If turning your steering wheel suddenly feels harder than it used to, or you hear odd noises coming from the front of your car while steering, your power steering pump could be the reason. This component helps make steering smooth and responsive, especially at low speeds or when parking. When it begins to fail, your steering wheel may feel stiff, unresponsive, or noisy—and the longer it's ignored, the worse it can get.
These are the common signs of a bad power steering pump and how to tell if it’s time to get yours checked out.
Steering Feels Heavy or Slow to Respond
One of the earliest and most obvious signs of a failing power steering pump is difficulty turning the wheel. If it takes more effort than usual to steer—especially at low speeds like in parking lots—that’s often your first clue. In many cases, the wheel may feel sluggish when returning to center after a turn, or you might feel resistance that wasn’t there before.
This usually means your pump is no longer creating enough hydraulic pressure to assist your steering, making every turn more difficult than it should be.
Whining or Groaning Noises While Turning
Odd sounds coming from under the hood when you turn the steering wheel often point to a power steering issue. A failing pump may start to whine, groan, or growl—especially when you turn the wheel all the way to one side.
These noises happen when the pump is struggling to circulate fluid or when air has entered the system due to a leak or low fluid levels. The more worn the pump becomes, the louder and more constant these noises get. Ignoring it could lead to total pump failure.
Power Steering Fluid Leaks
If your pump is leaking fluid, it won’t be able to create enough pressure to help you steer. While leaks can also come from hoses or seals in the steering system, the pump itself can develop cracks or loose fittings that allow fluid to escape. If you notice reddish or amber-colored fluid under the front of your vehicle, it's worth checking the power steering system.
Low fluid doesn’t just make the pump ineffective—it can also lead to damage, since the pump depends on fluid for both pressure and lubrication.
Steering Wheel Vibration or Jerky Movement
When the power steering pump is failing, you may feel pulsing or jerky movement through the steering wheel, even when you're not turning sharply. This can be especially noticeable when idle or when making small corrections on the road.
A healthy system delivers smooth and consistent pressure to the steering rack. If that flow is interrupted, it creates uneven force, which shows up as shaking or inconsistent steering behavior.
Warning Lights and Dashboard Alerts
Some modern vehicles have sensors that monitor power steering system performance. If your pump begins to fail, it might trigger a warning light on your dashboard, often shaped like a steering wheel or simply labeled “PS.” However, not all cars are equipped with this feature, so it’s not something to rely on as your only clue.
Even without a warning light, you should still investigate steering changes right away, especially if you notice multiple signs developing at once.
Don’t Wait Too Long to Get It Checked
A bad power steering pump can go from annoying to dangerous fairly quickly. Loss of steering assistance doesn’t just make your drive more difficult—it can reduce your ability to respond quickly in an emergency or avoid obstacles in tight spaces.
If the pump completely fails, you’ll be left wrestling with a steering wheel that feels like it belongs on a tank—not a commuter car. And continuing to drive with a failing pump can also damage other components in the power steering system, like the rack or hoses, which makes repairs even more costly.
SWT Total Car Care – Steering Repairs in Sioux Falls, SD
If your steering feels off or you're hearing strange noises when turning, visit
SWT Total Car Care at any of our three locations in Sioux Falls, SD. Our skilled technicians can inspect your power steering system, diagnose the problem, and recommend the right fix—whether it's a fluid issue, a leaking line, or a failing pump.
