FAQs

1. Will I damage my system if I drive without any fluid in my power steering?

2. Can I use a 'stop leak' type product in my power steering fluid to stop a leak?

3. I have power steering fluid collecting in the rubber bellows at either end of my steering rack, is this normal?

4. Will I have no steering if my power steering fails?

5. Can I have power steering fitted to a car that does not have it?

6. Can I have my power steering made heavier or lighter?

7. Can I have my own faulty rack/pump rebuilt?

8. Do I need to flush my system through when I change my rack or pump?

9. What is a reconditioned unit?

1. Will I damage my system if I drive without any fluid in my power steering?
Yes, usually damage to your pump will happen quickly if you continue to drive with little or no fluid in your power steering reservoir.

2. Can I use a 'stop leak' type product in my power steering fluid to stop a leak?
We would strongly recommend that you do not use any of the available products that are sold as additives to stop a leak from the system they work by swelling up all of the rubber in the entire system and can, in the long run, cause more damage than the original leak.

3. I have power steering fluid collecting in the rubber bellows at either end of my steering rack, is this normal?
No, the rubber bellows are designed to keep dirt and debris out of your steering rack and not to keep fluid in. The rack bellows should only have a small amount of grease inside them. Any signs of fluid in your bellows would indicate a faulty power steering rack.

4. Will I have no steering if my power steering fails?
No, you will always have steering albeit heavy steering even if you lose your power steering.

5. Can I have power steering fitted to a car that does not have it?
Many vehicles can have power steering fitted but it does depend on the exact year and model of the vehicle and is usually fairly costly.

6. Can I have my power steering made heavier or lighter?
Whilst modifications to the pinion valve are sometimes possible, it is both difficult and expensive to do.

7. Can I have my own faulty rack/pump rebuilt?
Yes, we can collect, rebuild and then return your unit to you, usually within 5 working days. The costs are very similar to having an exchange unit. Some people prefer to have their own unit rebuilt if so please ask.

8. Do I need to flush my system through when I change my rack or pump?
Yes debris and contaminants build up in the power steering fluid over time and although the fluid will be partially renewed when a rack or pump is changed about a third of the old fluid will remain in the system together with contaminants that will get into the new fluid and in turn this may cause damage to your new rack or pump. Flushing the system thoroughly with our purpose made flushing fluid will help to extend the life of any power steering system. Please ask for details.

9. What is a reconditioned unit?
For us at Western Power Steering a reconditioned unit is one that has been completely stripped, cleaned meticulously, all worn components replaced with O.E. quality parts, rebuilt by a trained technician and tested to ensure the highest quality.