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Is my power steering pump going bad?

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Updated September 25, 2026.

A lot of vehicles on the road today are designed to operate smoothly.

When there’s something wrong with a part or system, it can be distracting, frustrating or worrisome.

The power steering system is one place where problems could crop up.

What does the power steering pump do?

The power steering pumps on Toyotas can produce a few thousand pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure, depending on the required load. 

The pump pushes the fluid through the hoses to the power steering rack and pinion, which is connected to the steering knuckles that move the steering wheel left or right.

How will you know if your power steering pump is bad?

As with any part on a vehicle, over time power steering system components can leak.

Some signs of power steering fluid leaks include low fluid and certain sounds when driving.

The first thing you may notice when you have a bad power steering pump is stiffness in the steering wheel and/or a whining noise. Any pump that runs dry will make a groaning or whining noise.

If you start to hear a whining noise while you’re turning, you should check your power steering fluids. This could mean that there’s a leak in your hoses, rack or pump.

If the system runs out of fluid or the power steering pump stops working, it can be hard to turn the steering wheel.

A lot of newer cars have electric power steering and the system is going to send a warning signal if there’s a problem.

Can I still drive if my power steering pump goes out?

You should not drive a vehicle if the power steering isn’t working. 

Yes, the car will technically drive if you have a bad power steering pump. However, you will have a hard time turning.

If the power steering system is low on fluid, you do run the risk of ruining the power steering pump.

Is a power steering pump easy to replace?

We can’t say beyond a reasonable doubt that we can call replacing a power steering pump “easy”.

It depends on where the manufacturer put the pump. If the power steering pump is right on top, then it would just be a matter of taking the belt off (if it’s belt driven), unbolting the pump from the engine, and then replacing the unit. Power steering pumps look similar to alternators, so that’s the weight you’re looking at.

Sometimes, pumps are tucked way back and you have to take a lot of stuff apart to get to them. 

Once the power steering pump has been replaced, there are follow up steps, such as making sure all of the air is out of the system.

How do I maintain my power steering system?

Power steering fluid exchange in Woodbridge Virginia.

Power steering fluid exchange in Woodbridge Virginia

Doing proper maintenance on your power steering system, such as changing the fluid every 30,000 miles, will help prolong the lifespan of the components and can reduce the cost of replacing power steering parts.

With today’s vehicles being as high-tech as they are, you must use the correct type of power steering fluid. Otherwise, you could do damage to the system.

One of the things that Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire does during an oil change is look over systems like these to let you know about any existing problems.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics. 

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Reliable Goodyear tires for various makes and models

In Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

What you use your vehicle for and your daily mileage are a couple factors you should keep in mind when shopping for new tires.

Here are some reliable Goodyear tires that are good for various makes and models.

If you have any questions about these tires or others that we offer at Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire, feel free to give us a call (703) 670-8005.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics. 

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Evaporative charcoal canister problems on Nissan Pathfinders

In Diagnostics by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Recently, a customer called and made an appointment for check engine light diagnostics when the check engine light of their Nissan Pathfinder turned on.

They also expressed concerns about how gas pumps would click off while they were pumping gas.

After we hooked up the computer to the car, a few codes appeared — one of them was related to the canister vent solenoid.

The evaporative system on today’s cars collect the gas fumes and then the computer will control the release of the fumes into the engine. They will be burned while driving, preventing them from going into the air and harming the environment. There are electronic systems on here that can fail over time.

Replacing the canister vent solenoid and evaporative charcoal canister

The canister vent solenoid failing is a common issue found in Nissans. When it isn’t working properly, it won’t open as it should. So, when you get gas, it doesn’t allow the air to escape while you’re filling up. This will extend the time you spend at the gas station.

To do the testing, you have to remove the fender well on the left rear of the vehicle to verify that the solenoids aren’t working. Since this is a place that gets a lot of water, other metal components, including brackets and wiring, rust. We have found that it’s better to replace the evaporative charcoal canister with the solenoids.

After clearing the codes, we go for a test drive, reset the monitors to make sure the vehicle is fixed, and everyone is happy.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Dashboard lights: What do they mean?

In Battery, Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

When you first turn the key to your vehicle, a lot of the times you will see dashboard lights turn on as it does a system check.

But when they stay on, the various icons can indicate that there’s a problem.

Types of dashboard lights

Here is more information about what the lights mean:

Check engine light.

Check engine light Woodbride, Virginia

Check Engine Light

The Check Engine Light can come on for many reasons. When it blinks, there is a more immediate concern with an engine problem that could cause catalytic converter damage. When it’s blinking, in this condition, you should not wait to go to your auto repair shop.

If the check engine light comes on and stays on, the reason could range from a loose gas cap to an internal engine problem. It’s just an indicator that something is going on with a car or truck and should be looked at soon.

 

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.

ABS light Woodbride, Virginia

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light

Your Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light that is yellow indicates that there’s an issue with the anti-lock brake system, which prevents your brakes from locking up in an emergency to help you maintain steering control.

 

 

Brake Warning Light.

Brake warning light Woodbridge, Virginia

Brake Warning Light

This light is red, which would warn you of a hydraulic brake failure. If this light comes on, you shouldn’t drive your vehicle because you could lose hydraulic pressure and may not be able to stop your car.

 

 

 

Oil Pressure Alert Light.

Oil pressure light Woodbridge, Virginia

Oil Pressure Alert Light

A vehicle’s Oil Pressure Alert Light means that the engine oil pressure is decreasing. You should stop as soon as it’s safe to do so and check your engine oil.

Before bringing your vehicle to an auto repair shop, make sure that your oil level is correct.

 

Battery Alert Light.

Battery light Woodbride, Virginia

Battery Alert Light

The Battery Alert Light indicates that your vehicle’s battery is short on power. There could be a problem with the battery or it might be charging accurately.

When this icon appears, it could mean you have a bad battery, a bad alternator, an electrical issue or a broken wire.

You should bring it to an auto repair shop to have it checked out.

 

Tire Pressure Monitoring Light.

Tire pressure light Woodbridge, Virginia

Tire Pressure Monitoring Light

When a Tire Pressure Monitoring Light turns on, it’s saying that one of your tires is too low. It may mean that there’s a problem with the tire pressure or tire sensor.

If the light stays solid, it means that there’s a tire pressure issue. If it blinks for a minute before going solid, it’s a sensor or module problem.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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What you should do if you have a flat tire

In Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

You’re on your way home after a long day when you hear an odd noise coming from your car.

Once you get to a safe spot, you pull over, get out of the car and find … a flat tire.

So, what do you do?

Drivers who are on the interstate and can’t get far enough off the road, should call a tow truck. It isn’t worth changing the tire between your car and the highway. Another option is to change the tire yourself.

Steps for changing a flat tire

Drivers should avoid using fix-a-flat, because it can compromise the tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors located in the wheel. If fix-a-flat is used, let the repair shop know, because it’s hazardous and can be harmful to the automotive technician.

If you’re in a safe location and decide changing your tire is the best option, start by setting up safety equipment, such as safety triangles. Make sure the wheels and parking brake are secure and that your spare tire jack is working.

After you get the car jacked up, you need to take the lug nuts off. Once the flat tire is removed, you should put the spare on and tighten the lug nuts.

How to avoid getting stranded

Doing some routine checks can help prevent you from getting stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire.

Each week, check your jack and make sure your spare tire is inflated.

Don’t ignore your TPMS light if it goes on. Tire pressure on vehicles that don’t have a TPMS system should be checked regularly.

You can’t always tell by the naked eye. Some tires may look softer if you turn your wheel a certain way.

Keep in mind that not all flat tires are repairable, especially those with punctures on the inner or outer shoulder or sidewall.

Some injuries in the center third of the tire can be fixed, depending on the angle and diameter. But if a hatchet runs through your tire, we’re not going to be able to repair it.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.