Without any earlier indication of a power steering pump problem, i.e. no belt squeling or difficulty in steering, and no evidence of fluid loss, I suddenly lost power steering assist. It made steering well nigh impossible. The serpentine belt is still intact. Simultaneously, the front passenger power seat electrical mechanisms (motor adjusters) became inoperative.
Is there some type of electical connection to the power steering pump that, if overloaded would shut down operation of the power steering pump and the left front passenger seat?
The vehicle is a 2005 Mercedes E320 cdi with 80,000 miles.
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Contamination problems occur more frequently in rack and pinion power steering systems. Contamination can occur when pumps fail, hoses deteriorate, or moisture gets into the power steering fluid. All of these problems result in material contaminating the power steering fluid which can plug small orifices in the steering system, increase friction, and interfere with the fluids hydraulic characteristics, resulting in a failure of the power steering system.
Low fluid
Low power steering fluid levels reduce the amount of hydraulic pressure created by the power steering pump, resulting in hard steering. Low fluid levels also cause increased wear of the power steering pump from inadequate lubrication and high fluid temperatures which further accelerates pump wear. Low power steering fluid can cause a power steering pump to wear out prematurely and can result in the eventual failure of the power steering system if not corrected.
Snapped belt
Many vehicles use power steering pumps which are driven by a belt connected to the crankshaft of the engine. Worn belts can slip causing a reduction in the fluid pressure produced by the power steering pump, which increases the effort needed to operate the steering system. Power steering belts that catastrophically cause an immediate loss of power steering as the pump is no longer being driven by the engine.
Worn pump
As power steering pumps are operated and age they wear out. The seals and internal parts of the power steering pump break down over time and lead to an incremental loss of fluid pressure. As the pump wears out, pump noise and steering effort increases. Worn out pumps will eventually fail, leading to a total loss of fluid pressure and a failure of the power steering system.
Leaks
Power steering systems require hydraulic fluid to operate. Hydraulic power steering fluid can leak from worn or damaged hoses and failing seals. When enough fluid is lost, the power steering pump can overheat or wear out prematurely, resulting in a loss of hydraulic pressure and failure of the power steering system.
If fluid level is up and pump drive belt is not slipping it could be an early indication of either a pump issue or seals/valving issue in steering sector/steering rack.
If fluid looks like it has a metallic look to it like some paint finishes do- replacement of both units is in order.
If fluid looks clean, just dark and oxidized, look for loose or leaking hoses. Also check for possible mechanical interference with steering, loose colmn to dashboard, loose or binding flex coupling, or loose power steering rack, inner and outer tie rod bind, even ball joints or king pins that might be close to siezing.
Priority Action Part Type Cause 1 Inspect Power Steering Fluid Low Power Steering Fluid Level. 2 Inspect Power Steering Pump Worn out or Damaged Power Steering Pump. 3 Inspect Power Steering Hose Leaking or Incorrectly Installed Power Steering Hose. 4 Inspect Belt Tension Incorrect Belt Tension Will Allow Belts to Slip. 5 Inspect Belt Incorrectly Routed, Adjusted(Tensioned), Missing or Worn Drive Belt(s). 7 Inspect Ball Joint-upper Worn, Damaged, or Faulty Ball Joint. 8 Inspect Ball Joint-Lower Malfunctioning Ball Joint.
What happes when a vehicle experiences a loss of power steering, is that the car reverts to a manual steering car (like in the Model T days), making steering difficult, especially at low speeds, and during low speed maneuvering.
The squeling noise is your belt slipping. the belt is what turns the power steering pump and gives you power steering. If the pump is not spinning then you have no power steering.
A short term fix would be to go to a parts store and buy a belt dressing. This comes in a spray can and is very easy to use, you just follow the instructions and spray the belt.
You should have the belt checked to make sure it isn't about to break.
Check the belt to see if it's tight enough and check the power steering fluid reservoir to make sure it's full to the full mark. If neither of these are the problem the power steering pump is the problem.
I think you may have a problem with your electric assisted power steering motor. Is the loss in power only when your are making sharp turns to the right or left?
Do you hear any load noises or squeling sounds?
You should have it inspected, Don't want you to lose control while driving.
It sounds to me like the serpetine belt broke, DO NOT continue to drive it. The water pump (for engine cooling), the power steering pump, and the alternator (electrical system) are no longer operating. Have it towed to a shop or have someone put a new belt on it.
have you checked under the hood ? to check if the drivebelt/s for power steering pump is there and if your engine is diesel the power servo pump may be same belt ? hence loss of both these functions? as you say going thro puddles?? deep ? could have caused belt to come off it will be obvious to see if belt is not there ? hope this helps
no it is the power steering pump. the pump is worn so at low rpm or low speeds it is real tough to steer. but when the rpm is picked up the steering gets easier.
Also check belt tension but at high rpm speeds the belt would slip and squel real loud. so i would point the problem to the power steering pump.
As Long as Your Serpentine Belt, (SINGLE MAIN DRIVE BELT) si in tact. I Believe you Would Know Otherwise as You would Not have Charge for Battery, And No Cooling system, Among other functions, Lights In Information Cluster Would Indicate All These Failures. First Culprit is Power Steering PUMP<<((( Check Fluid Level First If it is Low Or Empty "You Have A LEAK " Refill and Quickly Look Under Engine Compartment for Leakage, Have A Helper Turn Steering wheel if Power Assist Returns "You Have A Leak"If WHILE TURNING steering Wheel You See A Significant Amount of Fluid Pouring out This Would Indicate A "High Pressure Hose" LEAK))) IF you Have NO LEAKAGE the Problem Most Likely Resides in The Power STEERING PUMP OR The RACK This Can Be Determine By A Shop Equipped With Pressure Testing Gages.Hope this Leads you In the Right Direction, NOTE : A Hose Can Posibly Be A Do it your Selfer Beyond that Use your Own Judgment as I Dont Know Your Skill Level, Again I wish you Luck and Hope tou can Take care of this Without Getting ROBED by A Shop, If you Find This Info to Be Valuable to you Plaese RATE Me Accordingly Thank You And Have A Great Evening, RejakWilson
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