Hello! While driving a 1999 Opel Astra g, the following indicators came on while driving: battery charged, seat belt not fastened. The power steering immediately stopped working and barely made it home on the battery. The alternator belt is intact and seems to be tensioned normally. Help identify the problem and how to repair it. Thank you. (Paul)
Hello, Pavel. We will try to help you solve this problem.
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Why doesn't power steering work?
Many motorists today encounter a malfunction of the power steering wheel. In particular, by going to any forum dedicated to Opel Astra cars, you can find a topic where this problem is discussed. There can be many reasons for the breakdown, but we will not consider all of them.
What to do if such a malfunction occurs:
- First of all, it is necessary to check the fluid level in the power steering. If it is not enough, then it must be added in any case. It is also necessary to check the system for leaks - quite often a lack of fluid is associated with this. In this case, the main symptom will be the unstable operation of the control system as a whole. As practice shows, this can happen not only due to a leak, but also as a result of air entering the system, wear of the elements of the entire mechanism as a whole, or a violation of the drive geometry.
In addition, a similar problem can occur when there are problems with the tires. You should check the system for leaks. It is also a good idea to remove air if necessary and check the quality of the wheels. - If the problem is with the belt, then when driving you will feel reverse shocks from the steering wheel. In addition, turning the wheel will require more effort, and sometimes it will be almost impossible to do.
- Check the operation of the pump and carry out a full diagnostic of the operation of the steering system.
- Diagnose the condition of the seals. If they have already exhausted their service life, then you will feel it by the way the steering wheel turns - this will be very difficult to do.
- If the drive begins to make noise, this is most likely due to the release of working fluid through the fuse valves.
In any case, you need to diagnose the system and drive. In this case, we recommend using computer equipment to check and read fault codes on the on-board computer. Once you receive the error code, you will be able to determine the breakdown as accurately as possible, which will allow you to make high-quality repairs and fix the problem. You can study more detailed instructions for checking a vehicle using a computer on our resource.
Video “Connecting the tester to the Opel Astra”
You can learn more about connecting the diagnostic tester to an Opel Astra car from the video.
The appearance of extraneous sounds in a car is always unpleasant. It is even more unpleasant when the knocking or hum is of unknown origin. Sometimes motorists spend days, and sometimes even months, searching for and eliminating the cause of a particular sound.
One of the many mysterious and mysterious sounds that can appear during the operation of a car is a hum in the engine area, which appears when the steering wheel is turned. Looking ahead, I will say that this hum is associated with the power steering and there may be several reasons for its appearance; read on for more details about each of them. Today, as you guessed, I will again try to help those who need it. In this article I will tell you why the power steering hums, as well as how to fix it. In the previous article we talked about, this time we will talk about why is the power steering humming?.
Many motorists face this problem and react to the appearance of a hum in different ways. Some throw all their efforts into finding the reason why the power steering is humming, others do not attach much importance to it. In fact, there is cause for concern, since the hum is a sign of a malfunction, which, if left uncorrected, can cost you dearly.
What is power steering?
For those who are not in the know, power steering (Power Steering) is a complex technological invention designed to make life easier for motorists. While you turn the steering wheel of your car with one hand, the power steering does the hard work; it is the power steering that creates the necessary force so that you don’t “strain” when turning the steering wheel. You can read more about this device on the Internet, but I won’t go deeper. Instead, I will continue about why the power steering hums.
Power steering hums when turning the steering wheel - reasons
- Low power steering fluid level in the tank (special ATF oil is poured into it - Automatic Transmission Fluid, almost the same as poured into). You can check whether this is so or the reason is something else quite simply, just open the hood and check the fluid level in the power steering reservoir. If the oil level in the reservoir is low, it is necessary to replace the power steering fluid completely, but before that you should find the reason why this fluid has left the reservoir.
- The second reason why power steering hums - poor quality power steering fluid. Over time, due to high loads and hundreds of thousands of laps along the highway, the ATF gets diluted, burns out, gets dirty, and God knows what it’s doing. In a word, the power steering fluid needs to be changed from time to time (about once every two years or every 70-100 thousand kilometers). It is quite difficult to check the condition of the liquid; as a rule, this is done by eye. You need to unscrew the reservoir cap and take a drop of ATF, then drop it onto white paper. A burgundy, red or crimson color of power steering fluid is considered normal; brown, dark brown or black is unacceptable. The smell of burnt rubber or burnt oil in the power steering reservoir is also unacceptable; if such a smell is present, it is recommended to replace the ATF.
- Irregularities or . In some cases, due to malfunctions of the steering rack or some of its parts, a hum may appear in the power steering. To confirm or refute suspicions, it is necessary to inspect the steering rack and power steering as a whole. in this case - a last resort. Today you can find workshops that, using repair kits, replace the steering rack.
- Aired system. The howling and grinding sound of the power steering pump can occur due to air contained in the power steering system. There are plenty of reasons why air got into the hydraulic system, from simple airing during replacement to air leaks through loose connections in the system. In any case, adding fluid does not solve anything; an integrated approach is required - searching for the source of air leaks, flushing the system, and also properly pumping the system, allowing you to completely remove air from it.
- It happens that the power steering hums when you turn the steering wheel due to loose or excessively worn drive belt. In this case, it is enough to tighten the belt or replace it.
- Power steering pump malfunction. This breakdown is the most unpleasant and, perhaps, the most expensive from a financial point of view. Problems with the power steering pump can arise due to a faulty bearing, pump impeller, or seals. Malfunctions of the power steering pump often manifest themselves not only in the form of a hum; very often its malfunctions are indicated by a “stiff steering wheel”, when turning the steering wheel you feel a large load on your hands. To understand that power steering hum appears as a result of a malfunction of the pump, it is quite difficult, so for diagnosis, most likely, you will have to turn to professionals.
So that you don't have to rack your brains about why does the power steering howl? When turning the steering wheel, certain rules must be followed.
- Change the power steering fluid regularly and monitor its level.
- Try not to hold the steering wheel in the extreme right/left position for long (more than 10 seconds), this is harmful to the power steering pump.
- When leaving the car in a parking lot, try to align the wheels, this will take the load off the power steering pump when you next start the engine. This advice is especially relevant in winter, when even ATF oil thickens.
- At the first sign of a power steering malfunction (the power steering hums, the steering wheel turns hard, etc.), do not delay repairs.
- Monitor the condition of the steering rack, boots and steering tips. Replacing each of the above parts will cost less than completely replacing the power steering or steering rack.
What to do, if power steering hums? This question is periodically asked by most car owners whose cars have this system installed. What could be the causes and consequences of the breakdown? And is it worth paying attention to this at all?
Reasons why is the power steering humming?, maybe several. Extraneous sounds indicate an obvious malfunction in the control system. And the sooner you fix it, the more money you will save and will not put yourself at risk of getting into an emergency with a faulty steering system of your car.
Power steering device
Causes of hum
An unpleasant power steering hum can occur under various circumstances. Let's look at the most basic reasons why the power steering hums when turning:
- Low fluid level in the hydraulic booster system. You can check this visually by opening the hood and looking at the oil level in the power steering expansion tank. It should be between the MIN and MAX marks. If the level is below the minimum mark, then it is worth adding fluid. However, before doing this, you must definitely find the cause of the leak. Especially if a little time has passed since the last top-up. As a rule, leaks occur at clamps and at joints. Especially if the hoses are already old. Before topping up, be sure to eliminate the cause of the leak..
- The filled liquid does not match the one recommended by the manufacturer. This can cause not only a hum, but also more serious malfunctions. Also power steering buzz in winter This may be due to the fact that although the liquid meets the specification, it is not intended for use in special temperature conditions (at significant frosts).
Dirty power steering fluid
- Poor quality or contamination liquids in the system. If you purchased “scorched” oil, then there is a high probability that after some time it will lose its properties and the power steering will begin to hum. As a rule, along with the hum, you will feel that it has become harder to turn the steering wheel. In this case, be sure to check the quality of the oil. As in the previous case, open the hood and look at the condition of the fluid. If it has become significantly blackened, and even more so, crumpled, it is necessary to replace it. Ideally, the color and consistency of the oil should not differ much from new. You can check the condition of the liquid “by eye”. To do this, you need to take a little liquid from the tank with a syringe and drop it onto a clean sheet of paper. Red, raspberry burgundy, green or blue colors are allowed (depending on the original used). The liquid should not be dark - brown, gray, black. Also check the smell coming from the tank. It shouldn't smell like burnt rubber or burnt oil. Remember that the fluid must be replaced in accordance with the schedule approved in your car’s manual (as a rule, it is changed every 70-100 thousand kilometers or once every two years). If necessary, change the oil. You will find a list of the best fluids for the power steering system in the corresponding one.
- Air entering the system. This is a very dangerous phenomenon that is harmful to the power steering pump. Check for foam in the hydraulic system expansion tank. If this occurs, then it is necessary to replace the fluid.
- Steering rack faults. It can also cause a hum. It is worth carrying out a visual inspection and diagnosis. The main signs of a rack malfunction are a knocking sound in its body or from one of the front wheels. The reason for this may be failure of the gaskets and/or damage to the steering rod boots, which can result in leakage of working fluid, dust and dirt getting onto the rack, and knocking noise. In any case, it is necessary to carry it out using repair kits sold in car dealerships. Or ask a service station for help.
Do not drive with a faulty steering rack, as this may cause it to jam and cause an accident.
- Loose power steering drive belt. Diagnosing this is quite simple. The procedure must be performed after the engine has been running for some time (the longer, the easier it is to diagnose). The fact is that if the belt slips along the pulley, it becomes hot. You can verify this by touching it with your hand. To tension, you need to know the force with which the belt should be tensioned. If you don’t have a manual and don’t know the effort, go to the service center for help. If the belt wears excessively, it must be replaced.
- Power steering pump malfunction. This is the most unpleasant and expensive breakdown. Its main symptom is an increase in the effort with which you need to turn the steering wheel. The reasons why the power steering pump is humming can be various failed parts of the pump - bearings, impeller, seals. You can familiarize yourself with methods for diagnosing and repairing power steering in another.
Power steering hums when cold
Troubleshooting power steering and steering rack
There are several reasons why the power steering hums when cold. The first is that it goes air leakage through low pressure lines. To eliminate it, it is enough to put two clamps on the tube going from the reservoir to the power steering pump. In addition, it is worth replacing the ring located on the suction pipe of the pump itself. After installing the clamps, we recommend that you use an oil-resistant sealant to coat the clamps and joints.
You can also conditionally identify another reason, the probability of which is low. Sometimes there are cases when it is carried out insufficient (poor quality) pumping of the power steering system. In this case, an air bubble remains at the bottom of the tank, which is removed using a syringe. Naturally. that its presence can cause the indicated hum.
Elimination methods may include replacing oil hoses and/or racks, replacing the power steering pump, installing additional clamps on all hoses in order to prevent air leaks into the system. You can also perform the following procedures:
- replacing the O-ring on the expansion tank supply spout;
- installing a new hose from the reservoir to the pump using oil-resistant sealant;
- perform the procedure for expelling air from the system (when performing the procedure, bubbles will appear on the surface of the liquid, which must be given time to burst) by turning the steering wheel with the engine not running;
Another repair option is to replace the O-ring in the power steering pressure suction hose (and, if necessary, the hose itself and both clamps). The fact is that over time it loses elasticity and becomes rigid, that is, it loses elasticity and tightness, and begins to let air through, which enters the system, causing knocking and foam in the tank. The way out is to replace this ring. Sometimes a problem can arise because it can be difficult to find a similar ring in a store. But if you find it, be sure to replace it and place it on the mount and lubricate it with oil-resistant sealant.
For some cars, a special power steering repair kit is available for sale. If problems arise with this unit, the first thing you need to do is buy a repair kit and change the rubber gaskets that are included in it. Moreover, it is advisable to buy original kits (especially important for expensive foreign cars).
Power steering pump bearing
It is also necessary to monitor absence of dirt in the system fluid. If it is present even in small quantities, over time this will lead to wear on the parts of the power steering pump, which will cause it to begin to make unpleasant sounds and work worse, which will be expressed in increased effort when turning the steering wheel, as well as possible knocking. Therefore, when replacing the fluid, be sure to check for dirt deposits at the bottom of the expansion tank. If they exist, you need to get rid of them. Check the filter in the tank (if there is one). It should be relatively clean and intact, tightly adjacent to the walls of the tank. In some cases, it is better to replace the entire tank and filter rather than try to clean them. Also in this case, it is necessary to remove the rail, disassemble it, wash it from dirt, and also replace the rubber-plastic parts. To do this you need to use the mentioned repair kit.
It can make an unpleasant sound power steering pump outer bearing. Its replacement is easy, without the need to completely disassemble the unit. However, sometimes it can be difficult to find a replacement for him.
There are special additives that are added to power steering fluid. They eliminate the hum of the pump, relieve effort on the steering wheel, increase the clarity of the power steering, reduce the level of vibration of the hydraulic pump, and protect system parts from wear when the oil level is low. However, motorists have different attitudes towards such additives. They really help some, but they only harm others and speed up the time for replacing the power steering pump or replacing it.
When choosing a liquid, pay attention to its temperature characteristics so that it works normally in severe frosts (if necessary). Because the high viscosity oil will create obstacles to the normal operation of the power steering system.
Power steering hums when hot
If the power steering hums when hot, then there may be several problems. Let's look at several typical situations and methods for solving them.
- If it starts while the engine is warming up, it is necessary to replace the pump or repair it using a repair kit.
- When a knocking sound appears on a warm engine at low speeds, and disappears at high speeds, this means that the power steering pump has become unusable. In this case, there may be two ways out - replacing the pump and pouring thicker fluid into the power steering system.
- If you have poured counterfeit fluid into the system, this may cause it to heat up. will lose its viscosity, accordingly, the pump will not be able to create the necessary pressure in the system. The solution is to replace the oil with the original one, after flushing the system (pumping with fresh fluid).
- Steering rack malfunction. When heated, the fluid becomes less viscous and can leak through the seals if they are damaged.
Remember that it is better to use the original liquid. This is evidenced by the experience of many car owners. After all, buying counterfeit oil can cause costly repairs to elements of the power steering system.
Power steering buzzes in extreme positions
Do not turn the front wheels for long periods of time
It should be taken into account that when the wheels are turned all the way, the power steering pump operates at maximum load. Therefore, it may make additional sounds that are not a sign of a malfunction. Some automakers report this in their manuals. It is important to distinguish precisely the emergency noises associated with problems in the system.
However, if you are sure that the sounds that appear are the result of a malfunction in the system, then it is necessary to carry out diagnostics. The main reasons that the power steering hums in extreme positions are the same reasons listed above. That is, it is necessary to check the operation of the pump, the fluid level in the expansion tank, the tension of the power steering drive belt, and the cleanliness of the fluid. The situation described below may also occur.
Typically, at the top of the gearbox there is a valve box, which is designed to control hydraulic flows. When the wheel is turned to its extreme position, the flow is blocked by the bypass valve, and the liquid passes through a “small circle,” that is, the pump works on itself and does not cool. This is very harmful for it and is fraught with serious damage - for example, scoring on the cylinder or pump gates. In winter, when the oil is more viscous, this is especially true. That's why do not keep the wheels turned all the way for more than 5 seconds.
Power steering hums after replacement
Sometimes the power steering starts to hum after an oil change. Unpleasant sounds may be caused by the pump if the system less thick oil was poured in than it was before. The fact is that between the inner surface of the stator ring and the rotor plates the output increases. Vibration of the plates also occurs due to the unevenness of the stator surface.
It is also possible that a hum may occur after replacing the high-pressure power steering hose. One of the reasons may be a poor-quality hose. Some service stations make the mistake of installing ordinary hydraulic hoses instead of special hoses designed for high pressure and operation in the power steering system. This may cause airing the system and, accordingly, the occurrence of hum. The remaining reasons are completely similar to the cases listed above (knock on cold, hot).
In order for the hydraulic booster to work normally and not knock, you must follow a few simple rules:
- Monitor the oil level in the power steering system, top up and change it on time. In addition, check its condition. There is always a risk of purchasing a low-quality liquid, which becomes unusable after a short period of use (check its color and smell).
- Don't delay for long(more than 5 seconds) wheels in extreme position(both left and right). This is harmful for the power steering pump, which operates without cooling.
- When parking the car Always keep the front wheels level (straight). This will take the load off the power steering system the next time you start the engine. This advice is especially relevant in cold weather, when the oil thickens.
- If it occurs (humming, knocking, increased effort when turning the steering wheel) don't delay repairs. You will not only fix the breakdown at a lower cost, but also protect your car, you and your loved ones from possible emergency situations.
- Constantly monitor the condition of the steering rack. This is especially true for the condition of anthers and seals. This way you will not only extend its service life, but also save money on expensive repairs.
Conclusion
Remember that if the slightest sign of malfunction of the vehicle’s steering, and in particular the power steering system, appears, it is necessary to carry out diagnostics and repair work as quickly as possible. Otherwise, when the critical moment comes you risk losing control of the car when the steering fails (for example, the steering rack jams). Do not skimp on the condition of your car and the safety of yourself and your loved ones.
