Can You Drive a Car With Power Steering Failure

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All but the smallest cars are equipped with power steering systems to make it easier for drivers to steer the car. Power steering failure usually happens gradually and gives warning signs before failing completely, but it is possible for power steering systems to fail suddenly, even if they are properly maintained. Electrical and non-assisted systems are less likely to have such failures, but in case something happens, the procedures for handling the situation are the same. Keep reading for detailed instructions on how to handle power steering failure if it happens to you.

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   Listen for noises when you turn the steering wheel. If you hear a whining, moaning or shrieking sound, your power steering system pump could be seriously low on fluid.

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   Notice how freely the steering wheel turns. Normally, you should be able to turn the steering wheel with little effort whenever you want to steer the car into a curve or around a corner. If you find it a major effort to turn the steering wheel to turn the car, your power steering system is going out.

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   Check for power steering fluid leaks. If you notice a stain on the ground under your car when it sits for a long period, fluid may be leaking from your car. If the stain appears amber, pink or red, it may be power steering fluid.

   • If you have trouble figuring out what color the stain is, place a sheet of white butcher paper under your car when you leave it parked for several hours. The color will be easier to see against a white background.

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   Warn other drivers. If your power steering fails while you are moving at high speed, your first instinct will be to panic. Instead, turn on your flashers and honk your horn to let other drivers know you are having sudden car problems. This will cause them to get out of your way.^[1]

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   Move toward the side of the road. Do this as carefully as you can; without power, it will be much harder to steer your car.^[2]

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   Bring the car to a gradual stop, slowing the car gradually. Slamming the brakes may throw the car into a skid that would be difficult to steer out of with power steering and almost impossible to steer out of without it.^[3]

   • If your car's power steering goes out because of the engine stalling, your brakes will feel stiffer if you have power brakes, forcing you to hit the pedal harder and depress it lower than normal. You may also have to downshift to a lower gear or use the friction of a guardrail, gravel shoulder or cement divider to slow the car enough for the brakes to do the rest.

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   Restart the engine if it stalled. Turn the steering wheel in either direction to see how well it turns. If it turns as freely as usual, pull back onto the roadway and continue driving as normal. If it doesn't, either drive slowly to the nearest mechanic or call for a tow truck.^[4]

Add New Question

• Question

  Why is power steering fluid coming out of the refill cap?

  

  Bame Rantsiapana

  Community Answer

  Check the seals on the cap. Sometimes the seals get worn out and have a leak.

• Question

  Can a power steering leak in the line cause it to be difficult to turn?

  

  Yes. Power steering is a hydraulic mechanism. When the fluid runs low, the ability for the steering to be assisted by hydraulics is compromised. Your car will turn, with effort, but it is damaging the system. Until you get it fixed, buy a bottle of transmission fluid (dextron/mercon); it will work in the power steering and is much cheaper than PS fluid. (DO NOT try to use power steering fluid in the trans line). Get it fixed; the cost will only go up as you do more damage.

• Question

  Should I get my power steering checked out if it quit working but is working again after restarting my car?

  

  Try replacing your power steering belt first. If that doesn't work, then it might just be a lose wire or shorted-out circuit.

• Question

  I have checked the fluid level for the power steering on my Kia and it's fine, but the steering is still heavy, and makes a funny noise when I turn the steering wheel from side to side. What could the problem be?

  

  It could be the pump itself if the fluid's not leaking at all.

• Question

  I got my power steering fixed, and now my horn isn't working. Is there a connection between the horn and the power steering?

  

  Not really, but if it's not working right after having it serviced, that's probably the cause. They may have inadvertently hit the wires to the horn when servicing it. I would take it back and tell them it was working just prior and you use it every day to honk for the kids to come out and get in the car.

• Question

  Why would my newly-installed power steering pump cause my steering wheel to turn hard?

  

  You might have to change the serpentine belt as well, I have noticed they go hand and hand.

• Question

  My power steering went out for a day and then came back on when I put in reverse and turned it a certain way. What could this be?

  

  It could be several things. Even if your serpentine belt is new, it may be loose. When a new belt is installed, it should be checked after about 50 miles -- have the belt tension checked with a gauge at your local repair shop. The power steering can function differently depending on the weather: on warm days it will generally work fine while on cooler days it may give you a problem. Anyway you should have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

• Question

  My engine was just replaced and 2 weeks later my power steering went out. Can this be related?

  

  It is possible. See a mechanic for advice.

• Question

  My power steering belt broke off and it is difficult to steer - but will I damage the engine if I drive it to the dealership for repairs?

  

  There shouldn't be any danger or possible damage to the engine as the power steering is there to assist the steering and reduce the effort needed - nothing else. So long as you are capable and strong enough to turn the steering wheel, choose the route to the garage with the fewest turns and if you cannot turn the wheel, ask someone stronger to drive for you.

• Question

  My car's power steering works when turning right, but doesn't when turning left. Why is this?

  

  When this issue occurs, you could be certain that there is a glitch in your power steering system. It could be the fluid, pump, or the serpentine belt. All of these things work together to reduce the resistance of the wheel at the time of turning. Go to your mechanic and have it checked.

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Video

• The best way to avoid having to deal with power steering failure is to check your car's power steering fluid reservoir regularly and have the car serviced if the fluid is leaking or discolored. You should also check the condition of the belt that connects the power steering pump to the driveshaft. If it slips or breaks, your power steering system will stop working. (It is also possible for a coolant or oil leak to make the belt slippery.)

• It is possible to drive a car with broken power steering as if nothing is wrong but the car will behave differently or in an unexpected way so it is definitely not recommended.

• Do not attempt to shift into either park or reverse to stop your car if the engine stalls. The mechanism that keeps your car in place when it is stopped isn't designed for a moving car and will fail if you try to shift into park. Attempting to shift into reverse while moving will be blocked by the car's electronics system.

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Can You Drive a Car With Power Steering Failure

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