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.
Repairs Done Right, Backed by Our Warranty
Every power steering service we perform is covered by the Nice Difference Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles, whichever occurs last. We don’t start any repair or maintenance until you’ve reviewed our findings and given your approval. Your vehicle, your decision.
Warning Signs Your Power Steering System Needs Attention
Power steering problems rarely appear all at once. Most drivers notice something feels slightly off before it becomes a real handling issue. Here are the most common signs it’s time to bring your vehicle in:
- Stiff or heavy steering wheel: Especially noticeable at low speeds or when parking, this is one of the most common indicators of power steering trouble
- Whining, groaning, or squealing when turning: These sounds often point to low steering fluid or early signs of power steering pump wear
- Slow or delayed steering response: If the vehicle doesn’t respond the way it used to, the system may not be providing full assist
- Visible fluid under the front of the vehicle: A leak near the front axle area can indicate a power steering fluid leak that needs prompt attention
- Vibrating or shuddering at idle: Air in the system or a worn power steering pump can cause this sensation through the steering wheel
Catching these symptoms early can mean simpler, less costly repairs. Left unaddressed, they can lead to complete power steering failure.
How We Diagnose & Service Your Power Steering System
Our certified technicians start with an assessment of your power steering system before recommending any service. If the fluid is degraded or contaminated, a power steering fluid flush is often the right first step. We use BG power steering system cleaners to clean out the system, then refill with BG power steering fluid that meets manufacturer standards for your vehicle.
If the assessment points to a more serious issue, such as a worn power steering belt or a failing power steering pump, we’ll explain what we found and walk you through your repair options. Pump failure typically develops gradually, with worsening noise and increasing steering effort over time. No work proceeds until you’ve reviewed and approved the recommended service.
The Right Steering Fluid for Your Vehicle
Not all vehicles use the same steering fluid specification, and using the wrong fluid can damage seals and internal components, shortening the life of the power steering pump and connected parts. The BG power steering fluid we use meets the manufacturer’s specifications for each vehicle we service, protecting system components and maintaining steering wheel responsiveness over time.
Scheduling a power steering fluid flush before fluid degrades is straightforward preventive maintenance. It removes contaminated fluid before it accelerates wear on the system and can extend the life of a hydraulic power steering system.
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.