Addressing Hydraulic Power Steering Issues

Addressing Hydraulic Power Steering Issues

If you notice it’s becoming increasingly difficult to turn the steering wheel, it could be a sign that your power steering is failing. While this may not necessitate costly repairs, it is critical to have the problem addressed whenever the power steering fails. Aside from being inconvenient, a power steering system that has stopped working can pose a safety risk, as it will be difficult to control the vehicle.

Power steering is a relatively simple system with a few components installed in every modern car. This system contains a pump to maintain hydraulic pressure and power steering fluid to control piston and valve action. This system makes it possible to turn the steering wheel with minimal effort. The hydraulics take the pressure off the gears and do all the work as you drive.

How to Handle Hydraulic Power Steering Failure

If there is a problem with the power steering system in your car, you will notice it immediately. It will be hard to steer the vehicle, and you will have to use a lot more physical force to do it. Sometimes, the power steering system may be low on power steering oil. A leaking pipe or component may cause such a condition. Fortunately, most fluid leaks are easy to solve. Over time, corrosion within the power steering system may contaminate the fluid and cause the reduced performance of the system and degrade seals.

You can keep your power steering system running smoothly, via routine maintenance and fluid replacements. Regular inspections can help you detect fluid leaks before they worsen. If you’re having problems with your steering system, you should get your car to a competent mechanic as soon as possible. Our professional team at A1 Performance Auto Repair can assist you if you require an expert to handle this for you. Call us now, and be glad you did.

What To Do If Your Engine Overheats

What To Do If Your Engine Overheats

The engine is the beating heart of your car and is essential to its overall performance. When your vehicle’s engine overheats, it effectively shuts down, causing permanent damage. Engine overheating is never a good thing to have to deal with when it occurs while you’re driving. We shall discuss some of the causes of engine overheating, how to deal with it, and how to avoid it.

What causes engines to overheat?

The engine in your vehicle undergoes a complex combustion process while in operation. This process generates a lot of heat, which must be controlled to keep the engine from overheating. Hence the cooling system of your vehicle comes into play. The cooling system’s primary function is to circulate coolant, which regulates engine temperature, prevents metal-to-metal contact, and protects the engine from harm.

Overheating will also occur if any component of the cooling system fails.

Leaking coolant can also cause overheating.

What should you do if your car’s engine overheats?

If your engine is overheating, you’ll notice that the temperature is abnormally high, and an engine temperature warning light will most likely show on your dashboard. It’s critical to pull over to a safe location and turn off your engine when it starts to overheat. It’s also a good idea to turn on the heat in your vehicle to help cool down the engine.

Bring your vehicle into our facility for an examination after letting your engine rest for at least 20 minutes. There is most certainly a problem with the cooling system, and driving with a cooling system problem might result in engine damage that is expensive to repair.

How can you keep your engine from overheating?

Regular engine and cooling system maintenance and service is the best approach to keep your engine from overheating. We urge you to visit our shop now if you feel you have an engine or cooling system problem. A1 Performance Repair’s knowledgeable staff can assist you. With frequent check-ups at our facility, we can ensure that your engine runs smoothly. You will be glad you called us right now.

Notable Signs of Worn Engine Mounts

Notable Signs of Worn Engine Mounts

When a vehicle’s engine is running, it produces a lot of vibration. An engine mount reduces these vibrations to acceptable and comfortable levels for the vehicle occupants.

If you notice an unusual vibration when stopped at a stoplight, it could be that an engine mount is failing. This phenomenon isn’t a cause for alarm, but you have to take care of it as soon as possible. Ignoring the issue could result in higher expenses in the future.

Engine Mount Function

Engine mounts secure the engine and transmission to the car’s chassis. They comprise rubber-coated metal brackets or bolts. The rubber in some of them has fluid-filled chambers. They stabilize the engine and transmission unit while absorbing vibration and resisting torque.

How Can You Tell If Your Engine Mount Is Failing?

When you stop at a red light, the first symptom is a shake in the steering wheel. If you move into neutral and the vibration goes away, this is a sure sign of engine mount failure.

If you ignore the situation, it will only get worse. The engine or exhaust may hit the undercarriage of your vehicle.

Engine mounts failures are difficult to see. However, if you can get your eyes on one (which generally entails going underneath the car), you may discover symptoms of wear, such as cracks or splits in the rubber sections.

Engine mounts can last a long time. You shouldn’t have any issues for at least five years, and some vehicles can last much longer.

What Does It Take to Replace an Engine Mount?

You do this (usually) from the vehicle’s undercarriage. The most critical thing is to keep the engine and transmission supported and off the mounts.

Each mount secures to the vehicle’s chassis and subframe, as well as the engine. To replace an engine mount, undo all bolts and move it out of the way.

Install the new engine mount in the same position as the old one and torque the bolts to the appropriate torque. Remove the air conditioner compressor and starter to access the mount (if required).

On most vehicles, replacing an engine mount is a quick job with the appropriate hoist or lift, engine support, and other tools.

However, if you try to do it in your garage or driveway, it might take several hours and put your finger, hand, or arm in danger of being crushed between the engine and the chassis. Instead, get someone to do it for you. If you require a skilled expert to handle this for you, our professional staff at A1 Performance Repair can help. Phone us right now, and you’ll be glad you did.

A Shaking Steering Wheel: Do You Need to Worry?

A Shaking Steering Wheel: Do You Need to Worry?

Waking up to a shaking steering wheel can drive you to a frenzy and ruin what is left of your morning. This is never what you look forward to.

But what does it really mean?

A shaking steering wheel can be one of the symptoms of another problem that needs attention. Don’t wish it away because it will not and may only worsen the situation and put yourself at risk.

Reasons for a Shaking Steering Wheel

  • Worn-out wheel bearings or suspension components can cause a shaking wheel. Often, the shaking happens immediately when you start the engine and pull off. A worn-out tie rod or ball joint is more common in older vehicles.
  • But if the shaking speed is higher, it’s mostly an issue with the wheel or tire balancing.
  • Wheels out of alignment will send vibrations to the steering wheel when driving at 50 miles an hour or faster. But the shaking may reduce when cruising at very high speeds and sometimes become unnoticeable.
  • Check whether your tires are well inflated and that you don’t have a flat. These two issues will cause an imbalance and shaking.
  • But if it only happens when braking, the issue is in the brake rotors. Your rotors are out of round, or they have started to wear out and warp. In such a case, the shaking will also be in the brake pedal.
  • Shaking that appears after the installation of new brakes indicates a poorly done installation of the rotors. Take the vehicle to your mechanic as soon as possible.

Every so often, the issues that cause a shaking steering wheel require a professional mechanic to look into them. Contact us at A1 Performance Auto Repair today, and we will make sure the problem causing the shaking is solved and the vehicle stays on the road.

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