How to Handle Power Steering Failure

Although rare, power steering failure can be a frightening if not dangerous occurrence. The steps listed below should prevent mishap when your power steering quits due to power steering componant failure or the engine failure (engine stalling).

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Car Manuals
• Car Repair Shops
• Roadside Emergency Cards
• Cellular Phones

1. Move to the side of the road as carefully as possible. It will require much more force to steer your car than normal.

2. Stop your car. Do not slam on the brakes! You may have to hit the brake pedal hard if you've got power brakes - the brake pedal will also feel different if the engine has stalled: stiffer and harder and lower.

3. Restart the vehicle and pull back onto the roadway if the problem has ceased. If the problem persists, use a cellular phone to call for help and wait inside the car or in another safe place.

4. Have your car checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Regular maintenance can help to avoid this situation. Check the power steering fluid reservoir monthly and bring your car in for service if you notice any leaks.
• Do not hitchhike or accept help from strangers. If you must hitchhike, stay completely off the road in case passing motorists can't see you.

[spartanic]

on 4/30/2009 For more info on troubleshooting the power steering system check out this guide: http://www.garage411.com/PowerSteering

[Matthew]

on 6/21/2007 Can you drive a truck which may have a bad gear box and the truck tends to drift while driving? The fluid level is low by 4 ounces.

[dickeytk]

on 10/16/2006 it should be noted, as long as you do not has a steer-by-wire power steering system (NOT common) then you can still drive the car with no power steering, it will just be difficult, as long as you aren't driving a big truck or suv, you SHOULD be able to still drive it

on 6/30/2006 A failed power steering can also be due to an old drive belt breaking (rubber belt which connects power steering pump to the drive shaft). The regular replacement of which, along with the periodical power steering fluid checks, are both important.

on 11/22/2005 If you do happen to have the car stall out on you (when the power steering fails), put the car in neutral first, then restart the car and press the gas a little. This will ensure the car won't stall right away.