Murray Automotive AutoNet TV

Steer Right In Richmond

Posted April 12, 2013 10:37 AM

Virtually all vehicles come with power steering so many Powhatan motorists have never driven a car or truck without it. Power steering assists you when you turn your Chevy steering wheel. Without it, it would be very hard to steer.

Now this power assist comes in a couple of forms. In recent years, a lot of Richmond vehicles have an electric motor that reduces steering effort and helps improve gas mileage.

The other kind of power steering is hydraulic. This is the kind most older Virginia vehicles, and a lot of newer ones, have. Power steering fluid is pressurized by a pump and is used to assist steering. Of course, Richmond motorists need the right amount of fluid in the system. If it’s too low your steering is affected and you could damage your Chevy pump.

Also, power steering fluid can become corrosive over time and damage the pump, hoses and connectors; leading to leaks and repairs. Power steering service at Murray Automotive in Powhatan includes removing the contaminated fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid.

A word about power steering pumps: Some are powered by an electric motor. Others are driven by the serpentine belt. A worn serpentine belt stresses all of the Chevy components it drives, including the power steering pump, so replace the belt at Murray Automotive as advised to avoid undue repairs.

Losing your power steering while driving in Powhatan can be unsettling – just remember that you can still steer, it’ll just be harder. Check with your friendly Murray Automotive tech to see if it’s time to service your Chevy power steering system.

In addition to power steering service, at Murray Automotive we offer comprehensive automotive services including chevy repair, preventative maintenance and towing.

Give us a call

Murray Automotive
804 378 3374
1731 Douthit Ct
Powhatan, Virginia 23139

Posted in the Steering category

Power Steering Service

Posted April 18, 2011 8:10 AM

For most of us, it is hard to remember life without power steering - cranking those great big steering wheels? It was a pretty good workout. Now power steering is standard. The heart of any power steering system is its pump. The pump pressurizes the power steering fluid that provides assist for steering. Most pumps are driven by a belt that is run by the engine - a few are electrically powered. A high-pressure hose passes fluid from the pump to the steering gear. A low pressure hose returns the fluid back to the pump.

These hoses can develop leaks, so it is a good idea to inspect them at every oil change. Low fluid can damage the power steering pump. That is why fluid level is on the checklist for a full-service oil change. The fluid needs to be compatible with the hoses and seals, so check your owners' manual for the right type - or just ask your service technician.

The fluid cleans, cools and lubricates the power steering system. It breaks down as the years go by and collects unwanted moisture, so it needs to be replaced from time to time. Many manufacturers specify power steering service intervals. Unfortunately, this important service is sometimes left off the maintenance schedule. So, when in doubt, every 25,000 miles/40,000 km or two years is a good fallback. Your Richmond or Powhatan service center will use a detergent to clean the system, flush out the old fluid and replace it with the good stuff.

Here are some warning signs of trouble with your power steering: It's harder to turn the wheel, there's erratic power assist, you hear loud whining coming from the pump (which may be difficult to hear over the loud whining coming from the backseat), you have to top-off the fluid frequently, or you hear squealing belts. Remember to never hold the steering wheel to the far right or left for more than a few seconds at a time. That will wear out your pump real fast.

Other steering components can be bent or damaged from wear or hard knocks. Ball-joint, idler-arm, steering-gear, steering-knuckle and tie rod to name a few. Warning signs here are steering play, wandering, uneven tire wear, and off-center steering wheel. An annual alignment check at Murray Automotive in Powhatan will reveal bent or damaged steering components.

Most SUV's, pick-ups and rear-wheel-drive cars need regular front-wheel-bearing service.

The bearings should be cleaned and inspected. If they are excessively worn, they need to be replaced. The bearings are then repacked in clean grease. It's also recommend the wheel-seal be replaced when the bearings are serviced. Like everything else, check your owners' manual maintenance schedule. It's usually required around every two years or 40,000 miles/64,000 km. If you drive through water, the bearings will need service more often.

Posted in the Steering category