Yes, power steering can turn off or stop working, leading to a loss of power assist.
Understanding Power Steering Failure
Power steering systems are designed to make turning your vehicle's steering wheel easier. When functioning correctly, they significantly reduce the physical effort required to steer. However, like any automotive system, they can experience issues that cause them to stop providing this assistance.
As noted, electric power steering can stop working suddenly, which makes the vehicle very difficult to drive. A loss of power assist can occur in either electric or hydro-electric (hydraulic) power steering systems when a problem arises.
Why Power Steering Might Fail
Several factors can cause power steering to fail or lose its assist function:
- Electrical Issues: Especially in electric power steering (EPS) systems, problems with the motor, sensors, control unit, or wiring can cause the system to shut down.
- Hydraulic Leaks: In traditional hydraulic or hydro-electric systems, leaks in hoses, pumps, or seals can lead to a loss of fluid pressure, resulting in no power assist.
- Pump Failure: The power steering pump (in hydraulic/hydro-electric systems) can fail mechanically or electrically.
- Belt Problems: A broken or slipping belt driving the power steering pump (in belt-driven systems) will stop the pump from working.
- Fluid Contamination or Low Level: Dirty or insufficient power steering fluid can damage components or prevent the system from generating enough pressure.
- Mechanical Faults: Issues within the steering rack or gearbox itself can impede the power assist function.
Impact of Power Steering Failure
When power steering turns off or fails, the most noticeable effect is that the steering wheel becomes much harder to turn. This is particularly evident at low speeds or when stationary. While you can still steer the vehicle manually, the effort required is significantly higher than usual.
Types of Power Steering Systems and Potential Failure Modes
Different types of power steering can fail in slightly different ways:
| Power Steering Type | Common Failure Modes | Effect on Steering |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic (HPS) | Leaks, pump failure, belt issues, low fluid | Loss of assist, stiff steering |
| Electro-Hydraulic (EHPS) | Pump failure, electrical faults, leaks | Loss of assist, stiff steering |
| Electric (EPS) | Electrical motor/sensor/control unit failure, wiring issues | Sudden loss of assist, stiff steering |
Experiencing a sudden loss of power steering assist, as mentioned in the reference regarding electric systems, can be alarming and immediately makes steering the vehicle significantly more challenging.
What to Do If Power Steering Fails
If your power steering stops working while driving:
- Stay Calm: The vehicle can still be steered, though with much more effort.
- Reduce Speed: Slower speeds make steering less demanding than higher speeds.
- Steer with Both Hands: Use firm pressure to maintain control.
- Safely Pull Over: Find a safe place to stop your vehicle.
- Get It Checked: Do not continue driving with failed power steering for extended periods; have your vehicle inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic.
Understanding that power steering can fail, and recognizing the signs, is important for driver safety.
