Inspect, Explain, Repair on Your Terms
Every visit follows the same straightforward process: we inspect the power steering system, explain what we find in plain language, and only move forward with your approval. We don’t perform repairs without your consent, and we won’t recommend parts or services your vehicle doesn’t need.
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.
Convenient Service, Confident Repairs
Dropping off your car shouldn’t derail your day. We offer complimentary shuttle service so you can keep your schedule while your vehicle is being serviced. When the work is done, it’s backed by our industry-leading warranty, reflecting our confidence in every repair we perform.
Signs Your Power Steering System Needs Attention
Most power steering problems give warning before they become serious. Knowing what to look for can help you catch an issue early and avoid a more involved repair down the road.
Common symptoms worth checking out:
- Hard-to-turn steering wheel: Unusual resistance when turning, especially at low speeds, is one of the most common signs of power steering trouble.
- Squealing or grinding when turning: Noise during steering input can point to a low fluid level, a worn power steering pump, or a slipping power steering belt.
- Jerking or vibrating wheel: Inconsistent feedback through the steering wheel often signals something is off in the power steering system.
- Fluid spots under the vehicle: A puddle or stain beneath the front of the car can indicate a power steering fluid leak that’s reducing system pressure.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, don’t wait. Call (903) 400-5968 or reach us through our contact form to schedule an inspection at Christian Brothers Automotive Tyler in Tyler, TX.
What Causes Power Steering Problems
Power steering fluid breaks down and becomes contaminated over time. As it degrades, it loses its ability to maintain system pressure, making steering feel sluggish or heavy. A power steering flush cleans out the old fluid and replaces it, helping restore performance and extend the life of the system’s components.
The power steering pump can also wear out from age and use. When it weakens, it can’t generate enough pressure to assist steering effectively and may eventually need replacement.
Hydraulic vs. Electric Power Steering
Not all vehicles use the same type of steering assist. Hydraulic power steering relies on a fluid-filled system driven by a pump to reduce steering effort. Electric power steering uses a motor instead, with no fluid involved. The symptoms of failure can look similar, but the diagnosis and service procedures differ. Our technicians identify which system your vehicle uses and apply the right approach from the start.
Ignoring early symptoms can make things worse. What starts as a minor fluid issue can progress to pump failure, increased steering effort, and a genuine safety concern. Addressing it early can help keep the repair more straightforward and your vehicle safer to drive. If something feels off, bring your vehicle to our Tyler shop and let us take a look.
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.