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The Straight and Narrow: Power Steering Service at Loren's Auto Repair

Service to a vehicle’s power steering system is a vital part of preventive maintenance for brilliant Kalispell drivers. This system provides power to the steering wheel so you can turn it with ease. Without power steering, all of the power to turn your Subaru’s wheels would have to come from you.

The central element of most power steering systems is a pump. The pump pressurizes the power steering fluid, and it is this pressure that provides auxiliary steering power. A belt connected to the engine usually powers the pump, although some systems use an electric pump. Some newer Subarus have an electric motor that directly provides the power steering boost.

Pressurized fluid moves from the pump to the steering gear through a high-pressure hose. A low-pressure hose returns fluid to the pump. Power steering fluid cleans, cools and lubricates the system.

Kalispell auto owners should remember that fluid levels in the power steering system should be checked at every oil change. Low fluid levels can damage the pump, which can be expensive to repair. Low fluid levels may also indicate a leaky hose in the power steering system, so it is a good idea to inspect the hoses, especially if your fluid levels are low.

Power steering fluid breaks down over time, losing its effectiveness. It also gradually collects moisture, which can lead to corrosion in the steering system. So the fluid needs to be replaced occasionally. You should check with your owner’s manual or ask your professional and courteous Loren's Auto Repair service professional to learn how often this fluid should be replaced.

When your fluid is replaced, your professional and courteous Loren's Auto Repair tech will remove the old fluid and replace it with new. Power steering fluids are not all created equal; the fluid has to be compatible with your hoses and seals. Your Loren's Auto Repair service professional can ensure that you get the right fluid for your vehicle, or you can consult your owner’s manual.

Signs that your power steering system is in trouble can include the following: a steering wheel that is hard to turn, auxiliary steering power that cuts in and out, or a whining sound coming from the pump. Also, Kalispell auto owners who are not topping off the power steering fluid on schedule may hear squealing coming from the engine belts.

To protect your steering system should never hold the steering wheel in the far right or far left position for more than a few seconds at a time. This can wear out your pump in a hurry.

Preventive maintenance for your steering system primarily involves the power steering components, but your steering system has other parts that can wear out or be damaged by rough MT driving conditions. Such parts include the ball-joint, idler arm, steering gear, steering-knuckle and tie rod. Signs that they are in need of attention include play in the steering wheel, a vehicle that wanders, uneven tire wear and a steering wheel that is off-center. Kalispell drivers should have their alignment checked annually. This check-up can reveal bent or damaged steering components.

For answers to other questions about your steering system, or for auto advice on any type of vehicle maintenance, check with the team at Loren's Auto Repair. We can steer you in the right direction when it comes to quality car care.

Steering - 04/29/2015

Stay Headed In The Right Direction, Kalispell

Power steering is standard on nearly every car and truck in Kalispell, MT these days. Now there are some exotic, new types of power steering systems, but for the most part, the general setup is a pump that’s driven by a belt powered by the engine.

Contact the automotive professionals at Loren's Auto Repair in Kalispell for questions about your power steering.

The pump generates power that assists auto owners as they steer their Subaru around Kalispell, MT. Power steering systems use hoses to move pressurized fluid back and forth. These hoses can develop leaks so it’s a good idea to have your Kalispell service professional inspect them at every oil change.

A check of the power steering fluid level is on the list for every full service oil change at Loren's Auto Repair because low fluid can damage the power steering pump. And the fluid needs to be compatible with the hoses and seals, so it's important to use the correct type –just ask your tech at Loren's Auto Repair.

In addition to providing boost, the fluid cleans, cools and lubricates the power steering system. Over time, the lubricants and detergents diminish so Kalispell auto owners need to replace their old fluid with clean, fresh fluid periodically.

Excess moisture can collect in the power steering fluid as well. That can lead to rust and corrosion as well as reduce the effectiveness of the fluid. Many auto manufacturers outline power steering service intervals in the owner’s manual. Unfortunately, this vital service is sometimes left off the maintenance schedule. For Kalispell drivers who are not sure, every two years is a good rule of thumb.

At Loren's Auto Repair, we use a detergent to clean the system, flush out the old fluid and replace it with new fluid.

Now, if you are experiencing high steering effort, erratic power assist, loud whining coming from the pump you may have a power steering problem. Another sign for Kalispell drivers is having to frequently top off the fluid.

Holding the steering wheel to the far right or left for more than a few seconds at a time can wear your pump out real fast. AutoNetTV wants you to be sure to service your power steering system regularly at your service center or Loren's Auto Repair in Kalispell to keep you headed in the right direction.

Loren's Auto Repair
1309 US Hwy 2 West
Kalispell, MT 59901
406-755-7757

Steering - 07/02/2014

Steer Right In Kalispell

Virtually all vehicles come with power steering so many Kalispell drivers have never driven a car or truck without it. Power steering assists you when you turn your Subaru 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 Kalispell vehicles have an electric motor that reduces steering effort and helps improve fuel economy.

The other kind of power steering is hydraulic. This is the kind most older MT vehicles, and a lot of newer ones, have. Power steering fluid is pressurized by a pump and is used to assist steering. Of course, Kalispell auto owners need the right amount of fluid in the system. If it’s too low your steering is affected and you could damage your Subaru 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 Loren's Auto Repair in Kalispell includes removing the contaminated fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid.

A word 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 Subaru components it drives, including the power steering pump, so replace the belt at Loren's Auto Repair as advised to avoid undue repairs.

Losing your power steering while driving in Kalispell can be unsettling – just remember that you can still steer, it’ll just be harder. Check with your professional and courteous Loren's Auto Repair service professional to see if it’s time to service your Subaru power steering system.

In addition to power steering service, at Loren's Auto Repair we offer comprehensive automotive services including brake repair, diagnostic and oil change.

Give us a call

Loren's Auto Repair
406-755-7757
1309 US Hwy 2 West
Kalispell, MT 59901

Steering - 01/28/2014

Defensive Driving In Kalispell MT

There was a man in Kalispell 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 MT highway situations. The fact of the matter is we need to be just as careful close to home in Kalispell, 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 Kalispell MT. 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 Kalispell MT intersection. 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 Kalispell, or take the next exit on the MT highway. Notify the police if you see someone driving dangerously in our Kalispell 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.

Loren's Auto Repair
1309 US Hwy 2 West
Kalispell, MT 59901
406-755-7757

Steering - 05/16/2012

Power Steering Service Near Kalispell

Just like any other part of your routine maintenance schedule, taking care of your power steering prevents costly repairs and keeps your vehicle on the road for as long as possible. There are several parts of your power steering that need routine services, but the heart of any power steering system is its pump. The pump pressurizes the power steering fluid, which is what powers your steering. Most pumps require the help of a belt that is run by the engine, but a few run on electrical power. A high-pressure hose passes fluid from the pump to the steering gear. A low pressure hose returns the fluid back to the pump.

The hoses in your power steering system can develop leaks; it is a good idea to inspect them at every oil change. Low fluid can damage the power steering pump. That is why 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 owners' manual for the right type, or consult with your service technician at Loren's Auto Repair.

The fluid cleans, cools and lubricates the power steering system. Overtime, the fluid breaks down and becomes contaminated by moisture and debris. It is important to have it replaced at certain intervals. Manufacturers recommend having your fluid changed every 25 to 40 thousand miles, or every two years. At Loren's Auto Repair service center in Kalispell, we will use a detergent to clean the system, flush out the old fluid, and replace it new fluid. Power Steering Service Near Kalispell

If you start to notice that you have to struggle to turn your wheel, that the power steering is erratic, that you hear a loud whining sound that comes from the pump, or your hear a squealing sound in your belts, it is probably a good indication that you need to have your power steering inspected. Power Steering Service Near Kalispell

The ball-joint, idler-arm, steering gear, steering-knuckle and tie rod are just a few of the steering components that can become bent or damaged overtime. Some warning signs include wandering, uneven wear on your tire tread, and an off-center steering wheel. An annual alignment check at Loren's Auto Repair 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 need to be cleaned and inspected. If they are excessively worn, they will also need to be replaced. We also recommend having the wheel-seal replaced when you have your bearings serviced. Check your recommended maintenance schedule, which is included in your vehicle’s owner manual. Feel free to give us a call at Loren's Auto Repair at 406-755-7757, or stop by for a visit at 1309 US Hwy 2 West, Kalispell, MT 59901.