Stay Headed in the Right Direction, Troy
November 30, 2017
Power steering is standard on nearly every vehicle in Troy, Michigan, 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 Auto Pro Troy in Troy for questions about your power steering.
The pump generates power that assists drivers as they steer their vehicle around Troy, Michigan. 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 Auto Pro Troy 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 Auto Pro Troy 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 service advisor at Auto Pro Troy.
In addition to providing a boost, the fluid cleans, cools and lubricates the power steering system. Over time, the lubricants and detergents diminish so Troy drivers 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 outline power steering service intervals in the owner's manual. Unfortunately, this service is sometimes left off the maintenance schedule. For Troy drivers who are not sure, every two years is a good rule of thumb.
At Auto Pro Troy, 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 or loud whining coming from the pump, you may have a power steering problem. Another sign 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 quickly. We want you to be sure to service your power steering system regularly at your service center, or Auto Pro Troy in Troy, to keep you headed in the right direction.
Auto Pro Troy
512 East Maple Rd.
Troy, Michigan 48083
248-270-3002
Need Service?
More articles from Auto Pro Troy Auto Repair

Your Vehicle Is NOT Maintenance Free, Troy Car Owners
April 26, 2026
A generation ago, Troy drivers seemed to be more inclined to keep their vehicle's preventive maintenance on schedule. One reason for this may be that vehicles back then were a lot less reliable than they are today. Taking your vehicle in to your Troy shop every year or two for repairs seemed to... More

Automotive Tips from Auto Pro Troy: Making a Battery Last Longer
April 19, 2026
One thing all Troy drivers can do to extend the life of their battery is to keep it clean. A greasy, dirty battery holds in damaging heat. Same goes for removing corrosion from the terminals. Auto Pro Troy can help maintain your battery.Allowing your battery to be deeply depleted like from using... More

Why Alignment Matters (Vehicle Alignment Maintenance)
April 15, 2026
It's one of those things that can happen on a multi-day road adventure or a quick trip to the grocery store. You hit a pothole, go too fast over a speed bump, nail a curb. When it happens, you think, "I wonder if that was hard enough to do any damage?" But things seem ok and you continue on yo... More
