ASE A4 Suspension and SteeringSteering System Diagnosis and RepairMedium
A customer reports that their vehicle's steering feels 'heavy' and requires significantly more effort to turn, especially at low speeds. The power steering fluid level is correct and appears clean. A visual inspection reveals a collapsed power steering pressure hose. What is the MOST likely impact of this collapsed hose on the steering system?
- AIncreased fluid pressure from the power steering pump to the steering gear.
- BIncreased fluid flow to the power steering pump.
- CReduced fluid pressure from the power steering pump to the steering gear.
- DReduced fluid flow to the power steering pump.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Reduced fluid pressure from the power steering pump to the steering gear.
A collapsed power steering pressure hose restricts the flow of high-pressure fluid from the pump to the steering gear. This restriction directly reduces the effective pressure available to assist steering, leading to a heavy steering feel.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A restriction in the pressure line would decrease the pressure reaching the gear, not increase it (though pressure *before* the restriction might increase briefly).
- B. A collapsed hose would decrease flow, not increase it.
- D. The pressure hose carries fluid FROM the pump TO the gear, not to the pump.
Collapsed Power Steering Pressure Hose
A power steering pressure hose that has internally collapsed or kinked, restricting the flow of high-pressure fluid from the pump to the steering gear, leading to reduced power assist.
- Causes heavy steering, especially at low speeds.
- Reduces the effective hydraulic pressure at the steering gear.
- Requires replacement of the hose.
Memory trick: Collapsed hose means less pressure for the steer.