Prevent Power Steering Failure in Tight Parking

Cost Savings

Checklist Tasks

• Inspect power steering fluid level when cold to ensure it’s within the recommended range.
• Check fluid color and odor for signs of overheating from tight parking maneuvers.
• Examine the belt for glazing or cracks to prevent slipping under load.
• Test for resistance or noise at low speeds to detect pump or rack wear.
• Clean debris from reservoir cap to avoid fluid contamination during checks.
• Check hoses and connections for leaks that worsen with frequent full-lock turns.
• Lubricate steering linkage grease points to reduce friction in slow, tight turns.
• Avoid holding the wheel at full lock for more than five seconds to prevent pump overheating.
• Inspect rack boots for fluid seepage to catch early seal failure.
• Monitor for changes in steering effort after parking to spot early fatigue.
• Flush and replace steering fluid every 40,000–60,000 miles to remove contaminants.
• Use only the manufacturer-specified fluid to avoid viscosity-related issues.