HPS pump failures

A breakdown of the power steering system not only impairs driving comfort, but also reduces the safety of the car on the road. The hydraulic power steering system has a simple design and is easy to repair, even in your garage. If you know the causes of a broken hydraulic pump, you can avoid costly repairs.

Troubleshooting your power steering pump:

• damage and wear of the bypass valve;
• pump leaks due to worn or damaged seals;
• bearing wear;
• oil intake plate wear or wear on the inside of the stator

Breakdown of the by-pass valve occurs if the oil in the system is old and has not been changed for a long time or if the pump overheats due to prolonged holding of the steering wheel in the extreme position. This failure is indicated by an increase in steering effort when the engine is warm. You will also hear the pump rumble.

Pump leaks can occur due to worn or damaged oil seals and gaskets. The level of the working fluids in the pump reservoir will drop. This failure is caused by corrosion of the pump shaft or incorrect installation of the pump.

Bearing wear occurs due to the following influences and abnormal loads – shocks, vibration. Alternatively, due to incorrect installation of the pump (backlash).

Bearing wear occurs due to the following influences and abnormal loads – shocks, vibration.

A constant pump hum and increased force on the steering wheel signal that the pump cannot generate the necessary pressure. This is usually due to wear on the oil inlet plate, the working pair or uneven wear on the inside of the stator.

In the majority of cases, all hydraulic fluid pump failures are the result of untimely maintenance of the hydraulic fluid pump system, so the following recommendations should be followed:

• change the power steering oil every 15,000 kilometres
• when changing the oil, flush the hydraulic system to completely get rid of old oil and wear products
• use only good quality and suitable oil;
• in winter, warm up the car takes longer to warm up the power steering system;
• do not hold the steering wheel in the extreme position

How do I check the power steering pump?

A good diagnosis of the power steering pump requires special professional equipment. For example, the power steering pump can be checked directly on the car with a testerMS611 or using a benchMS603N.

The equipment allows you to determine – abnormalities in pump operation and the need to remove the pump for repair.

The MS604 bench is used to diagnose the dismantled pump and quickly determine the technical condition of the pump and the type of fault. And after the repair, you can be sure that the work has been carried out correctly and that all faults have been repaired.

For more information about the possibilities of professional equipment for diagnostics and repair of steering units, visit the website or contact a manager.