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Many vehicles that were manufactured in the 1950s and 1960s do not have power steering. Paul Piebinga/Photodisc/Getty Images Anyone who has ever tried to steer a car without the benefit of power steering knows how much physical strength it can take to maneuver a vehicle into a parking space or around a tight turn. There are several problems that can occur with your power steering system, including noises and difficulty in steering.
Leaks
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Your car's power steering system operates using hydraulic fluid that is controlled through the power steering pump. If the power steering pump or any of its connecting hoses develops a leak, power steering fluid will leak right out. The lower the power steering fluid level gets, the harder your car will be to steer.
Belts and Pulleys
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The power steering system operates via a belt and pulley system, using the power from the engine to operate the hydraulic power steering pump. As with any belt and pulley system, belts can break. If the belt breaks, the power steering pump will not have any way to get power, and the power steering will stop functioning.
Noises
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Power steering pumps that are developing problems have a tendency to make noise. Power steering pumps have been known to whine, grind, howl and bubble. If you hear the power steering pump making any kind of noise, you should take your car to a mechanic. You will know it is the power steering making the noise if you can sit at a stop with your vehicle idling and the noise increases when you turn the wheel to the right or left.
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