Signs of a Bad or Failing Power Steering Control Valve

Power Steering is the most beneficial and attractive feature of the vehicles that let the driver move the steering with minimal force. It has made the handling of vehicles easier. Vehicles that don’t have power steering require the driver to use force for turning the vehicle. In hydraulic power steering, the driver can easily move the steering even with just a finger. When the driver turns the steering the proportional solenoid valve is turned so that the pressure can be applied to the accurate side of the cylinder for turning the vehicle in the right direction according to the movement of the steering. 

Here we have listed some symptoms of a bad or failing power steering proportional valve:

Leaking Fluid:

This is the common problem of the proportional solenoid valves that are installed in the power steerings. Whenever you see some fluid underneath your vehicle then it means something is not right and just get the assistance of a mechanic as soon as possible before the problem gets bigger. This fluid can be leaking from the power steering system of your vehicle. It smells like a burnt marshmallow. It is also flammable so whenever you find it under your vehicle, clean it as soon as possible. 

Hard Steering:

Whenever you feel that the steering of the vehicle has become hard and you are applying more force than usual to turn it, then it means that something is wrong with the proportional solenoid valve of the steering power system. It happens normally when the flow control valve starts malfunctioning. It means that the fluid is not following the accurate side of the cylinder. When this happens, it generates a pressure drop and the steering starts becoming hard and makes it difficult for the driver to turn the steering. 

Whining Noise while Turning the Wheel:

If you hear a whining noise coming out from the steering wheel when you turn the vehicle, then it means that something is wrong with the proportional solenoid valve of the power steering. You should get it repaired as soon as possible because it’s an essential part of your vehicle. If it starts malfunctioning at a high speed then it can be very harmful and can also become the reason for an unhappy incident. So to keep your expensive vehicle and family safe get it repaired and even after repairing it if it does not perform well then ask your mechanic to replace the proportional flow control valves to have optimal performance and to keep yourself safe. 

Final Words:

Today, proportional solenoid valves are commonly used in many equipment, devices and systems where accuracy and precision are necessary to maintain. In hydraulic power steering, these valves ensure the precise regulation of the fluid and help to apply the  required pressure on the cylinder for turning the vehicle with ease. A control valve with solenoid can also malfunction. That’s why it’s necessary to check them on a regular basis. In this regard, the above-listed symptoms are very beneficial.