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Power steering makes turning and maneuvering your vehicle much easier by using hydraulic pressure to reduce steering wheel resistance. But what happens if that assistant system fails? Is driving without power steering still possible? Let’s take a closer look.
1. Understanding Manual Steering
Cars built before power steering was widely adopted used completely manual steering. The driver had to provide all the effort to turn the wheels using sheer arm strength and mechanical advantage in the steering box. With power steering disabled or inoperable, driving goes back to being all manual. The wheels don’t become immovable, but far more upper body strength is needed to steer, especially at low speeds.
2. Difficulty of Driving Without Power Steering
The amount of increased difficulty when power steering fails depends on the vehicle. Larger trucks or vehicles with greater mechanical advantage in their manual steering components prove easier to muscle around. Smaller cars and modern EPS systems get very heavy without assist. In most cases, normal driving remains possible, but much more difficult. Low speed turns require serious effort. Parking especially tests your steering stamina. Highway speeds are less impacted thanks to momentum helping overcome resistance. But emergency maneuvers become very tough.
3. Risks of Continued Operation
Operating a vehicle without power steering raises safety concerns thanks to the increased effort required. The risks of continuing to drive fall into two main categories. First, loss of control crashes could occur if the load becomes too strenuous in an emergency where quick steering inputs are needed. Second, bodily strain could lead to injuries like muscle tears or hernias. Both risks rise the longer you drive manual steer.
4. Getting the Vehicle Safely Home
If power steering loss occurs away from home, what should you do? The first decision is whether to keep driving or pull over immediately. If you’re close to your destination and traverse mainly low speed roads, cautious continued operation may get you home safely. However, if facing longer high-speed driving, or challenging conditions, parking quickly reduces risk. You’ll avoid potential crashes from steering failures and chance of injuries from strain. Call for a tow unless repairs are very close by.
5. Repairing Power Steering Problems
Once power steering problems arise, fairly quick repairs help regain normal vehicle control and safety. Diagnosing the specific failure guides the correct fix. Common issues include:
- Loose or broken power steering belts
- Leaks from pumps, gearboxes, or hydraulic lines
- Electrical faults in steering control modules
- Sensor malfunctions
- Air in the hydraulic system
- Dead power steering pump
Labor and parts costs range widely depending on the root cause. But restoring assisted steering should remain a priority for continued safe operation.
6. Prevention Through Maintenance
Noticing power steering issues early and completing repairs quickly helps avoid being stranded without assist. Signs of impending failure include increased effort to turn, strange noises when maneuvering, loose components, fluid leaks, and warning lights. Regular maintenance like belt, hose, and fluid inspections spot potential problems brewing. Replacing deteriorated parts prior to failure reduces breakdown chances. Investing in fresh components now forestalls much costlier repairs later.
Conclusion
Driving without power steering is physically demanding but possible in many vehicles if absolutely necessary. However, the substantial increase in steering effort escalates safety risks. Use caution if temporarily continuing operation. Tow the vehicle for service rather than push your luck too far. Investing in prompt power steering repairs should remain a top priority for smooth and safe driving.
