Power Hydraulic Steering<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fully Electric Power Steering<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hydraulic systems<\/strong> use hydraulic pressure from a power steering pump. This pump, which is driven by the engine drive belt, delivers pressurized power steering fluid to the steering gear.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Electric power steering systems<\/strong> use a motor instead of a hydraulic pump. In a <strong>fully electric power steering<\/strong> system, the electronic control unit takes control of the steering dynamics.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Electric hydraulic systems<\/strong> use electrically-driven hydraulic pumps instead of the engine-driven ones on conventional hydraulic systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table aligncenter\"><table class=\"blg-block\" role=\"presentation\"><tbody><tr><td>Power Steering System<\/td><td>Problem<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hydraulic Power Steering<\/td><td>Lack of fluid supply due to power steering fluid leak<br>Failing hydraulic pump<br>Failed steering gear<br>Loose\/Slipping belt<br>Variable Power Assist Issues<br>Clogged fluid reservoir screen (starving the pump and making it noisy)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Electric Power Hydraulic Steering<\/td><td>Damaged wiring<br>Failing electric motor<br>Power steering fluid leak<br>Failed steering gear<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fully Electric Power Steering<\/td><td>Worn-out electrical wiring<br>Damaged motor<br>Overheated EPS motor due to aggressive prolonged steering maneuvers<br>Failing electronic parts<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If there&rsquo;s a loss of fluid pressure in a hydraulic power steering system, your car will either have limited steering assist or lose steering assist altogether. When that happens, your car&rsquo;s steering system will revert to manual operation (i.e., your muscles do all the work). As a result, the steering wheel will become very difficult to turn.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Electric power steering can stop working suddenly and render the vehicle very difficult to drive as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may also experience a loss of power assist when there&rsquo;s a problem in an electric or hydro-electric power steering system.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, the handling of your 2000s car would be just as heavy as a 1960s vehicle&mdash;difficult and tiring to operate especially at low speeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n    <div class=\"ai-summary-widget\">\n\n        <div class=\"ai-summary-grid\">\n\n            <div>\n                <div class=\"ai-avatar\">\n                    <figure>\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/q_auto,dpr_auto,f_auto\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/ai-summary\/ai-bot\" alt=\"AI robot\">\n                    <\/figure>\n                    <span>ELI5<\/span>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div>\n                <p>Power steering is a device in your car that decreases the effort you need to move the steering wheel. It makes it easy to steer your car when you're driving slowly. It also makes moving your car in tight spaces easier. Hydraulic power steering systems use a power steering pump to move hydraulic fluid. There's also electrical power steering systems that use small electric motors to assist you.<\/p>    \n            <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"ai-summary-tooltip\">   \n            <p>Not everyone is an auto repair expert. <strong>ELI5 (&ldquo;Explain Like I&rsquo;m Five&rdquo;)<\/strong> provides layperson-friendly explanations of complex automotive concepts, systems, &amp; parts, so you can fully understand their importance. Great for casual car owners and DIY beginners! Powered by AI.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/power-steering-rack-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"power steering rack\" class=\"wp-image-39340\" style=\"width:1024px;height:682px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/power-steering-rack-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/power-steering-rack-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/power-steering-rack-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/power-steering-rack-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/power-steering-rack-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/power-steering-rack-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/power-steering-rack.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">If there&rsquo;s a loss of fluid pressure in a hydraulic power steering system, your car will either have limited steering assist or lose steering assist altogether.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To learn more about the history of power steering systems and how they work, check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/power-steering-not-working\/#An_In-Depth_Look_at_Power_Steering_Systems\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"in-depth look\">in-depth look<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Power Steering Failure Causes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the common culprits of a failing hydraulic or electric power steering system:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Loss of power steering fluid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A drop in your power steering fluid level indicates a leak somewhere in the system. Check the hoses, seals, and the hydraulic pump for any signs of leaks to avoid draining the fluid.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Damaged hydraulic pump<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/low-power-steering-fluid-symptoms-causes-plus-faq\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Loss of power steering fluid\">Loss of power steering fluid<\/a> can damage the hydraulic pump and cause problems in your steering. So, what happens when the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/symptoms-of-bad-power-steering-pump\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"power steering pump goes out\">power steering pump goes out<\/a>?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the damage is very recent, you may begin noticing some noises. This can happen as performance deteriorates from smooth to hard-to-steer operation. When the pump fails altogether, you&rsquo;ll have zero steering assist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/power-steering-pump\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"power steering pump\">power steering pump<\/a> that&rsquo;s leaking will cause the fluid to deplete faster, resulting in noise and, eventually, a loss of steering assist.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Snapped or slipping serpentine belt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An engine-driven hydraulic pump spins because a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/serpentine-belt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"belt\">belt<\/a> driven by the crankshaft pulley. When <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/serpentine-belt-symptoms-replacement-cost-and-more\/#Bad_Serpentine_Belt_Symptoms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"snapped or slipping\">snapped or slipping<\/a>, the belt will leave the pump powerless and, therefore, won&rsquo;t be able to supply the system with hydraulic fluid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Worn electronic components&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As was mentioned earlier, electric power steering systems have a steering torque sensor, an electric motor, and a dedicated module, which is supplied with power through fuses and wiring. Should any of these components or the wiring fail, a partial or complete loss of steering assist will occur.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to Do When the Power Steering Goes Out<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can easily tell when the power steering begins to fail as the steering wheel will become very difficult to turn. In some cases, power steering failure happens gradually, while, in other instances, the failure happens spontaneously. In fact, it can happen while driving and catch drivers by surprise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of the safety tips outlined below are pretty obvious, but not all drivers know the best way to react in such a situation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&rsquo;s a checklist of the things you need to do when the power steering system fails while you&rsquo;re on the road:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Signal other drivers using your lights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Turn your hazard lights on to let other drivers know that there&rsquo;s something wrong with your vehicle. By doing this, you&rsquo;re also allowing them to pass you or practice caution when tailing your vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Carefully direct your vehicle to the shoulder of the road<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Observe the road for approaching vehicles and carefully turn your steering wheel to direct your car towards the shoulder. This would require you to apply extra force, depending on the damage in your power steering system.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take your time to switch lanes and don&rsquo;t rush. Keep in mind that you may not be able to counter-steer instantly in bad situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Slow down until you reach a full stop<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As you pull over to the side of the road, lightly step on the brake pedals. Make sure that there aren&rsquo;t any fast-approaching vehicles before reducing your speed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you&rsquo;re on the shoulder lane, apply the brakes gradually until you&rsquo;ve come to a full stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"article-search-widget\">\n<div class=\"cp-search\">\n<div align=\"center\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/w_auto,dpr_auto\/carparts\/logos\/badge_wordmark\/full_color\/CP_LOGO_COLOUR_RGB\" alt=\"CarParts.com\" width=\"300\" height=\"56\">\n<\/div>\n<form id=\"cpsearchform\" name=\"cpsearchform\" action=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/search\" method=\"get\" target=\"_blank\" accept-charset=\"character_set\" aria-label=\"search CarParts.com\">\n    <input type=\"text\" class=\"keyword\" name=\"q\" placeholder=\"Search for parts on CarParts.com\" value=\"\" aria-label=\"Search CarParts.com\"><input type=\"submit\" class=\"btn-search\" value=\"Search\" aria-label=\"Search\">\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Assess the severity of the issue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you&rsquo;ve parked your vehicle in a safe spot, assess the severity of the problem by turning the wheel left and right&mdash;check how hard it is to turn. Here is where you assess whether you can still drive the car to the mechanic or have it towed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the weight of the steering wheel is still manageable, you may be able to drive the car to the nearest mechanic. Make sure to drive slow and stay on the outside lanes to minimize steering inputs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be hyper aware of your surroundings and observe defensive driving at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Call for a tow truck if in doubt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you feel that you are unable to steer the vehicle accurately, call for a tow truck. Make sure that your vehicle is safely positioned on the shoulder lane as it might take a while before the tow truck arrives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does the Power Steering Assist Fault Message Mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Power Steering Assist Fault message may suggest an issue with your power steering system. To clear the message, the cause must be identified and the problem fixed firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Causes the Power Steering Assist Fault Message?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Besides the listed power steering failure symptoms listed above, there are also a handful of unrelated issues that could prompt the message to show on your dashboard. Here are some of the common ones:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Blow fuse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The problem could also stem from a blow fuse for the power steering pump or another power steering system. It&rsquo;s generally rare to experience one, but it does occur due to sudden voltage spikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bad wheel alignment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bad wheel alignment, or misaligned wheels, can trick the computer into thinking there&rsquo;s an issue in the steering angle sensor. This prompts the power steering assist fault message to appear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">An In-Depth Look at Power Steering Systems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Power steering appeared in 1951 on the Chrysler Imperial and it didn&rsquo;t take long before other automakers followed with their own power steering systems. Hydraulic power steering systems are very common; the steering gear receives up to 1,500 pounds of pressure from a belt driven pump that has a large pulley. Small pulleys (like the alternator) are for speed and large pulleys (like the power steering pump and A\/C compressor) provide less speed but more torque, which is necessary for any pumping operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The steering gear is designed to divert the pressure in such a way that it provides power assist whenever the steering wheel is turned, usually by way of a spool valve connected to the base of the steering column.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Systems with a Steering Box and Pitman Arm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Older steering systems use a steering &ldquo;box&rdquo; with a Pitman arm connected to a drag link, which in turn is connected to tie rods that transfers turning force to the wheel spindles. The wheel spindles swivel on one or two ball joints, depending on the design of the suspension system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The steering box has, in addition to its mechanical connections, two hydraulic lines, both connected to the pump. One line carries high pressure hydraulic fluid to the steering gear and the other line is the power steering return line, which carries fluid from the steering gear (through a long pipe with or without cooling fins) back to the power steering reservoir, which typically has a screen to prevent solid contaminants from making their way to the pump itself. <strong><em>Remember that screen in the bottom of the reservoir &ndash; it&rsquo;s important<\/em><\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column7739_ecef97-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column7739_ecef97-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column7739_ecef97-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column7739_ecef97-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column7739_ecef97-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column7739_ecef97-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column7739_ecef97-d1{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column7739_ecef97-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column7739_ecef97-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column7739_ecef97-d1 kb-section-dir-vertical kb-section-sm-dir-vertical inner-column-1 pro-tip-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id7739_f47258-3f > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id7739_f47258-3f > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id7739_f47258-3f > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:20px;padding-right:32px;padding-bottom:20px;padding-left:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(10% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(90% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id7739_f47258-3f > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.00;}.kb-row-layout-id7739_f47258-3f .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:100px;}.kb-row-layout-id7739_f47258-3f .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:100%;}.kb-row-layout-id7739_f47258-3f .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}.kb-row-layout-id7739_f47258-3f .kt-row-layout-top-sep{height:100px;}.kb-row-layout-id7739_f47258-3f .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{width:100%;}.kb-row-layout-id7739_f47258-3f .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id7739_f47258-3f > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id7739_f47258-3f .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id7739_f47258-3f .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id7739_f47258-3f > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:28px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:25px;padding-left:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}.kb-row-layout-id7739_f47258-3f .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}.kb-row-layout-id7739_f47258-3f .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id7739_f47258-3f alignnone pro-tip-wrap wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-right-golden kt-mobile-layout-right-golden kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column7739_3588da-d0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column7739_3588da-d0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{min-height:45px;}.kadence-column7739_3588da-d0 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column7739_3588da-d0 > 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pro-tip-item1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image7739_4c0a8b-51.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image7739_4c0a8b-51 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:45px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image7739_4c0a8b-51.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image7739_4c0a8b-51 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image7739_4c0a8b-51 figure{max-width:45px;}.kb-image7739_4c0a8b-51 .image-is-svg, .kb-image7739_4c0a8b-51 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image7739_4c0a8b-51 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image7739_4c0a8b-51\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/f_auto,dpr_auto,q_auto,c_pad\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/protip\/services-icon\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img\"><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column7739_484e55-5b > 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class=\"protip-desc\">\n\t<div class=\"help-tip\">\n\t\t<p><strong>Pro Tips<\/strong> are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n    <div class=\"help-caption\">\n        <p>\n            <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong>\nSome fluid reservoirs are mounted right on the hydraulic pump, but more often on later models they are mounted remotely, with large oil-proof feed hoses feeding fluid to the pump.\n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-data443-irp-shortcode irp-shortcode\"><div style=\"clear:both; margin-top:0em; margin-bottom:1em;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/b0081-code-first-row-center-seatbelt-load-limiter-deployment-control-subfault\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"dofollow\" class=\"ub3416f1d695d620548dcf3a23e3f3acc\"><style> .ub3416f1d695d620548dcf3a23e3f3acc { padding:0px; margin: 0; padding-top:1em!important; padding-bottom:1em!important; width:100%; display: block; font-weight:bold; background-color:#eaeaea; border:0!important; border-left:4px solid #34495E!important; text-decoration:none; } .ub3416f1d695d620548dcf3a23e3f3acc:active, .ub3416f1d695d620548dcf3a23e3f3acc:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; text-decoration:none; } .ub3416f1d695d620548dcf3a23e3f3acc { transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; } .ub3416f1d695d620548dcf3a23e3f3acc .ctaText { font-weight:bold; color:#464646; text-decoration:none; font-size: 16px; } .ub3416f1d695d620548dcf3a23e3f3acc .postTitle { color:#000000; text-decoration: underline!important; font-size: 16px; } .ub3416f1d695d620548dcf3a23e3f3acc:hover .postTitle { text-decoration: underline!important; } <\/style><div style=\"padding-left:1em; padding-right:1em;\"><span class=\"ctaText\">See also<\/span>&nbsp; <span class=\"postTitle\">B0081 Code: First Row Center Seatbelt Load Limiter Deployment Control (Subfault)<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hydraulic Rack and Pinion Steering Systems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hydraulic rack and pinion steering is a simpler, lighter design with fewer steering parts &ndash; there is a pinion gear meshed to a rack positioned between the left and right tie rods that transfer the rack movement to the wheel spindles.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"602\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rack-and-pinion-steering-1024x602.jpg\" alt=\"rack and pinion steering\" class=\"wp-image-39337\" style=\"width:1024px;height:602px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rack-and-pinion-steering-1024x602.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rack-and-pinion-steering-300x176.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rack-and-pinion-steering-768x451.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rack-and-pinion-steering-1536x902.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rack-and-pinion-steering-150x88.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rack-and-pinion-steering.jpg 1859w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hydraulic rack and pinion steering is a simpler, lighter design with fewer steering parts.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The pinion gear is connected to the steering column, and there is a valve between the pinion and the column that directs fluid to one side of the rack piston or the other, depending on which way the steering wheel is turned. This system has high pressure feed and return lines much like the steering box version and is less likely to develop steering play over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some later model cars have removed the belt driven pump and replaced it with a pump driven by an electric motor to take some of the load off the engine, but the pump and fluid lines work the same way. Since the pump isn&rsquo;t belt driven, it can be mounted just about anywhere in the engine compartment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Electric Power Steering (EPS) Systems&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems are becoming more prevalent with each passing year. Electric power steering typically has a <strong>steering torque sensor<\/strong>, an <strong>electric assist motor<\/strong>, and a dedicated <strong>electronic control module<\/strong>. These parts are common to all electric power steering systems. Some EPS systems (not all) use additional input from the <strong>steering angle sensor <\/strong>which pre-dates EPS. But the primary purpose of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/steering-angle-sensor-what-it-is-symptoms-of-failure-types-and-more\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"steering angle sensor\">steering angle sensor<\/a> is vehicle dynamics (ABS, Suspension, etc.) rather than EPS. Earlier EPS systems have the module, the motor, and the steering torque sensor all built into a module just underneath the dash.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Electric Power Steering Assist motors are almost always <strong>three-phase DC motors<\/strong>, which work better in this application than brushed DC motors because they can provide a lot of torque regardless of their driven speed. The motor will have a worm gear meshed to a ring gear, and when the motor spins its worm gear, steering assist is provided by driving the ring gear, which is part of the steering column. The steering rack is mounted the same way, but has no hydraulic lines connected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>It&rsquo;s important to note that many power systems may have Variable Assist Power steering systems that provide more steering assist during parking lot maneuvers than at road speed. Regardless of the type of power steering used (EPS or Hydraulic) not every system has this feature. <\/em><em>Steering effort can be affected on hydraulic systems if the Variable Assist is malfunctioning<\/em><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>It&rsquo;s important to note that many power systems may have Variable Assist Power steering systems that provide more steering assist during parking lot maneuvers than at road speed. Regardless of the type of power steering used (EPS or Hydraulic) not every system has this feature. Steering effort can be affected on hydraulic systems if the Variable Assist is malfunctioning.<\/p>\n<cite>&ndash;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/richardmccuistian\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician\">Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Later EPS systems have the three primary components (motor, module, torque sensor) mounted on the steering rack. In most cases, regardless of where the EPS unit is placed (under dash or in the rack) the entire EPS assembly will need to be replaced if there are problems with the steering system, and most makes require programming and learning elements of the job that make it difficult for a DIY person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Products Mentioned in this Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"reusable-productlink\">\n\n<!-- start of editable content -->\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/power-steering-pump\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"power steering pump\" rel=\"noopener\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_200,w_200,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/repm510404_1\">\n<strong>Power Steering Pump<\/strong>\n<\/a>\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/serpentine-belt\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"serpentine belt\" rel=\"noopener\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_200,w_200,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/rd31620001_1\">\n<strong>Serpentine Belt<\/strong>\n<\/a>\n\n<!-- end of editable content -->\n\n<\/div>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 9<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>Imagine you are driving at highway speed jamming to your favorite song when suddenly, you feel this weird resistance from&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/power-steering-not-working\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1651,"featured_media":7740,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[52,3748],"tags":[1258,502,878],"ppma_author":[2607,2985],"class_list":{"0":"post-7739","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-diy","8":"category-transmission","9":"tag-power-steering-pump","10":"tag-serpentine-belt","11":"tag-steering-wheel","12":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Power Steering Not Working: Why This Happens and What to Do - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The loss of power steering results in vehicle handling difficulties and may, at times, lead to accidents. Learn what to do when it fails and don\u2019t panic.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/power-steering-not-working\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Power Steering Not Working: Why This Happens and What to Do - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The loss of power steering results in vehicle handling difficulties and may, at times, lead to accidents. 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