A power steering system is a set of elements which help maintain a vehicle’s direction. It adjusts steering wheel precision, allowing driver to maintain control over truck trajectory. An essential element in vehicle’s stability, it constitutes with suspension to main stabilization systems. Power steering systems are especially important for trucks because they are very sensitive to steering problems. In this article, you’ll find out our maintenance tips for power steering on a truck and more.

 

How does power steering system work?

Power steering system work when turning or maneuvering. The system allows the driver to change truck trajectory through the movements transmitted to steering wheel.

In the early days of trucking industry, vehicles were not equipped with power steering systems. To enable drivers to steer their trucks, engineers fitted them with “hand oil.” It was not until the 1950s that first trucks with hydraulic power steering appeared. The first in a long series, hydraulic power steering is still valid.

Indeed, despite arrival of new systems on the market, some manufacturers continue to produce vehicles equipped with a hydraulic steering system. Today, the most recent steering systems are equipped with an electric pump. The most popular power steering uses a rack and pinion system.

In addition to type of control system, another factor that influences a vehicle’s steering system is the number of driven wheels.

The more drive wheels a vehicle has, the more complex its power steering system will be. In addition to the two-wheel steering models, there are also four-wheel steering models. Two-wheel drive vehicles are simpler because only two tires respond to steering wheel controls. On the other hand, in the case of 4-wheel steering, all four wheels are controlled automatically.

 

Tips for power steering truck driver

Why does your truck need to maintain its power steering maintenance?

Repair or maintenance of your truck power steering system is firstly a safety matter.

Each year, power steering failures cause many road accidents. By ensuring your power steering is in good condition, you first ensure your safety. Because regular maintenance of this system guarantees more flexible steering, as well as better driving precision. A visit to a truck centre extends the life of your power steering’s parts…therefore saving you money.

 

When should maintenance to a trucks power steering be done?

Here’s our recommandation tips for power steering maintenance.  It is recommended to clean power steering circuit every 24 months. Which is roughly equivalent to 45 kilometres on odometer (24,000 miles).

However, you can perform maintenance on your system by strictly following the manufacturer’s recommendations. To do this, consult your truck maintenance book.

 

Warning signs of a power steering problem

If your truck shows the following defect signs, quickly contact our garage for front-end steering repair.

  • Steering lacks precision
  • Power steering fluid colour has changed
  • Vehicle pulling to one side
  • Squeaking noise when changing steering wheel direction

 

What you will gain by coming to Ressorts Industriels Laval & CT CAM truck centre?

At Ressorts Industriels Laval/Centre de Camion CT CAM Inc., we subject your truck to rigorous maintenance to guarantee you best possible results.

We carry out a detailed diagnosis of your system to check if your parts are not suffering from wear. If everything is in order, we do a deep cleaning of power steering system by using a safe cleaner. Very effective, it dissolves all deposits accumulate there and keep them in suspension. Then, used power steering oil contained in system is drained and replaced with a high-performance fluid. And if it happens that one of your parts is worn, we immediately proceed with a replacement to avoid any risk of accident.