Power steering (hydraulic or electric) reduces effort needed to turn wheels. Failure makes steering heavy (dangerous in emergencies), causes noise (whining, grinding), and leads to expensive repairs: pump replacement (₹8,000-20,000), rack replacement (₹20,000-45,000), or EPS motor failure (₹15,000-35,000).
Types of Power Steering
Hydraulic:
- Pump driven by engine belt
- Hydraulic fluid pressure assists steering
- Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS)
- Common in: Older cars, larger vehicles
Electric (EPS):
- Electric motor provides assist
- No fluid, no pump
- Common in: Modern cars (2015+)
Testing Power Steering
Static test (engine running, car stationary):
1. Turn steering wheel left and right:
- Should: Turn easily with minimal effort
- Problem: Heavy, requires force = power steering failing
2. Listen for noises:
- Hydraulic: Whining when turning (low fluid or pump failure)
- EPS: Grinding or no assist
Driving test:
1. Low-speed turns (parking lot):
- Should: Light steering
- Problem: Heavy steering at low speed = system failure
2. High-speed stability:
- Should: Stable, consistent feel
- Problem: Wandering, loose feel = rack wear or alignment
3. Center return:
- Turn wheel, release
- Should: Return to center on its own
- Problem: Doesn’t return = alignment or steering component wear
Common Failures
Hydraulic system:
1. Low fluid:
- Check: Reservoir (under hood)
- Level: Should be between MIN-MAX
- If low: Leak (pump seal, hose, rack)
- Cost: ₹500-1,000 (top-up), ₹3,000-15,000 (leak repair)
2. Pump failure:
- Symptoms: Whining noise, heavy steering
- Cost: ₹8,000-20,000
3. Rack failure:
- Symptoms: Leaking fluid (under car, near front wheels), heavy steering
- Cost: ₹20,000-45,000
Electric system (EPS):
1. Motor failure:
- Symptoms: Heavy steering, EPS warning light
- Cost: ₹15,000-35,000
2. Sensor failure:
- Symptoms: Intermittent assist, warning light
- Cost: ₹5,000-15,000
Warning Lights
Steering wheel icon (red/yellow):
- Power steering fault
- Check: OBD codes (C-series codes)
Common codes:
- C1513: Power steering pressure sensor
- C1572: EPS motor circuit
Fluid Leaks (Hydraulic)
Check for:
- Puddles under car (reddish fluid)
- Wet spots on pump, hoses, rack boots
Leak locations:
- Pump seal: ₹3,000-8,000
- Pressure hose: ₹2,000-5,000
- Rack seal: ₹15,000-35,000 (rack replacement often needed)
Real Case
2017 Honda City, 70,000 km
Test drive: Steering felt slightly heavy at slow speeds
Seller: “It’s always been like that” (lie)
Fluid check: Level low (near MIN)
Underbody inspection: Slight fluid leak from rack boot
Diagnosis: Rack seal leaking (early stage)
Repair estimate: ₹22,000 (rack replacement)
Negotiation: ₹25,000 discount
Lesson: Heavy steering isn’t “normal”—it’s failing
Conclusion
Power steering should be effortless. If it’s not, something’s failing.
Protocol:
- Test steering effort (engine running, turn lock-to-lock)
- Listen for whining, grinding
- Check fluid level (hydraulic systems)
- Look for leaks (underbody, pump, rack)
- Check for warning lights
Decision:
- Steering light, no noise, no leaks: Proceed
- Slight heaviness or minor whine: Negotiate ₹5,000-10,000
- Heavy steering or significant leak: Negotiate ₹20,000-30,000 OR walk away
- Warning light + heavy steering: Walk away (expensive EPS repair)
Key Takeaways
✓ Heavy steering = system failure (pump, rack, or EPS motor)
✓ Whining noise = low fluid or pump failure (₹8-20K pump replacement)
✓ Rack leak = ₹20-45K replacement (check for fluid under front wheels)
✓ EPS motor failure = ₹15-35K (warning light + heavy steering)
✓ Low fluid = leak somewhere (₹3-15K leak repair depending on location)
Related: Suspension System Checks, Electrical System
Professional steering system diagnostics
Steering should be light. If it’s heavy, your wallet will be light too.