How a Power Steering Visit Works
Appointments follow the same straightforward process: we listen first, inspect second, and report before we touch anything.
Consultation
We start with a detailed consultation to understand your specific concern, whether it’s a noise, stiffness, or something you noticed while parking.
Transparent Digital Report
After inspecting the system, we deliver a transparent digital report with our findings and a detailed estimate. You review everything and give the go-ahead before we begin.
Precision Repairs & Quality Check
Repairs are completed using precision equipment and high-quality parts, then verified with a quality check and a road test when needed.
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.
Backed by the Nice Difference Warranty
Qualifying power steering repairs at Christian Brothers Automotive Loveland are covered by our Nice Difference Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs last. That’s our confidence in the work, in writing.
How Power Steering Systems Work
Knowing what’s behind the wheel helps put the service in context.
There are two types of power steering systems. Hydraulic power steering uses pressurized power steering fluid to assist wheel movement. Electric power steering replaces that fluid circuit with an electric motor and sensors that read steering input directly. Both reduce the effort required to turn the wheel, but they call for different service approaches when something goes wrong.
Vehicles also differ in their steering mechanism. Rack-and-pinion steering moves a pinion gear along a grooved steering rack to translate wheel input into tire movement. Recirculating ball steering uses a gearbox with ball bearings connected to a pitman arm and center link. Knowing which system your vehicle has shapes how our technicians approach the diagnosis.
Ready to get it checked? Call (513) 845-3341 or use our online form to book a power steering inspection at Christian Brothers Automotive Loveland. We explain what we find and get your approval before any repair work begins.
What Happens If You Ignore Power Steering Problems
Steering that feels stiff or noisy tends to get worse, not better. As the power steering pump wears or fluid breaks down, turning can become progressively harder, especially at low speeds and during parking. A worn power steering belt or a failing pump can eventually lead to a complete loss of power steering assist, leaving you with full manual effort on a vehicle not designed for it.
Driving on contaminated or low power steering fluid can accelerate wear on the pump, rack, and belt. Catching the problem at the fluid stage is often simpler and less costly than waiting until a mechanical component fails.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
FAQs
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
"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.