How to Inspect a Car Power Steering Pump

The power steering on your car must function properly, or driving can become difficult, even hazardous. Checking your car's power steering pump regularly can maintain the overall safety of your automobile.

Things You'll Need

• Clean cloth
• Power steering fluid
• Funnel

Instructions

1. Run your car's engine for a few minutes. Park on a level surface. An incline or decline will result in an inaccurate fluid reading. After running it, turn off the engine.

2. Open your hood and lock it into place. Locate the power steering dipstick. This resemmbles your car's oil dipstick, but should be labeled as Power Steering Fluid. This is part of the power steering pump equipment. Pull the stick out and wipe it off with a clean towel and reinsert and pull. Inspect the level and where the stick recommends it be.

3. Pour more fluid into the hole where you pulled the dipstick from if the level of fluid is low. Use a funnel to ensure that you do not spill fluid over the engine. Your owner's manual will have recommendations for the type of steering pump fluid you should use.

4. Drain the power steering fluid and replace it all, if the fluid in the pump is discolored. This will be noticeable, as the fluid will be dark brown with a burnt smell. This is a sign that your steering pump is failing and replacing fluid frequently is the only way to add life to the system.

5. Listen for a high-pitched squeal on the power steering pump when you turn the car's wheel. If this happens, your steering belts are probably loose and need tightened or need replaced altogether.