What to Expect During Your Steering Assessment
We begin with the symptoms you’ve noticed, assess the system, and review our findings with you before work proceeds.
Your visit generally includes:
- Symptom Discussion: Tell us when the steering feels heavy, makes noise, responds differently, or leaves visible fluid.
- System Assessment: We evaluate the vehicle’s steering design and the condition of applicable components and fluid.
- Recommendation Review: We explain whether the findings support a power steering fluid flush or a repair involving the power steering belt or pump.
1. Schedule Your Appointment
Whether scheduling online or over the phone be sure and let us know what you're experiencing so we can provide fast and accurate service advice.
2. Diagnostics and Inspections
Drop off your vehicle and the shop will get to work with inspections and diagnostics using the same equipment as the manufacturers to determine issues and next steps.
3. Digital Vehicle Inspection Report and Estimate
Following the diagnosis we will text you a digital vehicle inspection report, containing pictures and videos of our findings and recommendations.
4. Review and Approval
A service advisor will reach out to walk you through the findings and recommendations to determine how you would like to proceed, or you can approve work directly in your DVI.
5. Work Performed or Scheduled
Most work can be completed immediately, or scheduled based on parts and customer availability.
Steering Symptoms That Deserve an Assessment
The symptom alone can’t reveal the cause. Changes in steering effort, sound, response, or fluid level should be evaluated before maintenance or repair is selected.
Watch for signs such as:
- Steering that becomes noticeably harder at low speeds.
- Whining or groaning while turning the wheel.
- Fluid spots beneath the vehicle.
- A sudden or progressive change in steering response.
Fluid contamination may call for maintenance on a hydraulic system. A belt or pump problem can require a separate repair, so we don’t assume every symptom calls for a routine flush.
When Fluid Maintenance Isn’t Enough
Fluid condition is only one part of the decision. The correct service depends on the vehicle’s steering design, the symptoms present, and what the assessment reveals.
A power steering fluid flush removes and replaces fluid in an applicable hydraulic system. Repairs address a confirmed component concern, such as a problem involving the power steering belt or pump. We separate these needs so the recommendation reflects your vehicle’s actual condition.
Get a Clear Recommendation for Your Steering Concern
Schedule Appointment at Christian Brothers Automotive Apex to have stiff steering, unusual noise, visible fluid, or another change assessed. We’ll explain what we find and whether maintenance or repair is appropriate.
Our complimentary shuttle service can reduce disruption to your day while your vehicle is at our Apex shop.
How Vehicle Design Shapes the Right Service
Depending on vehicle design, a hydraulic power steering system may use a reservoir, pump, belt, hoses, seals, and a steering gear or rack. Electric power steering operates differently and doesn’t rely on hydraulic power steering fluid.
In hydraulic systems, low or deteriorated fluid may accompany poor operation, while a leak can allow fluid loss to continue. Fluid condition alone doesn’t establish that the pump, belt, or another part has failed.
We inspect the system to distinguish routine fluid maintenance from a component-related problem, then explain the findings without unnecessary technical language. If steering control has changed, the system produces unusual noise, or you see fluid beneath the vehicle, prompt assessment can help you avoid relying on an assumed fluid-only solution.
Call (984) 231-8575 to arrange your power steering assessment.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
FAQs
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Q. "How do I know if my power steering is starting to fail?"3 common signs are that your wheel is requiring more force to turn, whining noise when turning, or your steering shakes when idle. If you are worried about your power steering failing, contact your local Christian Brothers today to have our experienced technicians take a look.
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Q. "How often do I need to get my power steering fluid replaced?"The average recommendation is between 40,000 and 80,000 miles, but it varies depending on your manufacturer's recommendations.
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Q. "Why do I need to change my power steering fluid?"With time, the power steering fluid in your vehicle loses its potency and can become contaminated. Fluid with foreign materials and dirt floating around in it is less efficient, meaning the pump works harder and is worn down faster. Putting new fluid in is much more cost-effective than buying a new pump.
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Q. "What do I do if my power steering fails while driving?"If your power steering fails while driving, it will require quite a bit of force to turn the wheel. Carefully pull to the side of the roadand call a tow truck to safely get your vehicle to an automotive shop.
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Q. "What is a Digital Vehicle Inspection?"With a complimentary Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) on every visit, you’ll see firsthand photos of your vehicle from under the hood. We’ll let you know if everything is functioning properly or if there are any areas of concern. You can even approve or deny our service recommendations, all straight from your smartphone, or you can, of course, give us a call and we’ll explain our findings in further detail.
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Q. "Do you offer a warranty?"As part of our Nice difference.® commitment to providing our customers the best auto service experience possible, we also offer a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all the work that we do. We offer this warranty at every Christian Brothers Automotive nationwide, and it will be honored at any location, regardless of which branch did the initial work.
Have more Questions?
Our friendly auto service experts have the answers.
Call your local Christian Brothers Automotive car shop today
Hear What Our Customers Had to Say About Us
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"Today i had some concerns with my vehicle after being quoted a few thousand dollars for repair work at a dealership. First i called into the apex location and was PLEASANTLY surprised at the transparency your staff provided me. I asked for the cost and was"
- Caleb