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.
Honest Service, Every Visit
Every vehicle that comes through our doors receives a free Courtesy Inspection covering lights, brakes, suspension, tires, and battery. It’s our way of giving you a complete picture of your vehicle’s condition, not just the system you came in for.
We don’t perform repairs or recommend services without your approval first. If something isn’t needed, we won’t suggest it. Free Wi-Fi is available if you choose to wait at the shop.
How the Hydraulic Power Steering System Works
Your vehicle’s hydraulic power steering system relies on three components working together: the power steering pump, the power steering belt, and the hydraulic fluid that moves through the system. The pump pressurizes that fluid and delivers it where it’s needed to reduce the effort required to turn the steering wheel.
The power steering belt drives the pump directly, so a loose or worn belt disrupts the entire process before anything else fails. Hydraulic fluid carries the assist force through the system, and when it becomes contaminated or depleted, the pump works harder and wears faster. That relationship between components is exactly why our certified technicians start with a full system assessment before recommending any procedure.
Warning Signs Your Power Steering Needs Attention
Catching a developing problem early can keep a straightforward fluid flush from turning into a pump replacement. Here are the symptoms worth paying attention to:
- Whining or squealing when turning: Often points to low or degraded power steering fluid, or a problem with the power steering belt
- Stiff or heavy steering wheel: Particularly at low speeds or when parking, this can indicate low fluid or a failing power steering pump
- Vibration through the steering wheel: A loose or damaged power steering belt is a common cause
- Fluid leak near the steering gear: Reddish or pinkish fluid under the vehicle signals the hydraulic system can’t maintain proper pressure
- Vehicle pulling or wandering: Worn steering components accelerated by insufficient lubrication can cause the car to drift
What to Expect During Power Steering Service at Christian Brothers Automotive Roanoke
Our process follows a consistent order. Certified technicians begin with a full assessment of the power steering system. If a flush is the right course of action, we use BG power steering system cleaners to clean the system and BG power steering fluid to restore it to manufacturer’s standards.
If the assessment reveals a problem with the power steering belt or power steering pump, we present you with repair options and explain the findings in plain language. The Digital Vehicle Inspection puts actual photos of your vehicle in your hands, so you can see what our technicians found rather than taking our word for it.
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.