Uneven Tyre Pressure

One of the most common reasons for your car pulling to one side is uneven tyre pressure. If there is low pressure on one side it will change the height of the tyre and can impact alignment. Similarly, if the tyre is underinflated, it will have increased rolling resistance and this can make the pull to one side more evident.

Overinflated tyres can also cause the alignment to change because the tyre will cause the vehicle to push away from that specific tyre, which then causes abnormal tyre wear. If you need to, take your vehicle to your local garage and inflate all your tyres to the recommended tyre pressure levels. You can sometimes find the specifications on the drivers control panel or side door. Once you’ve ensured that you have the correct tyre pressure, you should drive your vehicle to check whether the pull is still present. If your vehicle still veers to one side, then there may be another cause of this issue.

Wheel Alignment

Another common cause may be that your wheel alignment is off. If this is the case, you may notice uneven tread wear on your tyres, as this can often occur when the wheels are not correctly aligned. Alongside your car pulling to one side, if you have noticed more wear on the tyre that is pulling, you should have your wheel alignment checked as soon as you can. Having your alignment corrected involves adjusting the suspension, rather than the wheels or tyres. Essentially, a professional will alter the angle of the wheels, in order to optimise the contact of the tyres with the road.

For more information on wheel alignment, check out our article – Do You Need Car Wheel Alignment?.

Brake Problems

When you have issues with your braking system, it can cause your vehicle to pull to one side. The braking system is an essential safety component of your vehicle and any issues related to it need to be addressed as soon as possible. There are many parts to a braking system that could be faulty:

• Stuck Caliper – The hydraulic brake system powers the brake callipers and applies pressure the brake pads which brings the car to a stop. If one of the callipers are stuck, then it will cause a pull to that side of the vehicle.
• Collapsed Brake Hose – This can also cause your car to pull to one side, as it can result in your callipers moving unevenly.
• Slide Pins That Are Not Lubricated – It is important that slide pins should always be well lubricated, as pins that are not greased have more of a chance of getting stuck. In some extreme cases, it can cause a fire to break out due to a build-up of heat. Also, a seized pin can cause the vehicle to pull to one side.

Faulty Wheel Bearing

If you have bad wheel bearings, there will most likely be other, more identifiable symptoms present. However, your car pulling to one side is also a sign of this. Wheel bearings are what is responsible for the friction-free rotation of the wheel hub assembly so that the wheels rotate smoothly. On your vehicle, there are four wheel bearings, one located at each wheel.

When one or more of the wheel bearings wear out, you may notice a grinding noise coming from the tyre area and the vehicle may start to pull to one side. Often, the steering wheel will shake. The vehicle pulling to one side will happen long after you hear the grinding noise. It is important to state that you should not be driving your car if it is in this condition. Replacing wheel bearings are complicated and the service should be carried out by a professional.

Faulty Suspension Parts

Your suspension may be worn and need replacing – many of the parts will need replacing at some point in your vehicle’s lifetime. Components such as ball joints, shocks, struts, control arms or bushings may need to be replaced, due to wear and tear. When these components become worn, they can begin to shift or slant to one side, often when you apply the brakes. This will cause the vehicle to pull to the side.

For instance, a worn-out control arm bushing can end up shifting when you are braking, which can result in your car pulling to the left or right. The components tend to gradually wear out slowly, so you may not notice until they completely break. To avoid driving when your vehicle has worn out suspension parts, make sure that you regularly keep up to date with your vehicle’s servicing to prevent any dangerous surprises. If you would like to learn more about different issues that can occur with your suspension, check out our article – Common Suspension Problems & How To Spot Them!

Steering Linkage With A Lot Of Wear & Tear

When you have a weak tie rod end, it can cause the steering wheel to shift to either side while it is turning. If the condition of the tie rod end becomes really bad, the steering wheel can begin to shake from side to side. In new vehicles, there is a rack-and-pinion system that you can get serviced. Older vehicles tend to use a steering box and linkage system that is also serviceable. It is dangerous to have a damaged or broken steering linkage system because you could lose complete control of the steering wheel.

Torque Steer

When the car accelerates and pulls to one side, this is called torque steer. There can be many causes of this, such as worn or loose steering components. Additionally, it could be caused by either a damaged motor mount, a loose tie rod, faulty lower control-arm bushing or ball joint that is loose. You could test for torque steer by putting your vehicle in neutral and coasting it down a quiet road. If the pull does not occur when coasting, the alignment is not the issue and it is probably torque steer.

Fix Your Car Pulling Issues At Power Steering Service

If you are experiencing this problem, whether it is that your car pulls to the right or to the left, you should avoid driving, as it isn’t safe. At Power Steering Services, we can diagnose the cause of this issue and advise you on the repairs or replacements that will be necessary. Book your vehicle in with us today for a thorough inspection, either by filling in our simple online form or calling us on 0208 853 3343.

The post The Causes Of Your Car Pulling To One Side appeared first on Power Steering Services.

So, how do EPS systems work? Here is a little summary. Different sensors detect the input from the driver (torque, speed, position) and all this information is sent to the electric control unit (ECU), which calculates the amount of assistive torque needed and applies it via the electric motor (steering assistance motor). For more detailed information on how it works, check out our article – Electric Power Steering Guide.

When it comes to diagnosing issues with EPS systems, the process is very much different than how it is with hydraulic systems. Fully electric systems mean you will be dealing with data, rather than power steering fluid or damaged pumps. Keep reading to find out how you diagnose EPS issues.

Basic EPS Diagnostics

Most electric power steering systems are able to self-diagnose any faults, with the use of diagnostic trouble codes (DTC). In the EPS system, the codes would be located within the ECU and when the time came for finding the root cause of the problem, a specialised scan tool would be used to find and decipher all the DTC’s. Unfortunately, a DTC is sometimes only the beginning of the diagnosis journey, it usually takes expert electrical diagnostic knowledge to fully figure out the issue.

Note: Sometimes a DTC is accompanied with a steering warning light.

An example of the type of DTC’s you may encounter, are:

• ‘C-series’ Code: Suggests problems with the feedback and electrical assist part of the system.
• ‘U-Series’ Code: Suggests a problem with information sharing between the EPS, electric control module, anti-lock braking system and other systems.

On occasions, diagnostic trouble codes can trigger fail-safe strategies in the EPS system. To elaborate, a fail-safe strategy is developed to switch the EPS system to a mode that will protect the driver and the passengers, as well as the EPS system. For example, if any sensors or other important mechanisms in the EPS system malfunctioned, the self-diagnostics would discover the issue, form a DTC for it and then switch off power-assist, leaving just manual steering.

Something else that will either decrease or turn off power-assist, is if the ECU detects that the electric motor is repeatedly providing a very large amount of torque, causing it to heat up excessively. To elaborate, if you are driving at a very slow speed or are idle, and you are continuously turning the steering wheel left or right, it’s likely the motor will overheat. To prevent this, the ECU will reduce the electric current in the motor and restrict power-assist from being applied.

Tips For Diagnosing EPS Issues

The main indication you’ll get if there is a malfunction with the electric power steering system is that the EPS light will illuminate on the dashboard. Specifically, the warning light will come on when the EPS system is off. This is when the scan of the vehicle’s diagnostic trouble codes will need to be carried out to expand your knowledge on where the issue lies. Some general issues that you may have with EPS systems are:

• Problems With Alignment: You may encounter an issue where the electric power steering is providing more assistive torque in one direction, than the other. For example, it may be easier to turn the steering wheel to the right than left. If wheel alignment has been corrected, this issue could be due to a fault with the steering angle sensor. This will need to be re-calibrated, in order for it to give the correct position of the vehicle to the ECU, which will then provide the correct amount of assistive torque.
• Lack Of Power-Assist: If this occurs, a DTC code could have triggered the fail-safe strategy, meaning no power-assist will be available. Therefore, this safe mode will need to be reset.

Even though there are no power steering pumps or hoses to worry about, there are other components in the electric power steering system that could malfunction. If a fault does occur in the system, they may exhibit some problems:

Steering Wheel Difficult To Turn

If turning your steering wheel to either side becomes hard, you should inspect:

• Torque sensor
• Tyres
• Electric steering rack/pump/column
• Steering column shaft
• Steering ECU + Supply voltage
• Vehicle Speed Sensors

Uneven Left-Right Power Steering Assist

If there seems to be an imbalance in the steering, you should inspect the:

• Torque sensor calibration
• Alignment of all the wheels
• Electric steering pump/rack
• Steering ECU

Sounds In The Steering Wheel

Inspect:

• Steering gear (e.g. steering rack)
• Steering column

Note: If the noise specifically sounds like squeaking, you should check the electric motor.

When Driving, The Amount Of Assistive Torque Doesn’t Decrease

From when you are stationary to when you begin driving, the assisted torque will differ based on wheel speed and steering angle. So if the amount doesn’t decrease when you start driving, you should inspect the:

• Torque sensor
• Electric motor
• ECU

Electric Power Steering Specialist Near Me

Are you struggling with electric power steering issues? If so, you should book your vehicle in with us, at Power Steering Services. Whether it’s your electric power steering pump or your electric steering rack that is playing up, we can rebuild or replace them for a large variety of makes and models. In order to meet and exceed all OEM specifications, any EPS components we install in your car has been thoroughly tested under all driving conditions and we provide a lifetime warranty for each installed unit! Contact us today, either by filling in our easy online form or giving us a call on 0208 853 3343.

The post Diagnosing Electric Power Steering System Issues appeared first on Power Steering Services.

One cooling technique is that the engine is exposed to coolant fluid, also known as engine coolant and antifreeze. This fluid is specially formulated to regulate and cool down the temperature and also, it helps to prevent rust, corrosion and scale deposits from building up in the engine.

Furthermore, if an engine begins to get too hot, engine oil acts as a coolant too. This is because as the oil is lubricating all the engine components, the heat created is transferred to the oil, which then passes through a heat exchanger, such as the radiator. Essentially, if there is enough coolant and oil flowing through your engine, the right temperature will be maintained.

There are, however, other problems that could arise which may affect the cooling liquids and hinder them from carrying out their purpose. There could be a leak present or a faulty engine component, which could cause the engine to become too hot. If you ever find that your engine is overheating, you should avoid driving your vehicle, as it is dangerous and you could cause some serious damage.

What Are The Common Symptoms Of Engine Overheating?

There are five main symptoms of an overheated engine. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should seek professional help to prevent further damage to your car.

Red Temperature Gauge – Your car should have a temperature gauge on its dashboard, which tells you the engine coolant temperature. If there is excessive heat in your engine, the needle on the gauge will appear in the red area.

Temperature Warning Light – The temperature gauge usually just blends into the dashboard and many don’t pay attention to it unless something motivates them! In the event that your engine is overheating, the temperature light will illuminate on the dashboard and this will signal you to check the temperature gauge to check which area the needle is in.

Steam Coming From Your Bonnet – When there is too much heat in the engine, steam will come from the front of your vehicle. If you have a damaged radiator and it fails to cool the coolant down, the coolant will become excessively hot. It then starts to boil which can cause steam to form and escape through the bonnet.

Burning Smell From Engine – Due to the engine being composed of components made from various materials, such as metal, rubber seals and plastic valves, they will begin to burn when your engine overheats. You may notice a burning or ‘hot’ smell and you will be able to smell it throughout the whole car. Burning oil will also cause a distinctive odour. As soon as you notice this scent, you will need to get your engine looked at as soon as possible.

Poor Engine Performance – An engine that has overheated or is prone to overheating will not be able to function properly while being driven. The acceleration will be weak and if you try to demand more power from your engine, it will not be able to provide it. All the symptoms above are also considered as poor engine performance.

What Are The Common Causes Of Engine Overheating?

Below are the top five causes of an overheating engine. When you can begin to understand the causes, you can fix the problems straight away. With problems related to your vehicle, it is always important to fix them sooner rather than later, otherwise, further damage may be caused and you’ll end up with costly repair bills.

Leaking Coolant – When your engine is running, it depends on coolant to absorb any excess heat that is being created. This cooling system consists of a water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, a radiator, radiator cap and a head gasket. If any of these components become faulty or are too worn, there is a risk of coolant leaking out of them, resulting in an overheated engine.

Clogged Hoses – If your engine is overheated but there is no coolant leak you may have a clogged coolant hose; this might happen when some dirt or particles from the road have got into the hose. This will restrict the coolant from flowing through the engine properly.

Bad Water Pump – The water pump is a component that circulates the coolant fluid around the engine. If the water pump is faulty or worn, coolant may leak from it and in turn, cause the engine to overheat. You will need to have your impeller vanes or bump shaft checked, as these are usually the components responsible for water pump issues.

Faulty Radiator – As the coolant is flowing through the radiator, it is cooled and ready to re-cycle the engine to absorb more excess heat. If the radiator component in the engine is faulty, then the liquid will always stay hot, which in turn keeps the engine hot. A faulty fan in the radiator component will prevent the hot air from leaving, so this could also be a possible fault causing the engine to overheat. Other potential causes could be leaks or a clogged radiator.

Wrong Coolant – If you put the wrong type of coolant liquid in your vehicle, it won’t be able to keep the engine cool and prevent it from overheating. If you have your vehicle checked by a professional and there are no faulty components or leaks, then this might be the issue if you have recently put new coolant fluid in your car. Seek professional help if you have done this, as you will need to flush the entire cooling system and then put the correct fluid back into the system.

If your car is overheating or you have a faulty component that is causing your engine to overheat, such as an oil leak, a faulty water pump or a coolant level problem, it is a good idea to have your vehicle checked by a professional. Engine overheating problems can cause a wide range of further issues which you may not able to fix in the long run.

If your vehicle is suffering from any of the symptoms listed above, book your vehicle in with Power Steering Services today. We can diagnose the problem and provide the necessary repairs or replacements, so either fill in our easy online form or call us on 0208 853 3343!

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Why Are MOT’s Essential For Your Vehicle?

It is required by law that if your vehicle is over three years old, you have an MOT test every year, to make sure that it is meeting the correct road safety and environmental standards. Also, it helps to ensure that your vehicle is running smoothly and it is free of any mechanical faults that may be a danger to yourself and other drivers on the road.

The Risk Of Not Having A Valid MOT

If your vehicle doesn’t have a valid MOT certificate, you could be heavily fined, specifically, you could be fined up to £1000. Furthermore, you will not be able to renew your road tax and your insurance will be invalidated. When you don’t have valid insurance on your vehicle, you could risk points on your driver’s license. It can also cause an increase in the amount of insurance you’ll be paying in the future.

Avoiding an MOT test could result in mechanical issues not being detected, and then minor or fatal accidents could occur, due to issues that could have been resolved if you had carried out the test. Often, an MOT test can detect problems that need resolving early enough to prevent accidents. It is also better to detect problems with it before they become too expensive to repair or become unrepairable.

MOT System Updates

In May 2018, there were a lot of changes to the way vehicles were tested. MOT testing guide rules can change regularly, so make sure that you are always keeping up to date with them.

1) There are now stricter rules for diesel car emissions. Ensure that your vehicle has a working DPF (diesel Particulate Filter) and that no coloured emissions are coming from your car.

2) Car defects are now categorised as either:

• Dangerous – The name of this category says it all – the defects your vehicle has is too much of an immediate risk to vehicle safety and you’re looking at a fail. You will not be able to drive your vehicle until the necessary repairs have been carried out.
• Major – Defects in this category will result in a fail and need repairing immediately.
• Minor – These defects still allow you to pass your MOT, however, they will need to be repaired as soon as possible.
• Advisory – These are issues that could become more serious in the future and need resolving, but you still pass your MOT.
• Pass – You have maintained your vehicle well and deserve a pass!

3) Vehicles that are over 40 years old have become exempt and no longer require an MOT test. If you have a car that was manufactured over 40 years ago, you do not have to register it as being exempt, but you will have to declare this exemption when getting insurance or road tax.

4) New items have been added to the list of tests during an MOT and some of these are:

• Underinflated tires
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Fluid leaks that pose a risk to the environment
• Brake pads missing/warning lights

5) The way your MOT certificate will be presented to you has also changed, as each defect will be listed under the category is has been placed in. If you need any help or an explanation of anything on the certificate, then your MOT tester will be willing to provide you with the clarity and understanding that you need.

Tips For Passing Your MOT

Here are a few important components to check before the day of your MOT test:

• Handbrake – Pull your handbrake up to make sure that it is working correctly, and make sure that it does not click too many times as this could indicate that the cable needs adjusting. Take it to your regular garage if this may be an issue.
• Check your Brake Fluid – You need to make sure that it is at the recommended level. Also, check the brake pedal by pressing it to make sure that it doesn’t feel spongy. If it does, it can be because there is air in the hydraulic system and to resolve this issue, it may need bleeding out by your mechanic.
• Shock absorbers – You can check these by bouncing your car from the corners and if it bounces too many times, this is a sign that your shocks are worn and in need of replacement.
• Steering wheel – If your steering wheel feels too loose, it could indicate an issue with tie rods, ball bearings or the pitman arm and this will affect the passing results of the MOT test. For more information on what can cause a loose steering wheel, check out our article – Steering Feels Loose – What Are The Causes?
• Windscreen – Make sure that your windshield view is free of any chips or cracks that are bigger than 40mm, especially when considering the driver’s view. Not all windscreen damage will result in a fail, it all depends on where the chip or crack is located.
• Mirror checks – Ensure your wing and rearview mirrors are in good condition and if there is any damage, you should make sure it is repaired or the mirrors are replaced.
• External lights and number plate – Make sure that every one of your vehicle’s lights, such as your headlights, indicators, hazard lights, fog lights, etc, are working properly, clean and undamaged. You can clean them if necessary, and replace the bulb if they are looking a bit dim.
• Check your tyres – To ensure your vehicle passes the MOT tyre tread check, you need to measure it using a tread depth gauge. The legal minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of your tyre. Also, if there is any visible damage to your tyres, like bulges or cracks, it will result in an immediate fail. Therefore, when you spot a problem with your tyres, even if it is way before your MOT test is due, you need to get them replaced. This is to not only to make sure you pass your MOT but also to ensure you are safe on the road. If you notice uneven tread wear on your tyres, it could potentially be a sign of bad wheel alignment, so it’s best to get this checked out.
• Exhaust check – Ensure there are no leaks in the exhaust and that there is no coloured smoke exiting it.
• Number plates – Check they are fully visible and in good condition (clean and no damage).

How Your Regular Garage Can Help You Avoid Failing Your MOT

Having your vehicle regularly serviced can prevent you from failing your MOT test because the garage can detect any potential failures and repair them before your test. There are many requirements that your car has to pass, as you can observe from above, so regular servicing will allow you to deal with any faults early on and not on the day of your test!

For example, if you take your vehicle in for servicing a few weeks before your test is due, and your tyres are too worn, your mechanic will inform you that they need replacing because they are worn over the legal limit. If you replace them, you will pass this aspect of the MOT test. Regular trips to your local or trusted garage will also give you the confidence to carry out the necessary preparations to make sure your car is in top form for its test.

Pre-MOT Inspections At Power Steering Services

If your vehicle is due for an MOT test soon and you don’t feel confident with its condition, here at Power Steering Services we can carry out pre-MOT inspections. Essentially, this is a thorough health-check of your vehicle to highlight defects, if any, that may cause the vehicle to fail its MOT. We then advise accordingly about any repairs or replacements you may need to make. If you would like an inspection, book your vehicle in with Power Steering Services today by either filling in our online form or giving us a direct call on 0208 853 3343.

The post MOT Testing Guide – Tips On How To Prepare For It! appeared first on Power Steering Services.

Your steering wheel should be sturdy and dependable so that you have full control of the vehicle under any circumstances. To test whether you have a loose steering wheel or not, try to turn your wheel 1 or 1.5 inches to the left or to the right and if the tyres do not move, you know there is an issue.

Most vehicles have two different kinds of steering wheel systems to assist with the control of the movement of the car. A rack and pinion system is found on cars, small trucks and other reasonable sized vehicles, whilst recirculating-ball steering systems are used in larger and heavier vehicles. Both systems contain components that are subject to wear and tear, so if they start to fail, you will begin to feel play in the steering wheel.

The post Steering Feels Loose – What Are The Causes? appeared first on Power Steering Services.

Any vehicle that has wheels will have wheel bearings, such as bicycles, aeroplanes and even boats. They consist of a group of steel balls attached to a metal ring, which is located on a metal axle shaft. The axle is positioned inside the wheel hub, which is the mounting assembly for the wheel of the vehicle and this hub also houses the lugs nuts that are used to bolt the tyre to the wheel. When the wheels of your vehicle turn, the bearings help to speed up their rotation and reduce the amount of friction, which in turn, creates a smooth experience for the driver.

Wheel bearings are designed to support the front and back axle and the weight of your car. They are made out of hard steel, created using a high-precision technique that is designed to withstand all of the regular impacts that the wheels and tyres face, as your vehicle is driven on the road. The bearings consist of rolling parts, such as ball bearings or roller bearings. These roll around on the hardened steel bearing races.

When the engine produces power, the power gets converted in the transmission, which then helps transfer power to the wheels of the car. The drive shafts go through the hub assembly on a vehicle and then rotate them. For the shafts to remain in place, a wheel bearing must be secured around them. Therefore, when the car is put in drive or reverse, the wheel bearings have to do their job. They also prevent your tyres from building up too much heat.

How Long Should Wheel Bearings Last?

Depending on what type of wheel bearings you have, they can last anywhere between 70,000 to 150,000 miles. You could have unsealed bearings, which can be taken out to be cleaned and re-greased. Or you could have sealed ones, which you will not be able to lubricate and would instead require a professional to do this for you. Similar to how engine oil prevents the engine from failing, by keeping the components lubricated, your bearings need to be greased properly or they could become damaged.

Wheel bearings are designed to last a very long time and they are made out of high-quality hardened steel. However, they are still susceptible to wear and tear, losing lubricity and they may become loose due to wear inside the hub assembly. If your wheel bearings break, your tyres and wheels could separate from your vehicle, which would lead to a very dangerous situation.

Most vehicles are equipped with a maintenance-free wheel bearing which is designed to last a lifetime of the vehicle, but even these are still prone to wear and tear eventually, and will still need to be serviced to make sure that they are in working order.

Worn/Faulty Wheel Bearing Symptoms

Luckily, there are obvious symptoms that occur when your wheel bearings may be faulty or need some attention. It’s important that you always look for these signs because having faulty or damaged wheel bearings could cause a lot of damage to your wheel system, and also create a lot of issues whilst driving on the road.

Also, it’s worth mentioning that as soon as you start to recognise that you have worn wheel bearings, it should be addressed immediately and the bearings should be replaced by a professional mechanic.

Abnormal Tyre Wear: You would be lucky if all of your wheel bearings wear out at the same rate, however, we don’t live in a perfect world. Therefore, if one is worn, it’s likely that the same tyre will also wear out quicker compared to the others. For example, if the right tyre on your vehicle is showing signs of wear more than the left, this may mean that there is a problem with the right wheel bearing.

However, if there is an issue with one of your bearings, then depending on the condition of the others on the same axle, your mechanic may recommend that you replace them all at the same time. However, some dishonest mechanics may claim that you need them all replaced when you don’t really need to, which is why you need to make sure you take your vehicle to someone trustworthy.

In regard to abnormal tyre wear, this symptom can be caused by quite a few problems, such as worn shocks and struts, unbalanced tyres or even misaligned wheels. Therefore, it’s important to consult a professional before making any assumptions.

Grinding Or Roaring Noises From Your Wheels: If you start to hear a loud roaring or grinding sound coming from the tyre area, then you may be dealing with bad bearings. The sound can resemble metal moving against metal and it’s usually due to the loss of lubrication in the bearing, which is caused by too much heat building up in it.

You may hear it from one side only, rather than both at the same time. It is more common that it will only be coming from one wheel, and you will probably also notice some tyre wear on the same side as where the noise is coming from. When your bearings do start to lose efficiency, it happens very quickly, which is why it’s important to keep an eye out for any bad wheel bearing sounds.

Snapping, clicking or popping sounds coming from the wheels of your vehicle may also indicate there is an issue with your bearings. Whilst it is often an indicator of a CV joint issue, it could also be due to inadequate bearing clamping. You might hear this sound slightly increased when you make sharp turns around corners.

Steering Wheel Vibration: Another one of the most common symptoms of bearing wear could be a vibration coming from your steering wheel. This is because there will be a lack of control/stability and this symptom usually shows up when the vehicle is driving at slow speeds and will get worse as the vehicle accelerates.

Excessive Play In The Wheels: Generally, you would have to take your car to a mechanic to detect this symptom. If you can jack your car up or it is on a hydraulic lift, you can try to move the wheel from one side, and if it wobbles or moves from side to side, then this could be a sign of a bad wheel bearing. If the wheel bearings are adequate, it will not wobble.

Clutch/Neutral Gear Issue: You may notice that your vehicle has a difficult time rolling when the clutch is down and you are in neutral gear. If the wheel bearings are worn out it will create friction in your wheel bearing system.

Your Vehicle Pulling To One Side: This symptom, again, can be caused by other problems, such as misaligned wheels, a stuck brake calliper or worn suspension components. However, a bad wheel bearing can also be the culprit.

This component is meant to have a smooth surface, to allow the wheel hub assembly to rotate smoothly and in turn, the wheels to turn fluidly. When a wheel bearing begins to wear out, its smooth surface may become rough due to wear and tear and this can trigger the grinding noise from that specific tyre and vibration from the steering wheel. Also, the vehicle may begin to pull to the side. For example, if your left wheel bearing is damaged, then you may feel your vehicle veering to the left.

If you’ve been hearing strange noises from one of your wheels and then this occurs, you will need to cease driving your vehicle in this condition and take it to a garage, where the issue can be diagnosed and the bad bearing can be replaced if necessary.

What Causes Wheel Bearings To Become Worn/Damaged?

It’s inevitable that every time you drive your vehicle, your wheel bearings will wear a little, just like any other component. However, there are certain things that can cause them to wear out at a quicker rate. Above we mentioned the symptoms of worn bearings and now we will be discussing what can cause them to become damaged prematurely.

Uneven Roads: If we told you to imagine a rough and bumpy road, you can probably name a few… dozens. Let’s just say a common issue these days is the poor quality of the roads, especially since they’re littered with potholes! So, think of the beating your wheel bearings receive when your wheels are travelling on these uneven roads. The chances of them collecting damage is high and then this can cause more friction for the wheels, as the bearings will become too worn.

Floods and Flooded Streets: When you drive in a flooded street or through long, deep puddles, the seals on the wheel system will not be able to stop the water from entering your wheel bearings. Even though they have seals, if they are exposed to water for an extended period of time, they will eventually wear out and need to be replaced.
All the wheel bearings are already lubricated when the car is manufactured, with a petroleum-based mixture which does not mix well with water. In the worst-case scenario, too much water exposure can cause the grease to come off and then damage will be caused because of the lack of lubricant.

Unbalanced tyres: If there is an uneven distribution of weight around the wheels, it will mean that certain wheel bearings are subjected to more pressure than others, which can cause them to wear at different rates. You may begin to notice that your wheel will become noisy and then the damage has already begun to occur.

Part of good car maintenance is to make sure that all of your tyres are balanced. Some common symptoms of unbalanced tyres are uneven tread wear, low fuel economy and vibrations in the steering wheel. Therefore, it’s important to carry out this service, to keep your vehicle running smoothly and put equal amounts of pressure on all of your wheel bearings, so none of them needs replacing prematurely. You can do this by taking your car to a professional, or have them checked whilst your vehicle is being serviced.

Car Accidents: If you have been in an accident where your wheels have collected some damage, you should check if your wheel bearings are in good condition, as it is possible that they could have been affected by the impact too. It’s good to check that no unusual noises are coming from the wheels and that your wheels are functioning adequately. It is best to have them checked by a professional to ensure you are not a hazard on the road.

Bad or Faulty Installation: If you have just got your wheel bearings replaced and you’re already experiencing issues, such as a strange grinding noise and abnormal tread wear, the mechanic who installed them may have done so incorrectly or not to the manufacturer’s specification. Sometimes, human error cannot be avoided, but it is best you take your vehicle to the original place you purchased your car from and make sure that the correct bearings are installed and adjusted correctly.

Is It Safe To Drive If My Wheel Bearings Are Worn?

The short answer is no. it is not recommended that you drive your vehicle if you suspect that your wheel bearings are damaged or faulty. Failure of your bearings is a gradual process, but it could be caused immediately after hitting a pothole or having another kind of sudden impact to the wheel, such as a car accident.

Sometimes, the unusual wheel bearing noise could be present for a while before the issue becomes a serious hazard. When the wear on the bearing slowly increases, it’s hard to predict when it will fail, and this is the reason why it is best not to drive with this issue. If you ignore or delay the replacement of this worn component, you will run the risk of it breaking or seizing while you are driving and you will lose control of the vehicle.

When your car hits around 100,000 miles, it is recommended that you replace both bearings on the axle at the same time, if you have never had them replaced before. Make sure that you get a professional to check any noise that may be coming from your wheels or tyres; in some cases, there could be an issue with your tyres, rather than the wheel bearings.

How is a Wheel Bearing Replaced?

The complexity of the replacement procedure usually depends on the model and make of the vehicle. It also depends on where the bearing is located (front or rear) and the vehicles drive type (all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive). Here is a basic outline of what steps your mechanic could follow when replacing your bad wheel bearings:

• Step One: Firstly, the brake and calliper are removed, when dealing with vehicles that have unitized wheel bearings or hub assemblies.
• Step Two: The axle is then pushed back through the middle of the bolts that hold the hub assembly to the steering knuckle after the axle nut is removed.
• Step Three: The hub is removed from the knuckle and then the installation of the new hub to the knuckle is started. The bolts will be the same as the factory specification and the old axle will be replaced. Over-tightening and under-tightening could cause damage to the new bearing that has been installed.
• Step Four: The brake rotor and calliper will be reattached and the wheel will be put back on and tested on the road.

On some vehicles, the wheel bearings are pressed onto the axle shaft. The axle must be taken out from the axle carrier in this case.

Wheel Bearings Replacement

Power Steering Services is based in Greenwich, London and we offer a range of high-quality services. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms of worn wheel bearings, we can diagnose if your bearings are in fact damaged or incorrectly installed, and we can then offer the necessary service, whether it be readjustment or replacement. Book in with us today, either by filling in our easy online form or contacting us on 0208 853 3343.

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What Causes Wheels To Go Out Of Alignment?

Many factors could cause wheels to become misaligned, such as:

• Your vehicle suddenly jarring, such as driving over speed bumps, potholes, or bumping the curbs at high speeds regularly.
• If you have a car accident or experience a sudden impact hit.
• Worn parts caused by wear and tear over time, such as worn shock absorbers or suspension springs can lead to a shift in the alignments of your wheels.
• When you modify the height of your vehicle and the suspension has not been changed to match the modified height, it could cause problems with your wheel alignment.

What Problems Can Misaligned Wheels Cause?

If your wheels are misaligned it could eventually cause other problems to develop with your vehicle:

• If you are experiencing lower fuel efficiency, it may be because misaligned wheels have a greater resistance with the road, which will mean the vehicle is using more fuel.
• Tyre performance will decrease rapidly because the tread depth on them will become uneven, and they will wear out a lot faster than normal. This could be a serious hazard to other drivers and yourself, as there is an increased risk of having an accident.
• You could also lose handling of your vehicle, which in turn, could result in an accident, as you will find it difficult to conduct emergency manoeuvres whilst at high speeds.

Symptoms Of Bad Car Wheel Alignment

Steering: When you’re on a drive and you notice that your vehicle’s logo on the steering wheel is not straight, this could be your first sign that something isn’t right with your suspension. Your steering wheel should be sitting in the centre most of the time whilst you are driving, therefore, if you feel like you are holding the wheel in a position that would usually make your vehicle go off the road, then you should be checking your wheels are aligned properly.

Steering Wheel Vibrating: If your steering wheel is vibrating when you’re driving, this could be due to incorrect alignment, as the wheels could be pulling against each other. If the seats and the entire car is shaking, make sure you get them checked out as soon as possible as the problem has become quite severe!

Loose Steering Wheel: If your steering wheel has become loose or you feel like it isn’t giving you a proper response whilst you are making harder turns, there could be a problem. Whilst alignment could be the culprit, you should also have your power steering looked at by a professional.

Steering Wheel Does Not Return To Its Centre Position: When you put your steering wheel into a full lock, it should automatically start to go back into the centre position when you are driving. You can check your steering wheel does this by driving on a quiet road after turn, and seeing if it goes back into place. If it doesn’t do this, your suspension components may need to be checked.

Drifting or Pulling: If you feel like your vehicle is drifting or veering/pulling to one side when you are driving on a straight road, this could likely mean that your wheels might be misaligned. It may be a serious issue if you feel like you have to put constant pressure on the steering wheel to keep it straight and if you tend to veer to one particular side.

Another issue is passive pulling, which is when your car moves to one side and then another. To test if this is happening to your vehicle, use an empty road and drive without your hands on the steering wheel to see if it moves in this way. If it does pull to one side, you should initially check that your tyre pressure is at the correct level and if this is not the culprit, then go get your alignment checked.

Tyres Squealing: If you can hear lots of strange noises coming from the wheels of your car, this could be due to the camber, caster or toe angles, as incorrect positioning can cause adverse friction between the tyres and the road.

On a side note, there also could be a problem with tyre balancing which is a completely different issue to wheel alignment. It’s best you get a professional opinion on the matter.

Uneven Tyre Wear: When you look at your tyres and see that it is more worn on one side than the other, then it means that you have an alignment problem. It’s recommended that you regularly inspect your vehicle’s tyres for the type of wear they have.

How To Avoid Alignment Problems

You can take steps to make sure that wheel alignment issues can be avoided, some being:

• Remove Unnecessary Weight: Get rid of anything that could make your car too heavy on a journey, as excess weight can cause misalignments in your wheels.
• Tyre Pressure: Ensure that all your tyres have the same air pressure level. When your tyres all have different amounts of air in them it could not only cause misalignment issues but also uneven tread wear.
• Drive Carefully: Hitting speed bumps and potholes at high speeds are bound to knock your alignment out of place. Driving slowly and carefully will place less strain on the steering and suspension and will allow you to avoid needing any alignment adjustments.

The Benefits Of Keeping Your Wheels Correctly Aligned

There are many benefits to ensuring your alignment is correct, as prevention is better than cure!

• Longer tyre lifespan, as misalignment can cause premature wear, regardless of whether you rotate them regularly.
• Improved handling of your vehicle, especially manoeuvring around obstacles, such as potholes.
• You can prevent premature wear and tear on your steering column, as badly aligned wheels can cause suspension and steering problems.
• Better miles per gallon, meaning fewer fuel costs.

Wheel Alignment Near Me

If you’re in need of a wheel alignment service, whether it’s for your front wheels or you’re in need of a four-wheel alignment, you should book in with your local specialists. By maintaining correct alignment, you will reduce uneven wear patterns on your tyres and in turn, avoid premature wear on them. Also, it will improve your steering and save you some cash by reducing your vehicle’s fuel consumption!

The post Do You Need Car Wheel Alignment? appeared first on Power Steering Services.

Therefore, it’s important to act quickly if this component isn’t functioning properly. Any issues could either indicate that it may just need a thorough clean or you may be looking at needing a catalytic converter replacement. For information on the signs of its impending failure, keep reading.

What Does A Catalytic Converter Do?

A catalytic converter is a filter that reduces vehicle emissions and pollution that occur while your car is driven. The metal canister is situated in the exhaust system and it’s filled with a chemical catalyst made up of palladium and platinum, which assists in converting the emissions into non-harmful exhaust gases. Therefore, as we’ve mentioned, it’s imperative that your catalytic converter is in the best condition!

What Causes Catalytic Converter Problems?

Converters can end up being clogged up with carbon over time. This carbon build-up is one of the most common problems that occur and it prevents the catalysts in the device from removing the harmful exhaust gasses.

When your car starts to ‘run rich’ it can cause excessive build-up in the converter. Running rich means that the air to fuel ratio is not at the best level, and the engine is not adequately burning all of the fuel it is consuming.

When this happens it’s a good idea to check your vehicles’ spark plugs to ensure these do not need replacing. If you have checked or replaced these, then the next step to take is to check the fuel injectors, air filter, intake pipes, throttle body and if the problem persists, a more thorough check will be necessary.

It can also be caused by faulty sensors including airmass, air intake temperature and lambda sensors giving incorrect signals to the ECU, as the ECU relies on the signals from the sensors to then calculate how much fuel is required in the mix.

What Are The Signs Of A Faulty Catalytic Converter?

Rattling Noises – This rattling noise can be due to an internal structure breaking in the catalytic converter. To elaborate, inside the converter, there is a honeycomb structure that holds the catalyst. If there is a lot of unburned fuel present in the converter, this can cause the structure to heat up excessively, resulting in damage.

The rattle noise will be noticed more as the engine starts but will worsen as time goes on if it is not inspected when the rattling noise is first heard.

A Bad Sulphur Smell – When a converter is properly working it will convert hydrogen sulfide into sulfur dioxide which has no smell. So, when it is not functioning properly, you may notice a rotten egg smell coming from the exhaust. A cloud of dark exhaust smoke may also be emitted. Hydrogen sulfide is formed from gasoline/petrol that has sulfur in it, during engine combustion.

Engine Performance Issues – If a converter is clogged it’s going to hinder exhaust flow, while a cracked one will leak harmful gases into the environment. Either one of these issues will result in the engine not performing as efficiently as it should be, such as reduced fuel economy, loss of power and acceleration.

Engine Light – There is an oxygen and air-fuel ratio sensor that keeps an eye on the efficiency of the converter. It does this by tracking the gas levels within the exhaust. If the device is not catalysing the exhaust gases effectively, the check engine light will come on and let the driver know that there’s a problem. Make sure that you check any other possible faults that could cause the engine light to come on, preferably by a professional.

Emissions Test Failure – In the UK an emissions test is carried out when your vehicle is having an MOT. Mechanics usually check said emissions with a meter. In the US, some states require a diagnostic check on the engine’s computer to pass. If the converter is faulty, the test will fail.

How To Prevent Your Converter From Becoming Faulty

Use The Correct Fuel/Oil
Always make sure that you are using the correct fuel and oil designed for your vehicle. Accidentally putting the wrong type in your car will damage your converter. Never use fuel additive unless you have read all the instructions and are sure that it is suitable to use with a catalytic converter.

Never Bump Start Or Tow A Car
The unburned fuel will be injected into the converter when the car is towed or has a bump start, which may cause the honeycomb structure in the converter to overheat and melt. Also, towing something too heavy for the vehicle to cope with can cause the same problem.

Regularly Servicing Your Vehicle
A poorly running engine can cause problems for the converter, so make sure that you keep up with regular service checks. Preventing major problems with your vehicle’s engine will save you time and money when it comes to converter problems, caused by a poor engine.

Driving Through Deep Water/Heavy Snow
A Catalytic converter gets very hot when in use, which is all of the time while driving. When it comes into contact with water or snow, the temperature of the converter will drop rapidly and the internal catalyst structure can be crushed as the steel shell contracts.

Taking Care Over Speed Humps
Because the converter is in the exhaust system, driving too rough or fast over speed bumps could cause damage to it.

Check Engine Lights
Checking lights as soon as they come on can prevent extensive damage to your Converter. Also, it is worth checking or replacing your spark plugs and consulting a professional about other causes of warning lights or engine lights.

Use Catalytic Converter Cleaner
If you feel that there might be a carbon build-up in your converter, try using a cleaner that will clean the engine and exhaust system. You may have to use it a few times to remove carbon deposits if you have never used it before, which can be costly but much less costly than having to get a catalytic converter replacement!

A few benefits of using a cleaner are:

• Reduced exhaust emissions: A cleaner will enhance the ability of the catalytic converter, meaning the level of engine emissions will decrease.
• Increased engine performance: By using a cleaner regularly, the fuel injectors and cylinders will be cleaned, which in turn will increase your vehicle’s fuel economy!
• Save money: If your engine is working more efficiently, for example, your fuel consumption decreases and the exhaust flow is smoother, you will have fewer costs on maintenance and fuel!

Catalytic Converter Repair Or Replacement Near Me

If any of the above symptoms sound a little too familiar, we advise you to get your catalytic converter checked sooner rather than later, to avoid it becoming more damaged and harder to repair. At Power Steering Services, we are always happy to offer our quality services, especially any catalytic converter repair/replacement advice or services. Don’t delay and be sure to contact us on 0208 853 3343 or fill in our quick and easy online form!

The post What Are Common Catalytic Converter Problems? appeared first on Power Steering Services.

The steering rack is one of the main units of the power steering system, as it controls the direction of your wheels. Essentially, you turn the steering wheel in a direction and this rotational motion is transferred through the steering column, to the intermediate shaft and then to the steering rack. This is where the rotational force is converted to lateral motion, which in simple terms means turning the front wheels either left or right.

If your rack is damaged or close to failing, then you have two options; either replace it with a brand new rack or allow it to undergo reconditioning.

What Is Reconditioning?

The process of reconditioning a steering rack unit involves a series of steps that must be carried out correctly. The unit must be washed, carefully dismantled, examined and then rebuilt using new replacement components. Following this procedure, it then must be systematically tested to ensure it meets the highest standards.

How To Recondition A Steering Rack

This is a meticulous procedure, that requires skill and organisation. The steps include:

• 1. The unit is processed through our industrial parts washer to degrease and clean the unit.
• 2. The unit is then tested to confirm the faults the customer has advised us of and also, to check if there are any other underlying problems with the unit.
• 3. It is then stripped down to a component level.
• 4. Components are then individually cleaned and inspected for any damage. Defective parts are either repaired or replaced.
• 5. The unit is then rebuilt using genuine parts to meet & exceed OE specifications.
• 6. The unit is then re-tested and set up on the bench, making any final adjustments if necessary before it is packaged for dispatch. If we have your vehicle in for a fitting service, it’s prepped ready to install back into the vehicle.

The power steering system on the vehicle should be flushed through with clean fluid before installing the rebuilt rack to avoid contamination. This is due to the fact that after a rebuild, the rack is re-tested and adjusted if necessary. So, now you know how a rack is rebuilt… what about being aware of the signs that indicate that your rack is developing a problem or slowly failing?

Symptoms Of A Bad Steering Rack

Dealing with a damaged steering rack can be dangerous, as you won’t have full control over where you are steering. There are a few common symptoms that could indicate the impending failure of your rack, some being:

• Grinding noises when you’re steering.
• Your vehicle wanders from left to right.
• A smell that resembles burning oil coming from your vehicle.
• A tight steering wheel, which would indicate low steering fluid levels, meaning there could be a leak.

If any of these signs seem familiar, it is important that you get your rack checked as soon as possible, in order to repair it. For more information on these symptoms, check out our article: Bad Steering Rack: Signs To Look Out For.

How Important Is It To Repair Your Steering Rack?

Developing steering rack problems and not being able to effectively guide your car in the direction it needs to go, is a big problem. A faulty steering rack can pose a risk to your safety and others on the road, as it limits your car’s driveability. Also, if you have a bad rack, it can cause other components of the steering system to become damaged, therefore, it’s better to get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible, as to avoid further issues.

How Much Does Steering Rack Reconditioning Cost?

The cost of reconditioning your steering rack will vary depending on the vehicle your rack is fitted to and the type of fault that has developed.

In some cases, a simple Test & Adjust can get your steering rack working as good as new.

Steering Rack Repairs And Replacements Near Me

Power Steering Services is based in Greenwich, London. It’s best to act quickly when dealing with steering rack problems, therefore, if you are local, you can give us a call on 0208 8533 343 and book an appointment with us. However, it isn’t a problem if you are not local, just simply fill in our online form!

The post Power Steering Rack Reconditioning appeared first on Power Steering Services.

What Is Its Purpose?

Without a doubt, the steering column is one of the sturdiest parts of your vehicle. When you’re handling the steering wheel, whether it’s to turn a corner or to make a slight adjustment to the position of your vehicle on the road, the column will transfer any movement to the steering gearbox, in turn allowing the vehicle to travel in the necessary direction. This is its primary function; however, some secondary purposes include:

• In the event of a frontal accident, the steering column is capable of collapsing, due to it being equipped with a rotating shaft specifically designed for this purpose. This is a necessity, as this action allows energy from the collision to be absorbed.
• It also serves as a mount for various other small components in your vehicle, such as the wiper switch, signal switch, ignition housing and headlamp dimmer switch.
• If your vehicle has a tilt steering column and you feel the steering wheel is too high or too low for you, it allows you to adjust it to whatever level you prefer. Therefore, the driver can make their driving experience more comfortable. Furthermore, if your column has a telescope mechanism, you can adjust how far or close the wheel is to you. It’s all about the driver’s comfort!

What Are The Symptoms Of A Faulty Steering Column?

Usually, when we discuss other components in a vehicle, you will hear us frequently mention wear and tear or maintenance. However, you shouldn’t really encounter many steering column issues, as it should survive without damage or need for repair throughout the lifespan of your vehicle. This is unless, of course, it has collapsed due to a heavy frontal collision or it’s become a little worn from frequent manoeuvring on snake-like roads. In the case it collapses, you should get a replacement fitted as soon as possible.

You should always keep an eye out for any symptoms that may indicate the imminent failure of the column:

• When you turn the steering wheel, movement feels restricted.
• When you’re halfway through a turn, your steering wheel binds, i.e. it feels heavier when you reach a certain angle. This is usually due to the universal joint in your column becoming old and worn.
• You notice the steering wheel feels loose when you manoeuvre it.
• When you turn the steering wheel, you hear high-pitched noises, for example, a squeaking noise.
• When you try to adjust the height of the steering wheel, the tilt mechanism doesn’t lock in place.
• The steering wheel doesn’t return to the centre.

During a steering column replacement or repair, great care should be taken as it should not be dropped, leaned on by any sort of material, or punctured at any of its ends. This is because damage may be caused to the internal components and in turn, this could cause a partial collapse of the column. If this goes unnoticed it will pose a great safety hazard to both the driver and the passengers of your vehicle and will need to be replaced immediately.

What If My Vehicle Has Electric Power Steering?

Compared to a traditional hydraulic steering system, electric power steering (EPS) systems eliminate the need for power steering fluid, pumps and hoses, and instead use an electric motor. Nowadays, EPS systems are becoming increasingly favoured, due to them not only delivering a smoother and more refined steering experience but also providing better fuel and energy efficiency.

An electric power steering column mounts your steering wheel and it houses sensors that measure the speed and position of the steering wheel, specifically a torque sensor that detects how much effort the driver is inputting. According to the data provided by the sensors, the engine control unit (ECU) will calculate the amount of assistive torque required and in turn, it will convey this data to the electric motor. The motor will then determine how much assistive steering force the reduction gears will have to apply.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Faulty Electric Steering Column?

There are a number of issues you could potentially encounter with your column, such as:

• Steering light illuminates on the dashboard
• Intermittent loss of power steering
• Heavy steering one way (or sometimes both ways)
• Failing to start
• Torque sensor fault
• Steering angle sensor fault
• Steering wheel vibrates when you turn the wheel

How Can Power Steering Services Help?

If any of these symptoms sound too familiar to you, this could be an indication of your electric column being damaged or faulty. In this case, you should book your vehicle in with Power Steering Services today! If you desire a direct replacement, we provide remanufactured units that do not require any coding, due to the fact that once they are fitted into your vehicle, they will self-calibrate. Also, a lifetime warranty is provided by us for your fitted part. Alternatively, whether you have electric or hydraulic power steering, if you choose to have your own column repaired, we will only use new and genuine OEM components, ensuring that your rebuilt electric power steering column meets and surpasses OE specifications! So, don’t delay repairing or replacing your column, as soon as you have the inclination that there are problems, act as soon as possible to avoid more extensive issues occurring!

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