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.
What to Expect at Our Firestone Blvd Location
After our certified technicians complete their diagnosis, we send you a Digital Vehicle Inspection report by text, including photos and videos of exactly what was found and what we recommend. You review everything on your own terms and approve the work before we begin. No surprises.
Owner-operators are on site at our Firestone Blvd location, which means there’s real accountability behind every job. If you can’t wait at the shop, our free shuttle service can get you where you need to go. After Hours Key Drop Off is available when the timing works better for you, and the waiting lounge has free refreshments and free Wi-Fi if you prefer to stay.
Signs Your Steering System Needs Inspection
A stiff or unusually heavy steering wheel is the most common sign that something is off. You’ll notice it most when parking or making slow turns, where the effort required feels greater than normal. That increase in steering wheel effort is worth taking seriously.
A whining or squealing noise while turning is another symptom to watch for. It can indicate low fluid, a struggling pump, or other issues within the system. The sound alone doesn’t tell you exactly what’s wrong, which is why a full system assessment is the most reliable way to find the root cause.
Fluid leaks are also a concern:
- Look for red, reddish-brown, pink, or clear fluid pooling beneath the vehicle near the steering gear or rack
- A leak can prevent the hydraulic system from building adequate pressure
- Low fluid caused by a cracked hose or loose connection can make the vehicle difficult or nearly impossible to steer
- Left unaddressed, a leak can accelerate wear on other components in the system
How a Hydraulic Power Steering System Works
Most traditional vehicles use a hydraulic power steering system. A pump, driven by the engine through the power steering belt, pressurizes hydraulic fluid stored in a reservoir. That pressurized fluid reduces the effort needed to turn the steering wheel, especially at low speeds. When steering demand increases during a tight turn, the system responds by building more pressure.
Fluid condition matters more than most drivers realize. Contaminated or degraded fluid can make the system work harder and can accelerate wear on the pump and other components over time. The power steering belt plays an equally important role: a worn or damaged belt can reduce the pump’s ability to build pressure, which shows up as diminished or lost steering assist. Because these components operate under sustained heat and pressure, keeping fluid clean and components in good shape can affect how long the system lasts.
Schedule a Steering Assessment in Firestone, CO
If you’re dealing with a stiff wheel, an unusual noise, or a suspected fluid leak, don’t wait for the problem to grow. Our certified technicians at Christian Brothers Automotive Firestone Blvd are ready to assess your system and recommend the right service or repair. Schedule online or call us at (303) 997-3685 to set up your appointment.
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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"I liked the customer service and going above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable while waiting in the store for my vehicle work to be done, specifically being offered a nice hot coffee with creamer."
- J.L.