What to Expect With a Power Steering Service
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.
Did You Know: It takes up to three football fields to safely brake in the rain?
Common Signs Your Power Steering Needs Attention
Steering problems often start small and gradually get worse. Recognizing early signs gives you a chance to address the issue before it affects your safety or leads to more costly repairs. If you are unsure whether what you are feeling is normal, these are some common signals that your power steering system may need attention.
Changes In Steering Feel
You might notice the steering wheel takes more effort to turn, especially at low speeds or when parking. Some drivers describe this as the wheel feeling stiff or heavy. Others hear a whining, squealing, or groaning noise when they turn the wheel.
Visible Leaks & Other Warning Signs
You may spot a reddish or amber fluid under the front of the vehicle, or smell a burning odor after driving. Other warning signs can include the wheel not returning to center smoothly after a turn, a pulsing or jerking sensation while you steer, or intermittent loss of assist that comes and goes. On vehicles with electric power steering, you might see a steering warning light on the dashboard or feel sudden changes in steering assist. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, we encourage you to schedule a visit so our team can inspect the system and let you know what is going on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to drive if my steering wheel feels hard to turn?
Driving with a steering wheel that feels hard to turn can be risky, especially at low speeds or in tight spaces where quick steering input is important. Increased steering effort often points to low fluid, a failing pump, a worn belt, or an issue in an electric assist system. In some cases, you may still be able to control the vehicle, but it will require much more effort, which can be tiring and unsafe in traffic.
If the steering suddenly becomes very stiff or if you struggle to turn the wheel at all, it is safer to avoid driving and contact us to discuss your situation. Our team can help you decide whether to bring the vehicle in or arrange a tow. Once the car is at our shop, we inspect the system, explain what we find, and go over the best way to restore safe, predictable steering.
How much does power steering repair usually cost?
The cost of steering repair varies based on what is causing the problem and the design of your vehicle’s system. A minor issue, such as a leaking hose or a belt that needs replacement, typically costs less than replacing a pump or rack and pinion assembly. Electric power steering components can also differ in price from traditional hydraulic parts.
At Christian Brothers Automotive Westchase, we start with an inspection so we understand exactly what is going on. After we identify the concern, we prepare an estimate that outlines the parts and labor involved. We review this estimate with you, answer questions, and only move forward with work you have approved. Our industry-leading warranty applies to many steering repairs, which helps protect your investment over time.
What happens during a power steering inspection at your shop?
During a steering inspection, we focus on both what you feel at the wheel and what we see under the hood and under the vehicle. We begin by asking you to describe the symptoms, such as noises, warning lights, or changes in steering effort. Then our ASE-certified technicians check fluid level and condition, look for leaks at hoses and seals, and inspect the belt and related components on hydraulic systems.
We may test drive the vehicle to confirm what you are feeling and listen for sounds that show up while turning or driving at certain speeds. On vehicles with electric power steering, we can often access system information that helps pinpoint faults in sensors or assist units. Once the inspection is complete, we sit down with you, explain what we found in plain language, and discuss any repair options and timing before you decide how to proceed.
Do you work on electric power steering systems?
Yes, our team can diagnose and address many concerns related to electric power steering systems. These systems rely on motors, sensors, and control modules instead of or in addition to hydraulic components. Symptoms can include warning lights, inconsistent assist, or unusual steering feel that comes and goes.
We use manufacturer-quality equipment and current service information to help us identify where the problem is occurring. Depending on what we find, solutions can range from addressing wiring or connection issues to replacing certain components. As with any repair, we explain our findings and recommendations before any work begins, so you understand how the proposed solution relates to the symptoms you have noticed.
How long will my car need to stay for power steering work?
The amount of time your vehicle stays at our shop depends on what we find and the type of repair needed. A basic inspection and simple repair, such as replacing a worn belt, may be completed in a shorter visit. More involved work, like replacing a pump or rack, or diagnosing complex electric assist issues, typically takes longer.
When we review our findings and recommendations with you, we also talk about expected timing so you can plan your day. If your vehicle needs to stay with us, we offer a shuttle service to help you get to nearby destinations while we work. Our team keeps you updated on progress and lets you know when your vehicle is ready, so there are no surprises.
What kind of warranty do you offer on steering repairs?
Christian Brothers Automotive Westchase backs many steering repairs with an industry-leading warranty that reflects our confidence in our workmanship and parts. While the exact terms can vary by service and component, the goal is to give you peace of mind long after you leave our lot. When we prepare your estimate, we can explain how the warranty applies to your specific repair.
This protection matters especially for larger repairs, such as pumps or racks, where you want to know that your investment is supported. We are happy to answer any questions about warranty coverage before you approve the work, so you fully understand how you are protected.
How will you make sure I understand the repairs my car needs?
We believe you should never feel pressured or confused about work being done on your vehicle. Our team takes time to explain what we found during the inspection and how that relates to the symptoms you described. We use everyday language, point out components when helpful, and encourage you to ask as many questions as you like.
Instead of handing you a list of repairs, we walk through each recommendation, why it matters for safety or reliability, and what options you have. This approach is part of our commitment to transparency and to treating you like a neighbor. Our goal is for you to feel comfortable and confident in every decision about your vehicle’s steering system.
Schedule Your Power Steering Repair Today
If your steering does not feel quite right, waiting rarely makes the problem smaller. Addressing issues early can help you avoid sudden loss of assist, protect other components, and restore confidence every time you turn the wheel. At Christian Brothers Automotive Westchase, our ASE-certified technicians provide careful inspection, clear explanations, and warranty-backed power steering repair Tampa drivers can feel good about.
We work to make the process convenient, with a welcoming environment, owner operators on site, and shuttle services that help you keep up with your day while we service your vehicle. Most of all, we treat your vehicle as if it were our own, recommending only what we believe is truly needed to keep you safe on the road.
To schedule your appointment or talk with our team about a steering concern, contact us online or call (813) 652-0219 today.
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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.