Our Approach: Inspect, Flush, Repair
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.
Why Waiting on Power Steering Problems Costs More
A small fluid leak or a subtle noise when turning can seem easy to put off. But driving with low or leaking power steering fluid puts real stress on the pump, which can overheat and fail entirely. A pump replacement can cost more than a fluid service, and no amount of fluid maintenance will correct a worn belt or a failing pump. That’s why our assessment step matters: catching the right problem early helps us recommend the right fix.
More About Power Steering Systems
Hydraulic vs. Electric Power Steering
Not every vehicle uses the same type of power steering system. Many older vehicles use hydraulic power steering, which relies on a pump to pressurize fluid that assists in turning the wheel. That pressurized fluid travels through the system to the steering rack, reducing the effort required from the driver.
Many newer vehicles use electric power steering instead, which replaces the hydraulic pump and fluid with an electric motor. Because there’s no fluid circuit involved, electric power steering systems don’t require the same fluid maintenance schedule. If you’re not sure which system your vehicle has, our certified technicians can tell you during your inspection.
Schedule Your Power Steering Inspection in Westfield, IN
Whether you’ve noticed a change in how your steering feels or you just want to stay ahead of maintenance, we’re ready to take a look. Drivers throughout Westfield and Carmel, Indiana can call (317) 653-6442 or use our online contact form to schedule an appointment. Call (317) 653-6442 or reach out online to have your power steering system assessed by Christian Brothers Automotive Westfield.
Routine Power Steering Maintenance
Staying ahead of power steering problems doesn’t require much. Checking your fluid level periodically is one of the simplest ways to catch a developing leak before it causes pump damage. If the reservoir is consistently low, that’s worth investigating.
Squealing or grinding noises when turning should be addressed promptly, not monitored indefinitely. Belt and pump failures rarely improve on their own, and the longer they go unaddressed, the more damage they can do to surrounding components. Following your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended service interval for power steering fluid is a reliable way to keep the hydraulic system working as intended.
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.