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  • Steering You Right (Power Steering Signs of Problems)

    Sep 10, 2023

    Nearly every modern vehicle on the road today has power steering, a wonderful invention that makes steering take far less effort than it did in the "good old days."  Today, we take our steering for granted: until something goes wrong, that is.

    Most power steering these days is rack-and-pinion, the rack being a metal bar between the front wheels with notches in it and the pinion being a gear whose teeth fits into those notches.  Adding power assist makes it easy to turn. That assist comes in the form of hydraulic fluid that is pressurized by a pump powered by the engine, an electric motor that adds a power assist or a system that uses both an electric motor and hydraulic fluid.

    Your vehicle usually gives you a heads up that something is going wrong with its steering. Here are a few signs to look for:

    • A humming, whirring, rubbing or grinding sound coming from you engine compartment when you turn.
    • Signs of hydraulic fluid leaking, such as wet spots under your vehicle.
    • The smell of burning oil while you're driving.
    • Steering wheel hard to turn or vibrating.

    If you notice any of these signs, it's a good idea to have a trained technician check them out.  They may be signs of:

    • Power steering pump going bad
    • Steering rack or gear seals wearing out, causing them to lose hydraulic fluid
    • Broken fluid hose
    • Defective power steering cooler
    • Loss of pressure in the power steering gearbox
    • Worn out steering pump belt
    • Failing electric power steering motor

    It's important to have these checked out sooner rather than later. You need to be able to steer properly in order to drive safely. Plus, some of these problems can cause more serious—and expensive—damage if they're not fixed.  Power steering is a wonderful feature of your vehicle.  Keep it well maintained and it will steer you right.

    Affordable Transmissions
    31533 125 1/2 Street
    PRINCETON, MN 55371
    (763) 533-1169
    http://www.affordabletransmission-mn.com




    Steer Clear of Power Steering Problems (Power Steering Maintenance)

    Jul 23, 2023

    We usually take our vehicle's easy steering for granted until something goes wrong.  Power steering is what makes it almost effortless to turn the steering wheel, aiming your vehicle in the direction you want to go. Without the assistance of power from the engine, steering would be a laborious process, so you want to make sure the system is working well.

    Power steering systems are usually one of two types, hydraulic and electric.  The hydraulic type uses a pump that is driven by either a belt or an electric motor.  This system uses hydraulic fluid to create pressure that gives your steering the power assist.  Since that pump is always working, time and distance traveled eventually take their toll, and these systems need to be periodically inspected.  Also, while that hydraulic fluid can last for years, it should be replaced periodically as it degrades over time. Your vehicle's owner's manual contains the manufacturer's recommendations.

    A technician can check for leaks in the hoses, pump housing or reservoir.  Also, the belts should be inspected and so should the pump, as these can fail.  Signs of a failing pump are a groaning noise when you turn the steering wheel, stiff steering, squealing noises when you first start your car and puddles of a reddish-brown fluid under your vehicle. 

    The other type is called EPS, or electric power steering, which is becoming more commonly used in the latest vehicles.  It only delivers power assist when you need it and has an electric motor that supplies that steering help.  It's more efficient, accurate, compact and clean. And because it has a lot fewer components, it's easier to maintain. 

    If you have electric power steering, you may notice sometimes it's hard to turn the wheel or your Check Engine light comes on.  Sometimes the power assist motor fails or there can be problems with electrical connections.  Any time you have symptoms, it's important for your safety and that of drivers around you that you have a technician check them out.

    Properly working brakes are essential for the safe operation of any vehicle.  Stop! And make sure yours are working properly.


    Affordable Transmissions
    31533 125 1/2 Street
    PRINCETON, MN 55371
    (763) 533-1169
    http://www.affordabletransmission-mn.com




    STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT STEERING (Loose Steering)

    Jan 31, 2021

    Perhaps you've heard someone use the term "loose steering." And it's pretty much what it sounds like.  You turn the steering wheel and the vehicle's wheels don't seem to go exactly where you thought you were pointing them.  You have to constantly make steering adjustments. 

    Loose steering is sloppy steering, and it can be a safety hazard.  You need to be able to control your vehicle with pretty much the same precision as the way it was when it came off the assembly line.  

    If the steering in your vehicle is starting to feel loose and sloppy, there may be some significant suspension issues that need examining by a trained technician.

    How do you know if your vehicle needs to be looked at? Try turning the steering wheel and see how much play is in it.  One rule of thumb: if you can turn it the distance of a quarter and a dime placed side by side without seeing the outside wheels move, it's time to have it inspected by one of our technicians.

    Our Affordable Transmissions technician will examine those components that are supposed to work together to make sure your steering is tight and precise.  They are linked together by things called (of course) linkages.

    When these linkage components were new, they all fit together tightly and moved together to make sure your wheels responded quickly and precisely to your movements of the steering wheel.   

    But hit a few potholes, travel over a couple of rough railroad tracks and those metal components can be damaged or bent.  Given enough time, they will simply wear out. Our trained Affordable Transmissions technician can inspect all of those parts and determine what needs to be repaired and/or replaced.  

    Keep your steering tight.  Loose or sloppy steering can be dangerous.  Thank goodness it usually warns you in plenty of time before it fails completely. Just straight talk… about steering.

    Affordable Transmissions
    31533 125 1/2 Street
    PRINCETON, MN 55371
    (763) 533-1169
    http://www.affordabletransmission-mn.com




    Right or Left? Affordable Transmissions Power Steering Service

    Feb 23, 2020

    Have you ever driven a vehicle without power steering? If you have, then you probably appreciate how much easier it is to drive today's modern vehicles. Before power steering, all of the force to turn a vehicle had to come from the driver's arms. That's why old cars had such large steering wheels: they needed plenty of leverage to steer. There were some PRINCETON folks who had difficulty driving because they just weren't strong enough.

    Power steering is now standard on all vehicles, but there are several ways that power can be delivered. Most vehicles use a hydraulic power steering system system. In this system, a serpentine belt from the engine powers a pump that pressurizes the power steering fluid. The pressure activates hydraulics that provides steering power.

    Other vehicles use an electric pump to pressurize the power steering fluid rather than the belt-driven pump. Some newer vehicles actually have electric motors that provide steering power and don't use steering fluid at all, especially in the increasingly popular hybrid and electric vehicles.

    PRINCETON drivers who own a vehicle that uses power steering fluid need to have it changed regularly. Over time, moisture accumulates in the power steering fluid, which affects steering performance and can corrode steering components. Dirt and other contaminants can also accumulate in the power steering fluid, which will also negatively affect steering performance. A good power steering service at Affordable Transmissions in PRINCETON will flush out the old fluid and get rid of dirt and other deposits in the system. Clean fluid will then be added. Fresh fluid provides lubricants that help protect the steering system as well as prevent corrosion.

    For recommendations on how often your power steering fluid should be replaced, consult your owner's manual. It varies by vehicle model and manufacturer. For more auto advice on steering fluid changes—and other preventive maintenance—you can talk with your service advisor at Affordable Transmissions. You may need to change your fluid more often depending on the driving and weather conditions in your area.

    PRINCETON drivers who believe in good vehicle care will add power steering service to their preventive maintenance schedule. This will prevent damage to your steering system and extend its working life. The old days of double-handed cranking on a huge steering wheel may be over, but our new comfort and convenience are not maintenance-free. Do yourself and your vehicle a favor. Keep the power steering fluid clean.

    Affordable Transmissions
    31533 125 1/2 Street
    PRINCETON, MN 55371
    (763) 533-1169
    http://www.affordabletransmission-mn.com




    Get Where You're Going with Power Steering Service in PRINCETON

    Oct 6, 2019



    Today we're going to talk about power steering service in PRINCETON. If you took an informal poll around PRINCETON you'd probably find that most vehicle owners have never heard of power steering service. That's not surprising. Even though power steering is standard on every vehicle, most people in PRINCETON aren't aware that it needs periodic service.

    If you're younger than a certain age, you've probably never driven a vehicle without power steering. To get an idea of the difference; if you've ever cut a board with a hand saw, you know it's a lot of work. Using a power saw is easy-peasy by comparison.

    Without power steering, your arms have to do all the work to steer the wheels, and that's hard, especially around downtown PRINCETON. That's why old cars had such big steering wheels: to get enough leverage to steer.

    Most vehicles in PRINCETON have a hydraulic power steering system. The serpentine belt from the engine powers a pump. The pump pressurizes the power steering fluid. This actuates a hydraulic cylinder that provides power to help steer.

    Some vehicles in PRINCETON use an electric pump to pressurize the fluid rather than a belt driven pump. We're also seeing vehicles with electric motors providing the power assist, not using power steering fluid at all. We'll see a lot more electric systems as more hybrids and electric vehicles hit the market.

    At least for now, the vast majority of power steering systems use power steering fluid that needs to be serviced. The fluid needs to be changed for a couple of reasons. For one, it attracts moisture. Water has different hydraulic qualities than power steering fluid, and that makes a difference in steering performance. Water is also corrosive and can damage power steering components. The fluid also just gets dirty and needs to be changed. Removing the old fluid and flushing out the system gets rid of dirt and deposits. The clean, fresh fluid lubricates and provides better corrosion protection.

    So ask your PRINCETON service advisor at Affordable Transmissions or check your owner's manual to see when power steering service is recommended. It'll extend the life of your power steering components.

    Affordable Transmissions
    31533 125 1/2 Street
    PRINCETON, MN 55371
    (763) 533-1169
    http://www.affordabletransmission-mn.com




    Power Steering Service in PRINCETON

    Oct 24, 2017



    Most PRINCETON drivers are too young to remember life before power steering - cranking those great big steering wheels! It was a pretty good workout. Now power steering is standard. Let's look at how it works. The heart of any power steering system is its pump. The pump pressurizes the power steering fluid that provides assist for steering. Most pumps are driven by a belt that is run by the engine; a few are electrically powered. A high-pressure hose passes fluid from the pump to the steering gear. A low pressure hose returns the fluid back to the pump.

    These hoses can develop leaks, so it is a good idea for PRINCETON drivers to have them inspected at every oil change. Low fluid can damage the power steering pump. That is why power steering fluid level is on the checklist for a full-service oil change. The fluid needs to be compatible with the hoses and seals, so check your owner's manual for the right type - or just ask your friendly and knowledgeable pros at Affordable Transmissions in PRINCETON.

    The fluid cleans, cools and lubricates the power steering system. It breaks down as the years go by and collects unwanted moisture, so PRINCETON drivers need to replace it from time to time. Many vehicle manufacturers specify power steering service intervals. Unfortunately, this important service is sometimes left off the car maintenance schedule for many of us. So, when in doubt, every 25,000 miles/40,000 km or two years is a good fallback. Your technician at Affordable Transmissions will use a detergent to clean the system, flush out the old fluid and replace it with the good stuff.

    Here are some  warning signs of trouble with your power steering: It's harder to turn the wheel, there's erratic power assist, you hear loud whining coming from the pump (which may be difficult to hear over the loud whining coming from the backseat), you have to top-off the fluid frequently, or you hear squealing belts. Remember to never hold the steering wheel to the far right or left for more than a few seconds at a time. That will wear out your power steering pump quickly.

    Other steering components can be bent or damaged from wear or hard knocks: ball-joint, idler-arm, steering-gear, steering-knuckle and tie rod to name a few. Warning signs here are steering play, wandering, uneven tire wear and an off-center steering wheel. An annual alignment check at Affordable Transmissions in PRINCETON will reveal bent or damaged steering components.

    Most SUV's, pick-ups and rear-wheel-drive cars need regular front-wheel-bearing service.

    The bearings should be cleaned and inspected. If they are excessively worn, they need to be replaced. The bearings are then repacked in clean grease. The team at Affordable Transmissions also recommends the wheel-seal be replaced when the bearings are serviced. Like everything else, check your owners' manual maintenance schedule. It's usually required around every two years or 40,000 miles/64,000 km. If you drive through water in the PRINCETON area, the bearings will need service more often.

    Affordable Transmissions
    31533 125 1/2 Street
    PRINCETON, MN 55371
    (763) 533-1169
    http://www.affordabletransmission-mn.com

     




    Steer Right in PRINCETON

    Mar 7, 2017

    Virtually all vehicles come with power steering, so many PRINCETON drivers have never driven a car or truck without it. Power steering assists you when you turn your vehicle steering wheel. Without it, it would be very hard to steer.

    Now this power assist comes in a couple of forms. In recent years, a lot of vehicles have an electric motor that reduces steering effort and helps improve performance and handling.

    The other kind of power steering is hydraulic. This is the kind most older MN vehicles — and a lot of newer ones — have. Power steering fluid is pressurized by a pump and is used to assist steering. Of course, vehicles need the right amount of fluid in the system. If it's too low, your steering is affected and you could damage your vehicle pump.

    Also, power steering fluid can become corrosive over time and damage the pump, hoses and connectors, leading to leaks and repairs. Power steering service at Affordable Transmissions in PRINCETON includes removing the contaminated fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid.

    A word for PRINCETON drivers about power steering pumps: Some are powered by an electric motor. Others are driven by the serpentine belt. A worn serpentine belt stresses all of the vehicle components it drives, including the power steering pump, so replace the belt at Affordable Transmissions as advised to avoid undue repairs.

    Losing your power steering while driving in PRINCETON can be unsettling – just remember that you can still steer, it'll just be harder. Check with your service advisor at Affordable Transmissions to see if it's time to service your vehicle's power steering system.

    In addition to power steering service, at Affordable Transmissions we offer comprehensive automotive services.

    Give us a call.

    Affordable Transmissions
    (763) 533-1169
    31533 125 1/2 Street
    PRINCETON, MN 55371
    http://www.affordabletransmission-mn.com




    Defensive Driving in PRINCETON, MN

    Feb 14, 2017


     

    There was a man in the PRINCETON area who learned that most car accidents occur within a mile of home – so he moved. (Just kidding!)

    When we think of defensive driving, we often focus on our local MN highway situations. The fact of the matter is we need to be just as careful close to home in PRINCETON, because that's where we do most of our driving. We can't let our familiar surroundings keep us from driving defensively.

    Defensive driving begins with the proper attitude. Have in mind that you won't let anyone take your safety away from you. You'll be aware of your surroundings, road conditions, other vehicles and hazards. And the first person to be concerned with is you: start with your own environment.

    Don't leave without securing all occupants including children and pets. Watch for loose items that can become projectiles during evasive maneuvers.

    Driving too fast or too slow increases the chance of an accident.

    Never drive impaired: Alcohol is a factor in half of all fatal crashes. Never drink and drive.

    Other impairments include being sleepy, angry, daydreaming or talking. If you suddenly wonder how you got where you are – you're not paying enough attention.

    Keep your windows clean and uncluttered. No fuzzy dice and stickers.

    Keep your car in good shape so that it handles properly: Maintain tires, lights, brakes, suspension, wheel alignment and steering.

    Always use your turn signals while driving around PRINCETON, MN. Avoid other vehicles' blind spots.

    Don't drive faster than your headlights – if you can't stop within the distance you can see, you're going too fast.

    Avoid driving over debris in the road. Even harmless looking items can cause damage or an accident.

    Keep your wheels straight when waiting to turn at an intersection in PRINCETON . That way if you're hit from behind, your car won't be pushed into on-coming traffic.

    My daddy always said that when you drive, you're actually driving five cars: yours, the one in front, the one behind and the ones on either side. You can't trust that other drivers will do the right thing, so you've got to be aware of what they're doing at all times.

    If you see another car driving erratically, weaving, crossing lanes, etc., stay back. Take the next right turn if you're downtown PRINCETON, or take the next exit on the MN highway. Notify the police if you see someone driving dangerously in our PRINCETON community.

    Never follow too close. The minimum distance is the two second rule. Pick a landmark ahead, like a tree or road marker. When the car in front of you passes it, start counting: 'one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand.' If you pass the landmark before reaching two-one-thousand, you're following too close.

    Remember that the two second rule is the minimum – it assumes you're alert and aware. Three seconds is safer. Move out to five seconds or more if it's foggy or rainy.

    Someone will inevitably move into your forward safety zone – just drop back and keep a safe distance.

    If someone follows you too closely, just move over.

    Don't play chicken by contesting your right of way or race to beat someone to a merge. Whoever loses that contest has the potential to lose big and you don't want any part of that. So stay alert, constantly scan around your car and arrive safely.

    Affordable Transmissions
    31533 125 1/2 Street
    PRINCETON, MN 55371
    (763) 533-1169
    http://www.affordabletransmission-mn.com