Gur is buzzing when turning the steering wheel what to do. GUR started to hum? Causes and solutions to the problem

Power steering is designed to make driving easier without losing the "sense of the road" - the feedback between the steered wheels and the steering wheel.

Also, the use of these nodes made it possible to reduce the gear ratio on the steering mechanism - the number of turns of the steering wheel from lock to lock, which also affected the ease of control.

On vehicles, several types of such devices have found application, but the most widespread is the hydraulic power steering - power steering.

The assembly performs its function by creating fluid pressure on the steering rack, due to which there is additional effort to move it.

The main purpose of the power steering is to increase the convenience of driving a car, but this node also has a positive effect on traffic safety, but only if the amplifier fully performs the functions assigned to it.

Design and principle of operation

To quickly find the causes of the hum of the power steering, you need to understand its structure and principle of operation.

Structurally, the power steering is very simple and includes the following main components:

• Pump;
• Distributor;
• Working cylinder;
• Pipelines (high and low pressure);

There are several designs of the assembly, but on passenger cars a power steering is used, in which the distributor and working cylinders are integrated into the steering mechanism.

In this design, the distributor is connected to the steering column shaft, the mechanism body acts as a cylinder, and its piston is mounted on a rail. The working element of the mechanism is a special oil.

The principle of operation of the power steering is as follows: the pump constantly pumps oil, creating pressure in the system, from which it enters the distributor through the high pressure line.

If the wheels are level during movement, then the working fluid from the distributor through the low pressure line returns back to the pump, that is, it constantly circulates in a circle.

When the steering wheel is turned, the steering column shaft displaces the distributor spool, due to which the fluid supply channel opens into the desired cylinder cavity.

Oil, filling this cavity, begins to put pressure on the piston, thereby helping to move the rail. When the rotation of the steering wheel stops, the spool immediately becomes in a neutral position and the liquid stops acting on the rail.

A simplified diagram is described above, which is sufficient for a general understanding of the features of the amplifier.

READ MORE:, device and principle of operation.

GUR is buzzing, looking for reasons

The hydraulic booster resource is significant, it can work out up to 200 thousand km without problems, but if it is carried out in a timely manner. service.

At the same time, the power steering is a mechanism consisting of components that are complex in design, so malfunctions in it also happen. One of them is humming.

This is a common problem that can occur on any car equipped with this node. In addition to sound, a malfunction is often accompanied by additional symptoms - the force on the steering wheel increases, vibration may occur.

The power steering can buzz under different conditions - only on “hot” or “cold”, constantly or when the wheels are turned to extreme positions.

Since third-party sounds can appear in any attachment of a car, you first need to make sure that it is the amplifier that is their source. It's easy to install - by changing the tone of the sound when you turn the steering wheel.

The buzz in this mechanism can be emitted by only one node - the pump, but there are several reasons why this happens.

The appearance of sound signals so far only about the occurrence of problems in the operation of the entire mechanism, and not its failure. But if you do not take action, then eventually a breakdown will occur - the pump will break. At the same time, this unit is expensive, so it is easier to fix a malfunction that causes a buzz even before the element breaks than to purchase a new replacement pump.

Often the cause of the buzz in the power steering is the working fluid, or rather:

• The fall of its level below a critical level;
• Mismatch of the brand of oil;
• Use of fake liquid;
• Exhaustion of the resource of the working fluid or its severe contamination.

For the most part, the consequences of these reasons are the desire of the car owner to save money (purchasing cheap oils) or ignoring the rules for maintaining the amplifier.

The second common cause of power steering hum is air getting inside the system. And air jams occur either due to improper replacement of the working fluid, or when leaks appear at the junctions of pipelines and seals of assemblies.

The third reason is technical, and it includes the natural wear of the components of the amplifier - a pump or a hydraulic cylinder, or the installation of defective elements that do not meet working conditions, loosening the drive belt.

Common Causes of Sound

In each specific case - buzzing "to cold" or "hot", there are specific reasons for this phenomenon.

The appearance of sound in any condition can occur with a drop in the level of the working fluid, wear of the pump bearings and loosening of the drive belt. In this case, the power steering will buzz constantly.

In the case of bearing wear, the mechanism does not receive much harm, the only thing is that the load on the belt increases, since it becomes more difficult to turn the pump rotor. To solve the problem, it is enough to replace the bearings.

The work of power steering with a small amount of oil has significantly worse consequences. Under such operating conditions, the components of the pump wear out very intensively and the service life of the assembly is greatly reduced. And the longer the system works with a lack of fluid, the more serious the consequences will be.

Here, before replenishing the level, you first need to establish why it fell and fix the breakdown (and this can happen due to a rupture of pipelines, wear of seals and seals of the pump, hydraulic cylinder). Only after that we restore the oil level, pump the system.

As the belt loosens, it will slip over the pulleys, which is usually accompanied by a strong hum or squeal. At the same time, the performance of the amplifier drops, and it does not fully perform its functions, which is accompanied by an increase in effort or the appearance.

Rumble on cold

If, after starting the engine, a distinct hum is heard (the power steering is not warmed up and runs cold), the problem often lies in the ingress of air into the system.

To verify this, just look into the power steering reservoir - if air is present in the liquid, the oil will boil and foam quite strongly.

Air is removed by pumping, but before that you need to establish how it got into the system.

To do this, inspect all piping connections for signs of leakage. Where even the slightest traces of smudges are found, the clamps should be tightened.

It is mandatory to check the tightness of the clamp on the oil supply pipe from the tank to the pump, even if there are no signs of leakage on it. Often it is in this place that air leaks occur, which causes a buzz in the power steering.

Sometimes, to eliminate the hum, it is enough just to replace this pipeline and put two clamps on the junctions.

Air can enter the system not only in the connections, but also through the pump and steering gear seals. Over time, they lose their elasticity, crack and cease to perform their functions. The problem with buzz in this case is solved by installing new rubber elements.

Buzzing when warm

When buzzing “on hot” appears, the source of the problem usually lies in the liquid. In this case, you first need to check its level and condition. Regarding the drop in level, it is described above, but the condition of the oil should be dealt with.

The performance of power steering largely depends on the viscosity of the working fluid. If the oil is not sufficiently viscous, it is more difficult for the pump to create the necessary pressure.

Over time, the oil loses its properties, including viscosity. After heating, it becomes too liquid, so the pump simply cannot create the desired pressure. All this is accompanied by the occurrence of buzz and weighting of the steering wheel.

The same can happen if the system is filled with oil that is not suitable for the brand or is completely fake. In this case, the liquid simply cannot perform its functions.

Another reason for the appearance of a “hot” buzz is the wear of the nodes due to the large amount of dirt in the oil. Due to the development on the working surfaces, the desired sealing between them is not achieved and pressure losses occur. If the pump is worn out, then some of the liquid will flow inside it, and it will not be able to create the necessary pressure.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW : .

But buzzing can occur not only due to the output in the pump, but also due to wear of the working cylinder and piston mounted on the rail. Due to the development in this unit, the liquid during the operation of the power steering through leaks will flow from cavity to cavity, providing a pressure drop.

Restoring the performance of the power steering and eliminating the “hot” buzz depends on the cause of its occurrence. If during the inspection a strong darkening of the oil is revealed, it should definitely be replaced, preferably with flushing the system and replacing the tank.

As for the tank, it has a dirt-catching mesh, which gets very clogged over time, so this element should be changed when changing the oil, especially if it is dirty.

But some get by with high-quality flushing of the tank. Use the replacement fluids recommended by the automaker.

The wear of the constituent elements of the amplifier is eliminated by replacing the nodes. But since the cost of the pump or steering gear is significant, you can try to extend the service life by repairing it using repair kits.

Replacing seals, seals, bearings quite often helps to solve the problem with power steering hum. Another inexpensive option is to fill the system with oil with a higher viscosity. Such a liquid, even after heating, will remain dense enough for a worn pump to create the necessary pressure.

Other cases

Many drivers note that the power steering is buzzing when turning the steering wheel to extreme positions. But in this case, the increased sound of the device is normal, since the pump in this position of the wheels works at maximum performance to provide the desired pressure.

If it is noted that the buzz is very loud, then the reasons should be sought in the same place as when the sound “hot” appears, that is, first of all, you need to check the level and quality of the liquid.

It happens that the buzz appears after maintenance work - oil changes, line changes, etc.

Here, the reason may lie in insufficient pumping of the system (air remains in it), poor quality of the installed part or weak tightening of its fastening (sucks in air) or fluid mismatch.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW : .

Proper operation and maintenance

To reduce the likelihood of such a problem as the hum of the hydraulic booster, several rules should be followed:

• Change the oil in a timely manner (approximately this should be done every 80-100 thousand kilometers or every 2 years. But if the car is operated very intensively, then the replacement frequency should be reduced to 60-70 thousand km);
• Periodically check the level and condition of the fluid. Timely topping up and elimination of the cause of the leak will prevent air from entering the system;
• Do not hold the wheels in the extreme position for more than 5 seconds. The operation of the pump with maximum load leads to its intensive wear, there is also a possibility of line breaks due to excessive pressure;
• Do not turn the steering wheel immediately after starting the engine. Engaging the power steering immediately after starting the engine leads to the operation of the system under increased load. It is better to give time for the pump to “drive” the oil in a circle, warming it up a little, and reducing the viscosity;
• When parking the car, the wheels should only be installed straight ahead. In this position, after starting the motor, the pump will work with a minimum load;
• Monitor the condition of the steering mechanism and change the anthers and seals in a timely manner. This will keep the unit from leaking.

All these measures will not only reduce the likelihood of buzzing, but also generally extend the life of the hydraulic booster.

Power steering features of some cars

Since the power steering on different cars is structurally very similar, the reasons for the appearance of a hum on the same GAZelle or Chevrolet Cruze are identical. But here it is worth considering the features of the amplifier device. Some models have their own unusual “diseases” of the hydraulic booster.

For example, on the Chevrolet Cruze, high-pressure lines can emit a buzz (according to one of the versions, due to insufficient bandwidth).

These lines run along the radiator, to which they are attached through rubber bushings. But these bushings are not enough to dampen the vibrations that are the source of the buzz. And the problem in this case is solved by lining under the bushings with an additional rubber spacer.

But on the UAZ "Loaf" the hum of the amplifier is often the result of a strong heating of the oil during operation. Sometimes the owners of this car are helped by pouring a more viscous liquid. But some craftsmen solve the problem by installing a power steering radiator - they simply insert an additional metal tube into the system, which provides additional oil cooling.

And such features are available in almost every car - VAZ Priora, Cherry Amulet, Ford Focus, but the main reasons for the buzz are still air ingress, oil mismatch with operating conditions and wear of components.

Finally, we note that if the power steering is buzzing, it is not worth postponing the repair, since this is a signal of the appearance of problems in the operation of the unit, which can develop into a complete failure of it, and this already threatens to lose control of the car.

The power steering is used to simplify driving. For the first time, hydraulics was used back in 1950 on a MAZ-525 dump truck manufactured by the Minsk Automobile Plant. Now power steering is an integral part of all steering mechanisms. Often, motorists have a problem when the power steering is buzzing. Let's try to understand the reasons for this phenomenon.

What is GUR?

Power steering is one of the components of the steering mechanism, the purpose of which is to facilitate vehicle control. This mechanism is designed to ensure the stability of the car and the preservation of the trajectory set by it. It is designed in such a way that if it stops working, then the control of the car is preserved, but it becomes more difficult to turn the steering wheel.

The hydraulic booster is able to reduce the effort that the driver must make when turning the steering wheel. It also improves safety in case of tire bursts and softens the impact when the car hits bumps. By its structure, it is a closed system, its components:

• pump;
• reservoir for working fluid;
• pressure regulating device;
• hydraulic cylinder;
• managing goldsmith.

Why is the power steering buzzing: reasons

There are many reasons for this unpleasant phenomenon. The buzz can be both on a hot and on an engine that has not yet been warmed up. Sometimes the noise appears while turning the steering wheel and at idle. Let's consider each option separately.

On a cold

When the power steering hums on a cold one, the problem may be that air begins to pass through the low pressure channels. It also sometimes happens due to incorrect pumping of the system. This is rare, but it does happen. Due to unprofessional pumping, air remains in the expander, because of this, the power steering may well buzz.

You need to pay attention to the power steering pressure hose. There are sealing rings, which during operation could lose their original qualities. Over time, they become hard, as a result of which the power steering may begin to make noise, since the loss of elasticity by the sealant causes air to enter. This problem can be identified visually by the foam formed in the expansion tank. Here it makes sense to replace the seal. Before installing a new o-ring, it should be lubricated with sealant.

Poor quality of the working fluid can also cause an unpleasant hum. Dirt deposits present in the oil can damage the power steering pump, and it will begin to malfunction. Another possible reason is the wear of the power steering pump bearing.

Hot

Power steering hum can also be observed on a warm engine if the steering rack is out of order. The heated oil becomes less viscous and can pass through the seals if they have partially lost their original qualities. Poor quality oil can also cause an unpleasant hum. It loses viscosity even faster, and the pump stops creating the necessary pressure in the system. With full confidence, we can state a pump malfunction if an unpleasant sound appears only at low speeds, and disappears when speed is set.

At idle

If the power steering is buzzing at idle, then the reason for this is also in low-quality or "non-native" oil. The oil in the system must be changed every 2 years.

Is the hum in the hydraulic booster an alarming sign?

A buzz in the power steering indicates a malfunction of some mechanisms. Unpleasant noise should alert the car owner - if the malfunction is not fixed on time, then expensive repairs cannot be avoided in the future. Some components require immediate replacement, while others can be repaired. For example, if it was found that the cause of the noise lies in the hydraulic booster drive, then the belt can be tightened, and it will again perform its functions properly. But it is more expedient to replace the pump with a new one.

What to do if the hydraulic booster is buzzing?

If an air bubble is found in the expansion tank, this is usually the result of poor bleeding of the system. In this case, the procedure should be repeated. During pumping, the steering wheel must be constantly turned in different directions - so the air will come out faster. It is also recommended to check the condition of the hoses and change them if necessary.

It is also recommended to install 2 additional clamps on the line, as well as a new seal on the tank. Today, specialized stores sell special power steering repair kits. They have everything you need to fix this assembly, including gaskets.

Damaged oil must be replaced immediately. After draining the old working fluid, you need to check the inside of the walls of the expansion tank. Mud deposits usually accumulate at the bottom, so the tank must be cleaned before filling with new fluid. If a tank with a filter built into it is used, then it must also be replaced or, in extreme cases, cleaned. Some motorists change the filter along with the tank. In this case, you still need to remove the rail and also clean it of accumulated dirt. And it is better to replace the seals with new ones immediately.

If during the diagnostics it was found that the bearing of the power steering pump is “to blame” for the appearance of noise, then this element must also be replaced. To reduce the likelihood of unpleasant noise, some drivers use special additives that are added to the expansion tank - these compounds protect some system components from rapid wear. In addition, additives can reduce the driver's effort when turning the steering wheel, as well as reduce the level of vibration. When purchasing a working fluid for a power steering pump, you need to familiarize yourself with its thermal parameters - this is especially true for the conditions of the North.

If the power steering pump hums only at low speeds, this indicates that it is out of order and it is time to replace it. But if unusual sounds appear when the wheels are turned all the way out, then this is not yet a sign of a breakdown - in this case, an additional load is placed on the pump, which leads to unusual noise, which some drivers confuse with noise caused by a certain malfunction.

If the noise appeared after installing new hoses, it is quite possible that you were sold a low-quality product. In such a situation, the hoses must be replaced.

High pressure hoses should not be confused with simple hydraulic hoses. The latter can cause air to enter the system and, as a result, the appearance of extraneous noise.

Noise can be avoided by observing the following rules:

• the oil level must be optimal;
• do not keep the wheels in an extremely inverted position for a long time;
• you need to constantly monitor the condition of the steering rack;
• oil should be changed every 80 km.

The condition of the oil must be constantly monitored, and you should not buy too cheap working fluid. If the steering wheel becomes difficult to turn, it is recommended to carry out an urgent diagnosis of the system. We always pay attention to the color and smell of the oil used and often check the condition of the oil seals.

Conclusion

Diagnostics of the control system should be carried out already at the appearance of the first problems. Delay can cause a serious malfunction, such as rack jamming. Savings are savings, but safety is above all. Constant monitoring of the power steering is the best way to keep it in working order.

The hydraulic booster is a fairly reliable and durable design, if you take care of it. But there are also breakdowns, depending both on the driver and on the road conditions. Most of them are simple, and are easily eliminated by motorists themselves.

1 Power steering makes noise - stop immediately or drive on?

The hydraulic booster helps to steer the machine by increasing the effort applied by the driver to the steering wheel. Convenient control is not the only advantage of a car equipped with hydraulic booster. It softens the blows from pits and hills on the road, increases traffic safety. A car with power steering is more maneuverable than with conventional mechanical control, responsive. Rupture of the front tire at speed in the presence of power steering will lead to less dangerous consequences.

So is it possible to drive a car when the power steering is buzzing? Yes, of course you can, because the mechanical part of the steering remains valid. The level of comfort decreases, you have to make efforts, as in a car with conventional control. Sounds appear with malfunctions that are easy to fix, but if you do not pay attention to this and continue to operate the machine, they will get worse. At the slightest opportunity, the power steering should be repaired: after all, this is not only comfort, but also traffic safety.

2 Why is a buzz heard - identifying a breakdown by signs

Experienced car owners immediately determine by ear and by the force applied to the steering wheel a malfunction in the hydraulic booster:

• at low speeds and idling, a lot of effort is required to the steering wheel, if you increase the speed, the required effort decreases;
• steering wheel rotation is accompanied by an unpleasant extraneous sound;
• noise is heard from the pump.

When such signs appear, we inspect the entire system, check whether the liquid is leaking. These signs can be observed in the pump itself, but other breakdowns are possible. First of all, the liquid: its level must be normal, and the condition must be operational, without foreign impurities and clots. The loss of technical qualities leads to the appearance of a hum. Noise can also come from the belt. If air bubbles are visible in the oil, the operation of the hydraulic booster is impaired.

The Russian climate and winter roads, sprinkled with salt and other reagents, contribute to the breakdown of the GUR. They have a detrimental effect on the anthers and seals, corroding them. The hydraulic booster is noisy, leakage appears.

3 Power steering fluid - possible problems and elimination

Several problems can be associated with fluid. The simplest is a drop in level: the pump pumps air, which makes it buzz. We urgently bring the liquid to a normal level, find out the cause of the leak. In fact, this is not just an ATF fluid, but an oil that can be mineral and synthetic. In ordinary cars, mineral is used. It may be of different colors. Synthetic in power steering is poured onto technical vehicles and individual models of passenger vehicles on the recommendation of the manufacturer. Mineral liquid prevents corrosion of metal parts, cracks in rubber seals.

Do not mix synthetic and mineral ATF, as well as liquids of different colors.

If ATF has not been changed for a long time, it loses its technical properties: it is not able to properly lubricate parts, protect oil seals and anthers from cracking, normal operating pressure is not created in the power steering system. If you open the tank and look inside, we will see a liquid that will be black or extremely dark, some crumbs may float in it, and there is a smell of burning. The liquid just worked out its own, the replacement period was missed, which is why the hydraulic booster is buzzing.

We urgently change the ATF fluid. In general, it should be changed after 8–10 thousand km, and earlier when working in difficult road conditions. Replacement is carried out not so often, so you should not save on this. We buy products of well-known companies, certified. The cost is not high, but when something breaks in the pump, you will have to pay much more.

4 Aired the system - how to pump

Air is often sucked into the system, sometimes leaks are almost invisible. Liquid can seep through tubes, hoses, sensors. A little air gets in, but it starts to buzz. We drive it out, we pump it differently. The simplest way: open the reservoir lid and turn the steering wheel all the way in both directions five times. The air will come out and the system will start working if there is no leak anywhere. If the liquid leaks, the operation will have to be repeated every other day or the leak must be eliminated.

Another way to pump. Align the car in the position of movement in a straight line, start the engine and let it run for 15 seconds. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and right several times. Add fluid if it is low, and start the car. We monitor the level: it should go down, but do not let it fall below the minimum, top it up in time. After a minute of idling the engine, turn the steering wheel to the stop several times. We muffle, wait until the liquid calms down. We start - the noise should disappear.

You can use the fitting on the hydraulic booster. We hang out the wheels, turn to the stop. We unscrew the fitting a little so that air flows, turn the steering wheel in the other direction. When liquid appears, tighten the fitting. We lower the car, start the engine, turn the steering wheel in different directions until air bubbles stop coming out of the tank - the hum usually disappears.

5 Belt - checking the tension and installing a new one

The cause of the hum may be the drive belt, however, not on all car models. A loose belt makes a whistle when turning the steering wheel, but first you need to make sure that this is the reason. We check the tension, the specific deflection for each car can be different, but on average 12 mm. Wear is possible, then the belt will slip and whistle. If the belt is tight, the problem is not in it, but in the pump.

To tighten the belt, turn the steering wheel all the way in any direction. Then we unscrew the bolts, move the pump to tighten it. The process itself is different for each model due to different design features of the system. It should be noted that it is difficult to tighten and change the belt, because it is inconvenient, there is no access. In some models, a new belt can only be installed with a special device, because nothing can be unscrewed or adjusted.

We tighten the belt with the wheels in the unscrewed position until it stops whistling when the steering wheel is turned. Excessive tension will cause rapid destruction of the pump bearing.

6 Breakdowns in the pump - what you can do yourself

A breakdown in the pump is an extremely unpleasant thing: it is expensive to replace, difficult to repair. But if you have the desire and skill, you can repair it yourself. Before removing and disassembling it, you should make sure that the malfunction is in the pump. We carry out the check on a hot one: we start the engine, if the vibration of the steering wheel is felt, the reason is found. Bearings, impeller, oil seals fail. You will need a repair kit, bearing 6202, of course, keys.

We pump out the liquid from the tank with a large syringe: turn the steering wheel left and right in place to force out all the liquid. We release the bolt between the pump and the bracket. We unscrew the lock nut of the tensioner, remove the belt. We remove the hoses. To remove the pulley, completely unscrew the axial bolt, remove it and put a screwdriver in this place, locking the pulley. We unscrew the nut, remove the pulley.

We take out the unit, clean it of dirt and oil and proceed to disassembly:

• using a puller, we release the bearing from the retaining ring;
• having unscrewed the bolts on the back cover, carefully remove it so that the blades do not fall out;
• we take out the blades, put each one on a numbered piece of paper;
• remove the plate and the parts under it;
• carefully knock out the shaft and remove the bearing from it;
• we change it to a new one.

We check the surface of the parts for roughness, wear. We clean with fine sandpaper, removing dirt and other layers. Simple cleaning prolongs the life of the assembly without replacing parts. We assemble in the reverse order. Be sure to change the seal, gaskets, o-rings to new ones.

The installation of the blades requires special attention: the rounded part should look outward.

7 GURA life - how to make it long

Typically, the hydraulic booster is able to withstand a mileage of 150 thousand km and even more. By following simple rules, you can extend its life:

• we are not too lazy to regularly look under the hood to check the ATF level in the tank, top up if necessary;
• we observe the frequency of replacement, moreover, only with high-quality liquid;
• do not hold the steering wheel for more than 10 seconds in the extreme position so as not to overload the pump;
• in the parking lot, we align the car for driving straight, so that when starting off, we do not load the rail;
• very attentive to the rack anthers, at the slightest damage we immediately change.

With third-party sounds that the hydraulic booster makes, we check its condition ourselves or at the service station, do not wait until it dies completely.

Let's start with the fact that in the process of evolution it has changed significantly in a constructive way. At the moment, modern cars get several options: power steering (power steering), EUR (electric power steering), as well as a combined solution that combines hydraulics and electronics.

At the same time, the hydraulic booster is a well-known and proven solution, while the EUR appeared relatively recently. In practice, it is the power steering that remains the most common option, although there is a tendency to gradually replace the EUR.

One way or another, the hydraulic booster has both a number of advantages and disadvantages. In the list of serious disadvantages, it is customary to single out such breakdowns when the system loses its tightness and the power steering oil () flows out, the power steering also makes noise or the power steering pump hums, the force on the steering wheel changes when turning only in one direction, etc.

Read in this article

The hydraulic booster buzzes when cold or when the steering wheel is turned: causes

So, before starting to consider the problem itself and ways to solve it, it should be recalled that often modern cars (especially passenger cars and city crossovers) have a rack and pinion steering mechanism with hydraulic booster. Simply put, this is the steering rack, where the power steering pump pumps oil under pressure.

Without going into details and in simple words, this system works in such a way that the engine rotates the power steering pump, which pumps the power steering fluid into the rail through the high pressure lines. The hydraulic booster fluid is often well-known from the boxes - automatic ATF fluid.

A mechanism resembling a crane is installed in the rail itself. If the steering wheel is straight, the fluid simply circulates in a circle, returning back to the power steering reservoir. If the driver turns the steering wheel in one direction or the other, the bypass valve opens, which allows oil to pass through and pushes the steering rack shaft with the steering rods attached to it.

Oil pressure and its effect on the shaft makes it easy to turn the wheels both on the spot and while driving. In turn, this reduces the burden on the driver and greatly simplifies and facilitates the process of driving a vehicle, increasing overall safety. It should also be noted that thanks to the power steering, fewer shocks are transmitted to the steering wheel, which also affects comfort.

• Now let's move on to the problems. Although the system is quite reliable in general, owners of cars with a hydraulic booster are faced with the fact that the steering rack is buzzing, the power steering whistles or the power steering is buzzing when turning in one direction or in both directions, etc.

One way or another, this problem requires diagnosis and solution. Otherwise, even minor problems can quickly progress, as a result of which the steering wheel may begin to bite, the force on the steering wheel increases, the steering wheel may turn jerkily, etc. In some cases, such malfunctions cause not only serious breakdowns of the car itself, but also an accident.

As for the reasons why the power steering is buzzing, the following main problems can be distinguished:

• insufficient power steering oil level or the need to replace the working fluid;
• the steering rack is faulty (more precisely, the hydraulic booster itself, integrated into the rack);
• there were malfunctions of the power steering pump, drive belt or lines;

Let's start with the simplest. We are talking about the working fluid and the tightness of the power steering. As you know, during operation, the tightness of units and systems can be violated, and the overall performance and efficiency of a particular unit or unit strongly depends on the condition of the oil. GUR is also no exception.

What kind of oil to fill in the power steering: types of power steering oil, features of the power steering fluid. What to consider when selecting oil in the hydraulic booster.

The hydraulic power steering greatly facilitates the work of the driver, with hydraulics the steering wheel turns easily, even if the car is stationary. But when the power steering pump is buzzing, problems begin: the extraneous noise that has appeared does not bode well, and most likely, repairs will be necessary. The reasons for the resulting hum can be different, and the howl itself is not only constant, but sometimes occurs periodically, under certain conditions, in a different position of the steering wheel. Where does the hum come from, is it possible to eliminate it yourself and do without repair - we will deal with this in this article.

Why the hydraulic booster is noisy, the main reasons

Power steering was installed on cars back in the Soviet Union, at first hydraulics were used on MAZ trucks. The first passenger car in Russia equipped with a hydraulic booster is the executive ZIL-111, which has been produced since 1958. If earlier a worm-type gearbox was installed on passenger cars, then almost all modern cars are equipped with a rack-type steering mechanism, the entire hydraulic system is sealed. In addition to the rack, the steering has:

• metal tubes and rubber hoses through which fluid flows;
• High pressure pump;
• filling tank.

The power steering pump is driven by the engine using a belt, creates a certain pressure, and for each car model it can be different, but on average - from 80 to 150 bar (from 8 to 15 MPa). The pressure reducing valve located in the pump limits the upper pressure threshold, a special liquid is poured into the system, and automatic transmission oil is used on some models of machines.

A hum in the power steering can occur in the following cases:

• liquid flows out, and there is not enough of it in the system;
• steering rack is faulty;
• the system is aired;
• the power steering pump is worn out, it needs to be changed;
• the drive belt is loosely tensioned;
• filled with liquid that does not meet specifications.

Buzz in steering with hydraulics is permissible in the extreme positions of the steering wheel, regardless of which car is VAZ, Audi or BMW. The fact is that when the wheels are turned all the way to the right or left, maximum pressure is created in the hydraulic system, and it is not recommended to keep the steering wheel fully turned for a long time, the pump may burn out.

Power steering makes noise when the car is cold

Often, car owners notice such a phenomenon - the power steering makes noise when the engine is cold when the engine is started, and the lower the temperature, the more noticeable the howl. The buzz can last from 20-30 seconds to 5 minutes, then extraneous sounds disappear. Why this happens, it is impossible to answer unambiguously, each specific case must be considered individually. The most likely reasons for this phenomenon are:

• not too high-quality liquid is poured, thickening in the cold;
• perhaps there is little fluid in the system, you need to check its level;
• it is not the power steering pump that is buzzing, but, for example, the water pump bearing.

In hydraulic boosters, different types of fluids are used, differing in viscosity, so it is necessary to fill in what is recommended by the manufacturer. For example, Dexron VI is recommended for refueling and topping up the Chevrolet Cruze power steering, it is still permissible to use oil for automatic transmissions of the ATF type.

Power steering hums when turning the steering wheel

The power steering can howl when the steering wheel is turned, and when the car is moving straight, the rumble is not heard. The same thing happens if the car is stationary:

• when the steering wheel is stationary, the hydraulic booster works quietly;
• when turning the steering wheel, there is a hum.

There are also several reasons for the occurrence of extraneous sounds:

• there is little liquid (it flows), or it needs to be changed;
• air appeared in the system;
• the pump needs repair or replacement;
• steering gear defective.

When there is very little liquid, or it has completely leaked out, the steering noise disappears, but the steering wheel becomes heavy, clumsy. There are drivers who do not pay attention to the tight steering wheel and continue to drive the car, but this does not end well: the parts of the steering rack begin to wear out intensively, and it has to be changed soon enough.

Is it necessary to repair if the power steering is buzzing

If the hydraulic booster is noisy, and the cause of the malfunction has not yet been identified, you can try to diagnose it yourself. For this you should:

• install the car on a dry, level place;
• start the engine;
• perform an external inspection for fluid leakage;
• remove the power steering filler cap and check the level in it;
• pay attention to the color of the liquid, whether it has darkened;
• turning the steering wheel, make sure that no air bubbles appear in the tank (such diagnostics must be done by two people).

If the fluid is gone, it should be topped up, but first you need to find the cause of the leak, fix the problem.

After topping up, it is imperative to bleed the system, expel air from it, otherwise the howling of the hydraulic booster will continue. It is easy to pump the power steering, but it is also more convenient to do this work together. We proceed as follows:

• one of the participants starts the internal combustion engine, rotates the steering wheel all the way to the right and left several times;
• the other looks to see if there is air in the power steering reservoir, and if the liquid is leaving, topping up if necessary;
• after 5 or 6 times the rotation of the steering wheel, you need to make sure that the hum has stopped, and the system no longer airs;
• if the defect persists, it is worth trying a few more times to perform this procedure.

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to restore the normal operation of the steering, and if the buzz continues, the power steering pump is probably to blame here. Usually this part is changed, and even repaired in car services (repair kits exist), only repairs are far from always justified - what the result will be is unknown. For many car models, the pump is inexpensive, especially if it is non-original. For example, a Ford Focus-1 power steering pump can cost about 60-80 dollars, it is possible that restoring the unit will cost no less.

Any vehicle needs repairs and maintenance from time to time, and the steering also needs to be maintained in good technical condition. In order for the hydraulic booster to work longer, it is necessary to change the fluid in the mechanism in a timely manner, usually the replacement is done once every two years. They also do the same if:

• the liquid has darkened, it contains dirt, various impurities, or there is a smell of burning;
• the car was bought recently, and it is not known what is poured into the power steering reservoir;
• the hydraulic booster hummed, there is an assumption that after the replacement of the fluid, the hum will disappear.

It is not difficult to change the fluid in the hydraulic steering system, we perform the work in the following order (using the Hyundai Getz as an example):

It is not necessary to start the engine while pumping air, and new fluid should be poured in so much that it is at a level between the MIN and MAX marks. Usually, for refueling, taking into account flushing on a Hyundai Getz car, no more than 1 liter of liquid is required, at the end of the operation, we lower the front wheels into place, and after starting the engine, we top up the system, if necessary.