Your steering system should feel predictable and responsive every time you get behind the wheel.
If your steering suddenly feels harder than normal, makes unusual noises, feels loose, or simply doesn't feel right, KG Automotive Solutions can help determine what's causing the problem.
At our shop in Fitzwilliam, NH, we provide steering and power steering inspection, diagnosis, maintenance, and mechanical repair for many cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Whether your vehicle uses traditional hydraulic power steering or an electric power steering system, the first step is understanding what type of system your vehicle has and what's actually causing the symptom.
We serve drivers throughout Fitzwilliam, Rindge, Jaffrey, Troy, Swanzey, Cheshire County, NH, and the Winchendon, MA area.
Signs of a Steering or Power Steering Problem
Steering problems can show up in several different ways.
You may notice:
- Steering that suddenly feels heavy or difficult
- Whining or unusual noises while turning
- Loose or wandering steering
- Steering that feels different in one direction
- Fluid underneath the vehicle
- Low power steering fluid on hydraulic systems
- Steering wheel vibration
- Uneven or unusual tire wear
- A power steering or steering warning light
- Changes in how the vehicle responds while turning
If something about the steering feels different, tell us exactly what you're experiencing.
The symptom can provide valuable information when we're determining where to start.
Hydraulic Power Steering Systems
Traditional hydraulic power steering uses a pump and hydraulic fluid to provide steering assistance.
Depending on the vehicle, the system may include components such as:
- Power steering pump
- Power steering fluid
- Hoses and lines
- Steering rack or steering gear
- Reservoir
- Seals and connections
- Other steering components
Leaks, worn components, contaminated fluid, pump problems, or other failures can affect how the system operates.
If your power steering fluid is low, we don't want to automatically add fluid and assume the problem is solved.
We want to consider why it's low.
Power Steering Fluid Leaks
A low power steering fluid level can indicate a leak somewhere in a hydraulic steering system.
Depending on the vehicle, leaks may develop around hoses, connections, seals, the pump, steering rack, or other components.
If you're repeatedly adding power steering fluid or notice fluid underneath the vehicle, let us know.
Finding the source of the leak is more useful than continually topping off the reservoir.
Power Steering Fluid Service
Some hydraulic power steering systems may benefit from fluid maintenance.
But we don't believe every vehicle automatically needs a power steering “flush” every two years.
Whether fluid service makes sense depends on the vehicle, system, fluid condition, maintenance history, manufacturer information, and other factors.
If power steering fluid service is appropriate for your vehicle, we'll recommend it.
If it isn't necessary, we're not going to sell it to you simply because you've reached a predetermined mileage or age.
Learn more about our Vehicle Fluid Services & Maintenance.
Electric Power Steering
Many newer vehicles use electric power steering, commonly called EPS.
These systems use electric assistance rather than a traditional hydraulic power steering pump.
That means many vehicles with electric power steering don't have conventional power steering fluid to check or replace.
Electric steering systems can still develop problems, but the diagnosis and repair process is different from servicing a hydraulic system.
KG Automotive Solutions can service many conventional mechanical steering components on vehicles equipped with electric power steering.
For faults involving vehicle-specific electronic steering components, programming, or systems outside our capabilities, we'll be upfront about what we can and cannot service.
Steering Problems Aren't Always Power Steering Problems
If your steering doesn't feel right, the power steering system isn't necessarily the cause.
The vehicle's steering and suspension systems work together, and changes in handling can potentially involve components such as:
- Tie rods
- Ball joints
- Steering rack or gear
- Steering linkage
- Wheel bearings
- Control arms
- Suspension components
- Tires
- Alignment-related conditions
- Other steering or chassis components
That's why diagnosing the symptom is more useful than assuming a particular component needs replacement.
Hard or Difficult Steering
If your steering wheel suddenly becomes difficult to turn, don't ignore it.
On a hydraulic system, hard steering could potentially involve low fluid, a leak, pump problems, belt-related issues on applicable vehicles, or another steering-system concern.
On an electric power steering vehicle, the causes can be completely different.
We'll start by identifying the type of system and evaluating what's actually happening.
Steering Noises While Turning
Whining, squealing, clunking, clicking, or other noises while turning can come from several different areas of the vehicle.
The type of noise, when it occurs, and where it appears to come from can all help narrow down the possibilities.
If possible, tell us:
- What the noise sounds like
- Whether it happens while moving or stopped
- Whether it happens turning left, right, or both
- Whether it's worse when the vehicle is cold
- When you first noticed it
You don't need to know what's causing it.
That's our job to help determine.
FREE No Wrench Inspection for Steering Concerns
If something doesn't feel right but you don't know what's wrong, our FREE No Wrench Inspection can be a good place to start.
We'll perform an initial evaluation of the concern without taking anything apart.
Sometimes we'll find an obvious problem.
Other times, additional testing or diagnosis may be necessary.
If further diagnosis is needed, we'll explain the next step before moving forward.
Every Service Visit Includes a Digital Vehicle Inspection
Every service visit at KG Automotive Solutions includes a Digital Vehicle Inspection at no additional charge.
While your vehicle is being serviced, our technicians have an opportunity to evaluate visible conditions involving steering, suspension, tires, leaks, and other accessible components.
If we identify something you should know about, we'll document what we're seeing and communicate it with you.
Some things need attention now.
Some can be planned for later.
And some simply need to be monitored.
We'll help you understand the difference.
Steering Repair Near Rindge, Jaffrey & Winchendon
KG Automotive Solutions is located in Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire, providing steering and power steering repair for drivers throughout the surrounding region.
We serve customers from Fitzwilliam, Rindge, Jaffrey, Troy, Swanzey, and communities throughout Cheshire County, NH, as well as Winchendon, Massachusetts and the surrounding border area.
If your steering feels hard, loose, noisy, inconsistent, or simply different than it used to, bring your vehicle to KG Automotive Solutions.
Schedule Steering & Power Steering Repair
You don't need to know whether the problem is your power steering pump, steering rack, fluid, suspension, or something else before making an appointment.
Tell us what the vehicle is doing.
We'll start with the symptoms, evaluate the system, and help determine the appropriate next step.
Contact KG Automotive Solutions in Fitzwilliam, NH to schedule your steering or power steering service.