For all power steering problems including power steering repairs on the Gold Coast, come in and see the team at GC Suspension, Steering & Brakes, conveniently located in Southport.
Our specialists are highly trained in every aspect of steering related issues for every make and model vehicle, from classic old school to just rolled off the showroom floor.
Almost all vehicles from passenger cars to SUVs are now fitted with power steering systems.
The power steering on your car hydraulically assists in effortlessly turning and manoeuvring your vehicle on the road. You can immediately notice this difference if you find yourself behind the wheel of a vehicle without power steering.
As your vehicle turns, the front two wheels (if your car is 2WD), or all four wheels (if your car is 4WD or AWD) turn at different angles, so the inside wheel can make a tighter turn than the outside, similar to a race track, the inside lane is a shorter distance than the outside lane.
Having your power steering regularly serviced by our expert car mechanics ensures the correct alignment and angles for optimum turning ability.
There are many components involved in the power steering system of your vehicle. The power steering rack (sometimes called the rack and pinion steering rack) converts the rotational movement of the steering wheel into lateral movement between the wheels.
The rack ends are connected to the tie rod ends, which join to the hub assembly behind the front wheels.
A power steering box is used in vehicles where space is an issue, and as with a steering rack, it converts the rotational movement of the steering wheel into lateral movement, but this time via the pitman arm and centre track rod.
At the heart of the power steering system is the power steering pump. It propels steering fluid at high pressure right through the power steering system and back to the pump, resulting in effortless and smooth steering systems.
There are also many smaller – but no less significant – components that make up a power steering system, including high pressure lines, bushes, valves, boots, bearings, seals, drive belts and pulleys to name a few. Our car mechanics are expertly trained in all aspects of power steering and have the experience to successfully diagnose any issue.
As with any pressurised system, there are potentially a number of problems you can encounter. High pressure lines leaking or breaking, seals blowing on the power steering rack or box, leaking reservoirs and torn rack boots which can lead to dirt and other contaminants entering into the system.
These are the most common indicators of an issue with your power steering; shuddering of the steering wheel when turning, slack in the steering wheel (i.e. when you can wiggle your steering wheel back and forth without the wheels turning), whining or knocking noises, if you notice your steering becoming heavier and of course if you notice power steering fluid pooling in your garage.
This can lead to – at a minimum – steering and wheel alignment issues, which can lead to excessive or uneven tyre wear. However, if these symptoms remain unchecked, in extreme circumstances fluid loss can result in complete loss of power steering and your vehicle will become heavier to drive than a Mack truck. Another more concerning element is that power steering fluid is the most flammable liquid in your vehicle, even more than petrol, and again only in rare cases, if the problem is ignored, a leak in the system can eventually drip onto the exhaust and ignite.
Any signs that may indicate an issue with your power steering should be immediately checked by one of our professionals at GC Suspension, Steering & Brakes. Our specialist car mechanics are highly trained in the steering system for all vehicle makes and models and can provide you with first-class service.
As one of the most fundamental functions of any vehicle, getting a quality power steering repair or maintenance service is crucial. Having over 50 years combined industry experience, our record speaks for itself. We can guarantee you a superior service that’s both competitive in price and focuses on the safety of you and your passengers.
If you discover a problem with your power steering, you may be told that reconditioning your rack, pump or box is enough to fix the problem. The difference between reconditioning and remanufacturing a power steering part is enormous.
The process of reconditioning involves replacing only the broken parts, if a part is worn but still intact, it won’t be touched. A remanufactured product is completely stripped down to the shell and all components are replaced with new ones.
It is then put through complete pressure testing of all seals and valves to guarantee the quality is as good, if not better than original manufacturer specifications.
Our power steering racks, boxes and pumps come with a 2 year/40,000km warranty, meet all Australian standards and are completely remanufactured so you can be assured of the best quality at the best price.
At GC Suspension, Steering & Brakes you can get your car checked by Queensland’s experts in power steering.
If you would like to discuss your specific requirements with one of our experts, or you would like to request a quote call 07 5532 3772, or come and see the team at 72 Ferry Road in Southport on the Gold Coast for all your steering, suspension, brake and car mechanic needs.
Open 6 days a week, 8am – 5pm.
Problems with your power steering? Bring Your car or 4WD into our workshop.
If the power steering in your car fails, the steering on your car becomes more difficult to turn. The wheels will turn, but the force required to make this happen can be totally unexpected and cause you problems.
If your power steering fails whilst you are driving, it may result in an accident. Call us immediately if safe to do so, if you experience any problem with your car or 4WD’s steering.
You should not drive a power steering equiped car without power steering fluid. The fluid acts as a lubricant for the power steering pump so the pump will wear and overheat if driven without fluid. If in any doubt about your steering, please call us or drop your car in to our workshop in Southport.
