What causes a bad power steering pump pulley?

This can be caused by a variety of issues in the power steering system, such as the belt, idlers, tensioner, or the pump pulley. Only a professional should diagnose this problem so as to be sure all of the issues are properly taken care of, and your vehicle is safe to drive again.

What causes power steering to go out in cold weather?

Over time, water or other contaminants may have gotten into your power steering fluid. Water can freeze in the lines causing blockages. Even small amounts of moisture can degrade the effectiveness of the power steering fluid.

When does a power steering pulley need to be replaced?

The power steering system works in an environment with high heat and friction, so various parts are bound to break and need to be replaced over time. If one part breaks, such as the belt, the pulley may need to be replaced as well. Watch for the following symptoms if you suspect a bad or failing power steering pump pulley.

What to do when your power steering goes out?

The easy way is this: Open your power steering reservoir and suck out as much fluid as you can with a turkey baster or syringe. Then refill with fresh fluid up to the fill line. Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel fully left then fully right several times, OR drive the vehicle for about 50-100 miles.

What does a bad power steering pulley mean?

Burning smell from engine A burning smell from the engine means the belt is not tight enough or the power steering pump pulley has seized. When this happens, the belt can slip off or break from the drive train. This means the power steering pump pulley is not working correctly.

How does the belt on a power steering pump work?

The belt provides power to the power steering pump by turning the pulley. The power steering system works in an environment with high heat and friction, so various parts are bound to break and need to be replaced over time. If one part breaks, such as the belt, the pulley may need to be replaced as well.

What to do when your power steering is not working?

What to do: common sense tells you whenever the power steering isn’t working properly, check the power steering fluid reservoir. And that’s exactly what you should do in this instance. But keep in mind, checking the fluid level is just the first step. If the level is indeed low, you’ll have to do your own investigation to figure out why.