Masterparts offers high-quality power steering pumps, for sale at our branches across South Africa and in Namibia.
What does the power steering pump do in a car?
The power steering pump is the hub of a car’s hydraulic power steering system.
It draws steering fluid from a reservoir or tank, and sends it under high pressure to the steering rack.
The role of the pump is to maximise the speed and responsiveness of steering. It achieves this by creating sufficient pressure to move the rack left or right and, along with it, the vehicle’s front wheels.
This type of pump is a hydraulic vane pump. It’s powered by the car’s engine and uses centrifugal force to draw in the steering fluid on one end and pump it out the other.
Source: Mecha Source.
How do power steering pumps work?
A power steering pump consists of a housing, rotor and several sliding vanes that fit into the slots on the rotor’s exterior. The rotor is connected to a pulley by a drive shaft.
When the engine starts, the pulley, drive shaft and rotor rotate. The spinning motion of the rotor forces the vanes to move outwards along the slots, and against the housing.
The outward movement of the vanes creates a number of chambers. The steering fluid is trapped at high pressure in the chambers, and exits through the pressure control valve.
As the fluid exits, it creates a low pressure area in the pump. The steering fluid from the reservoir is sucked into the pump to fill the void. The process continues while the engine is running.
Once the fluid has exited the pump, it is transported to the steering rack, where it’s forced into two hydraulic chambers. The distribution of the fluid is such that one chamber gets more fluid than the other.
The combination of pressure and added weight in the chamber forces the rack to that side. It’s this force that is the “power” in power steering.
Take a look at Speedkar99’s video, How a Power Steering Pump Works, for a detailed account of the pump and how it works to deliver smooth and effortless power steering.
Signs of a malfunctioning power steering pump
With continued use, individual components can wear and the power steering pump can malfunction and fail. When that happens, the steering system is compromised. This can be fatal.
Signs that the pump may need replacing include fluid leaks under the car, a squealing noise when the ignition is turned on and groaning sounds when turning.
When the steering wheel is stiff and unresponsive, it points to a lack of fluid. Typically, the power steering pump is the culprit.
Where to get power steering pumps from Masterparts
Masterparts offers power steering pumps for a wide range of vehicle makes and models.
Power steering pumps in and around Cape Town:
Power steering pumps in KwaZulu-Natal:
Power steering pumps in Namibia:
Along with power steering pumps, Masterparts supplies a comprehensive range of engine, braking, steering, suspension and electronic parts for cars. Contact us if there’s a part you need and we’ll do our best to help.
