Our Power Steering Diagnostic Process
We use a documented process to identify the source of a steering concern before approved work begins. This helps distinguish a fluid-service need from a problem with the belt, pump, steering gear, or another component.
Schedule an Inspection
Tell us about changes you’ve noticed, such as increased steering effort, noise while turning, visible leaks, or a change in how the vehicle responds.
Review the Inspection Findings
Our technicians inspect the vehicle using the same equipment as manufacturers. We then text you a Digital Vehicle Inspection report with pictures and videos, giving you a clear record of the findings.
Approve the Next Step
A service advisor reviews the findings with you and obtains your approval before work proceeds. Once approved, the recommended work is performed or scheduled.
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.
Signs Your Power Steering System Needs Inspection
A noticeable change in steering effort or response is a reason to schedule an inspection. Because several steering and suspension components can produce similar symptoms, one sign alone doesn’t always identify the failed part.
Common symptoms that warrant an inspection include:
- Hard-to-turn steering: Increased effort can indicate that the steering-assist system needs inspection.
- Whining while turning: This noise can point to a power steering system concern, but it doesn’t identify the affected component by itself.
- Visible fluid loss: A power steering fluid leak reduces the fluid available for hydraulic steering assist.
- Loose or delayed response: A faulty steering rack can make the steering feel loose or unresponsive.
- Uneven tire wear or alignment difficulty: These symptoms can indicate a steering or suspension component issue.
- Noise or vibration while driving: Unusual feedback can be associated with steering or suspension concerns.
Leaks or damage to this component can affect vehicle handling and safety. An inspection helps determine whether the concern involves fluid condition or another part of the system.
Power Steering Maintenance & Repair Options
Our certified technicians assess the condition of the power steering system before recommending service. The appropriate work depends on the system’s design, the inspection findings, and the condition of its components.
Power Steering Fluid Service
A full power steering fluid flush cleans the system and restores steering fluid. We use BG power steering fluid and power steering system cleaners, and the replacement steering fluid meets the manufacturer’s standards.
Belt & Pump Concerns
A more serious problem may involve the power steering belt or pump. When our assessment identifies an issue with either component, we provide repair options and review them with you before proceeding.
Warranty Coverage & Service Convenience
Work performed by Christian Brothers Automotive New Albany is covered by the Nice Difference Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs last. We’ll explain how the warranty applies to covered work completed during your visit.
We also offer a free shuttle service when you need to continue with your day. If you remain at the shop, our waiting lounge and free WiFi provide a comfortable place to wait. After-hours key drop-off is available when dropping off your vehicle during regular hours isn’t convenient.
Why Steering-System Design Shapes the Diagnosis
Vehicles don’t all create steering assist in the same way. Hydraulic power steering uses fluid pressure, while electric power steering uses an electric motor. The vehicle’s system design determines which components require inspection.
Similar symptoms can have different sources. A whining sound in a hydraulic system may occur alongside fluid loss, while loose or unresponsive steering may warrant an evaluation of the steering gear.
Our New Albany shop diagnoses problems with the steering rack as part of its Suspension Services. We evaluate leaks or damage that can affect handling and safety. For power steering belt or pump problems, our certified technicians explain the findings and provide repair options.
Schedule Power Steering Service in New Albany
We provide power steering assessment, maintenance, and repair options for New Albany drivers. You’ll receive documented inspection findings and an explanation of the recommended work before approval.
Schedule by phone or through our contact form if you notice changes in steering feel, fluid leaks, turning noise, or other concerns.
Call (812) 505-5130 to schedule a power steering inspection with Christian Brothers Automotive New Albany.
Responding to Changes in Steering Performance
A change in steering effort, response, or turning noise is a reason to have the vehicle inspected. Note when the symptom occurs, such as during turns or while driving, so you can describe it clearly when scheduling.
Fluid loss and steering noise can occur together in a hydraulic power steering system because both may involve the hydraulic-assist system. An inspection can distinguish a power steering fluid service need from a failed component that requires repair.
Steering and suspension concerns can overlap because both systems affect vehicle handling. Difficulty maintaining alignment, uneven tire wear, vibrations, and unusual steering response may require inspection of more than one area before repair options can be selected.
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.