Every power steering visit follows a clear, consistent process so you always know what’s happening and why. We review your concerns and road-test the vehicle when appropriate, then explain what we found in plain language with a transparent estimate covering parts and labor before any work begins. Nothing is done without your approval, and every completed repair is verified with a test drive.
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.
See What Our Technicians See
Every vehicle we service receives a free Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI). Our technicians photograph your vehicle during the service process, so you can see the actual condition of your steering components for yourself. Discolored fluid, a cracked hose, or a worn belt shows up in the photos, not just in a verbal recommendation. It’s a straightforward way to understand exactly what your vehicle needs before any decision is made.
Recognizing Power Steering Problems Early
Most steering issues come with early warning signs. Knowing what to look and listen for can help you catch a small problem before it turns into a bigger repair.
Common symptoms worth paying attention to:
- Stiff or heavy steering wheel that takes more effort than usual to turn
- Slow-responding steering that feels disconnected from your input
- Whining or groaning noise when turning, especially at low speeds, which often points to low or dirty fluid or a struggling power steering pump
- Fluid spots under the front of the vehicle that appear reddish or pink, a common sign of a power steering fluid leak
Florida’s heat and humidity accelerate wear on rubber components, so power steering belts and hoses on vehicles driven in this climate can degrade faster than you’d expect.
Vehicles use either hydraulic power steering, which relies on fluid pressure from a pump, or electric power steering, which uses a motor instead. Both systems can develop problems, though the symptoms and repairs differ. Our technicians can assess either type.
If any of these signs sound familiar, don’t wait. Steering affects vehicle control directly, and catching the problem early can help you address it before it worsens. Call us at (813) 730-5096 or stop by our Riverview location to schedule a power steering inspection with our ASE-certified technicians at Christian Brothers Automotive Riverview.
What Causes Power Steering Problems
Most power steering issues trace back to a fluid leak or a failing power steering pump. Leaks tend to develop at worn seals, cracked or swollen hoses, or a corroded reservoir. These components are under constant pressure and heat, and they degrade over time regardless of how well the vehicle has been maintained.
What a Power Steering Fluid Flush Does
A power steering fluid flush drains the old fluid and any sludge that has built up in the system. Fresh fluid restores proper lubrication to the pump and other components, minimizing wear. Most vehicles benefit from a flush every couple of years, though the right interval depends on the specific vehicle and how it’s driven. Your owner’s manual or our technicians can give you a more precise recommendation.
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.