Summary: Your power steering makes it easy for you to steer/reverse without using too much force. This is because it multiplies your efforts at the steering wheel via an electric motor (in recent models) or a hydraulic pump (older models and heavy-duty vehicles).
- You likely have Electric (EPS) if your car is newer, or Hydraulic (HPS) if it is an older model or a heavy-duty truck.
- If your vehicle (HPS) is older than six years, it is important to ‘flush’ the system every 80,000 km to avoid spending upwards of $900.
- You can drive if your power steering system malfunctions, but it is unsafe. The steering wheel will feel extremely heavy, and it will be difficult to make abrupt lane changes or any kind of emergency manoeuvres.
- Listen for whining sounds when turning or look for red puddles on your driveway.
Why Does Your Car Even Need Power Steering?
Power steering effectively makes it easy to steer your vehicle because it translates your relatively small motion at the steering wheel into a much larger force at the front tires.
This makes the difference between being able to easily turn in one motion when making a left turn versus using your whole body in an effort to make that same turn 90 degrees.
If you’ve ever attempted to steer a car with the engine turned off, you know how much of a struggle it can be trying to steer something that weighs thousands of pounds.
When there is no assistance to turn the steering wheel, the friction created between the tires and pavement makes this nearly impossible for most people, especially when parking.
Power Steering vs. Manual Steering
Although most modern cars come with power steering, there are fans of manual steering and those who have older, budget-friendly cars that are still using this fuel-efficient option.
Manual steering provides no additional assistance. Therefore, all of the effort needed to turn the vehicle’s tires will come from the driver’s arms.
The Trade-offs
To operate correctly, manual steering uses a much larger “steering ratio“. Because of this, the driver is required to turn the steering wheel greater amounts than would be necessary with a vehicle that has power steering.
This may give the driver a false impression that the vehicle is operating at a slower rate of speed. But this factor provides the driver with excellent feedback regarding what is occurring on the roadway.
| Feature | Manual Steering | Power Steering |
| Effort | High (especially when parking) | Low (effortless) |
| Road Feel | Direct and precise | Can feel “numb” or artificial |
| Complexity | Very Low (few parts) | High (pumps, motors, sensors) |
| Weight | Light (saves ~15–20 lbs) | Heavy (extra components) |
| Maintenance | Almost zero | Regular fluid checks or sensor updates |
The Three Systems You Will See on the Road
The method your vehicle provides you with this “assistance” will depend upon what is located under the hood.
1. Electric Power Steering (EPS)
This is currently the new standard for modern vehicles. This system eliminates the need for hydraulics or hoses as it incorporates an electric motor with a gear ratio that enables greater torque at lower speed along with less resistance at high speeds.
How it feels: It is usually very light when you are parking, but gets “stiffer” and more stable when you hit highway speeds.
Why it is better: No power is being consumed from your engine to produce EPS, so your vehicle will save gas while delivering features like lane assist and automated parking functions.
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2. Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS)
Typically found on older model cars and heavy trucks, HPS involves a power-steering pump that is connected via belts directly to the engine of your vehicle.
How it feels: Many drivers prefer HPS due to the amount of “road feel” they receive through HPS systems, therefore providing them with greater tactile feedback.
The downside: HPS systems can be prone to fluid leaks, which could cause issues such as hose cracks / dirty fluid that would create a loud screeching sound from the power steering pump.
3. Electric-Hydraulic (Hybrid)
This is a very niche market. Like HPS, it contains hydraulic fluid, but instead of the engine turning the pump, a small DC motor does. Therefore, you benefit from the heavy-weight of the hydraulic system and the electric power of the smaller electric systems.
Electro-hydraulic systems can be found in some cars by Ford, Volkswagen, Audi, Suzuki, Toyota, Honda, and Mazda.
Comparing the Three Steering Systems
| System Type | Mechanism | Best For | Main Pro | Main Con |
| Electric (EPS) | Electric Motor | Modern Commuters | Better Gas Mileage | Expensive to Replace |
| Hydraulic (HPS) | Fluid Pump & Belt | Trucks & Older Cars | Great “Road Feel” | Prone to Leaks |
| Hybrid (EHPS) | Electric Fluid Pump | Heavy Duty Vehicles | Strong Assist | Complex Repairs |
Checking Your Fluid (For Hydraulic Systems Only)
If your vehicle is still using hydraulic fluid, it’s important to check its fluid levels periodically.
To do this, open your hood and locate the hydraulic fluid reservoir. It’s typically a small tank with a steering wheel symbol on the cap.
What’s Your Fluid Color?
Good News: Fluid is a bright, pinkish-red color. The fluid has not been contaminated and is relatively fresh.
Bad News: Fluid is very dark brown or black. The fluid has burnt, which means it has lost its lubricating properties and may cause the pump to fail before it can be repaired. Get the fluid flushed immediately.
Foamy or Bubbling: Generally indicates that air has been drawn into the lines. You probably leak into your system.
Power Steering Fluid Health Chart
| Fluid Color | Condition | Action Needed |
| Bright Red / Pink | Fresh & Clean | None. You are good to go. |
| Light Brown | Aging | Plan for a flush soon. |
| Dark Brown / Black | Burnt & Oxidized | Flush immediately to save the pump. |
| Foamy / Bubbling | Air in the lines | Inspect high-pressure hoses for leaks. |
Power Steering Repair Costs
Between parts and labor, steering repairs can vary quite a bit depending on your state and vehicle type. Here is what you are looking at for common fixes:
- Power Steering Flush: $110-$175 (this is a cheap way to ensure yourself against potentially larger future bills).
- Power Steering Hose Repair: $450-$750 (high-pressure hoses will eventually dry up and crack).
- Hydraulic Pump Replacement: $700-$950 (this often happens from not taking care of the existing fluid).
- Electric Steering Rack Replacement: $1,500-$2,800 (electric steering racks are expensive because they contain a lot of sensors and must be calibrated by a computer after they are installed)
Learn More About Average Cost To Maintain A Car.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use transmission fluid in my power steering?
In some older cars, yes, they actually used the same stuff. However, in most modern vehicles, this is a big mistake.
This is because transmission fluid contains various additives that may damage the specific rubber seals on the steering rack.
Before pouring any kind of fluid into your power steering system, always verify the type of fluid required by referencing the owner’s manual.
Why does my steering wheel “scream” when I turn it all the way?
The noise at the end of the steering stroke is typically the hydraulic relief valve cycling, or the power steering drive belt slipping while under severe load.
This means you are applying excessive load to the power steering overhead load, so you should avoid maintaining the wheel in a locked position (fully turned either left or right) for more than 1-2 seconds maximum.
Can I drive with a power steering leak?
For a couple of days, possibly, as long as you continue to add power steering fluid. But once that fluid runs dry, the pump starts grinding metal-on-metal.
Within minutes, the pump can seize up, which might snap your serpentine belt and leave you stranded without an alternator or cooling fan.
Does electric power steering ever need a “flush”?
There is no fluid in electric power steering systems. Therefore, there are no fluids to flush. Electric power steering maintenance (EPS) usually consists of checking the electrical connections for corrosion and ensuring that the battery is in good condition (as the motors require significant amounts of current).
What is that “clunking” sound when I turn?
If you hear a clunk-type noise as opposed to a ‘whine-type’ noise, this is probably not an indication of a problem with the power steering system. You may be looking at worn tie rods, worn ball joints, worn steering rack, etc.
These are steering components, but they are mechanical rather than assistive.
Final Say
One of the primary lessons I learned is that power steering most often gets treated like a “set it and forget it” system until the day it fails. In my experience, the biggest killer of hydraulic systems is the “full lock” habit.
People pull into a tight parking spot, crank the wheel until it hits the stopper, and then hold it there while they adjust their mirrors. You can actually hear the pump screaming in pain when you do that. It spikes the pressure to the absolute limit and is the fastest way to blow a seal.
If you have a newer electric system, I would advise keeping an eye on your battery health. A $150 battery swap is a whole lot easier to swallow than a steering rack replacement. Take care of the small stuff, and the steering will take care of you.
