Modern driving has made us accustomed to effortless steering — the ability to maneuver a 4,000-pound vehicle with two fingers. Power steering systems make this possible, and when they fail or degrade, you feel it immediately. At Norm’s Auto Clinic in Coweta, Oklahoma, we diagnose and repair both hydraulic and electric power steering systems, restoring the light, responsive feel your vehicle was designed to deliver.
Hydraulic vs. Electric Power Steering
There are two main types of power steering systems in use today:
Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS): Uses a belt-driven pump to pressurize power steering fluid, which assists the steering rack or gearbox. Common on vehicles through the early-to-mid 2010s. Maintenance items include fluid flush, pump inspection, and hose replacement. Failure symptoms include: heavy steering, whining from the pump, fluid leaks, and jerky steering response.
Electric Power Steering (EPS): Uses an electric motor to assist steering — either mounted on the steering column or on the rack. No fluid required. Common on vehicles from approximately 2010 onward. EPS failures typically involve electronic module faults, motor failure, or torque sensor issues. The steering warning light illuminates on failure.
Signs of Power Steering Problems
- Heavy or stiff steering — Most common symptom; parking and low-speed maneuvering requires noticeably more effort
- Whining or groaning noise when turning — Hydraulic pump whine indicates low fluid, air in the system, or a failing pump
- Jerky or inconsistent steering response — Fluid aeration or pump cavitation causes pulsing assist
- Fluid leak under vehicle — Reddish or clear fluid under the front of the vehicle indicates power steering fluid leak
- Steering warning light — On EPS vehicles, illuminates when the system detects a fault
- Steering off-center after repair — May indicate steering angle sensor reset needed after suspension or steering work
Power Steering Services at Norm’s
- Power steering fluid flush — Hydraulic systems accumulate moisture and breakdown products over time; flush recommended every 50,000 miles or 3 years
- Power steering pump replacement — When the pump is worn, noisy, or leaking; includes new seals and O-rings
- Rack and pinion replacement or rebuild — Steering rack failure causes internal leaks and unpredictable steering response; replacement with a quality remanufactured unit restores handling
- Power steering hose replacement — High-pressure hoses develop cracks and leaks at fittings; often the cause of fluid loss
- EPS module and motor diagnosis — Electronic diagnosis for electric steering faults, motor replacement
- Steering angle sensor reset/calibration — Required after many suspension and steering repairs
Norm’s Auto Clinic handles all power steering repairs for vehicles throughout Coweta, Broken Arrow, Wagoner, and the Tulsa area. Call (918) 279-8100 or stop by at 19 N. Broadway, Coweta, OK 74429.