Power steering loss - 1997 Lexus ES 300

Causes of Power Steering to fail.

• Contamination problems occur more frequently in rack and pinion power steering systems. Contamination can occur when pumps fail, hoses deteriorate, or moisture gets into the power steering fluid. All of these problems result in material contaminating the power steering fluid which can plug small orifices in the steering system, increase friction, and interfere with the fluids hydraulic characteristics, resulting in a failure of the power steering system.

Low fluid

• Low power steering fluid levels reduce the amount of hydraulic pressure created by the power steering pump, resulting in hard steering. Low fluid levels also cause increased wear of the power steering pump from inadequate lubrication and high fluid temperatures which further accelerates pump wear. Low power steering fluid can cause a power steering pump to wear out prematurely and can result in the eventual failure of the power steering system if not corrected.

Snapped belt

• Many vehicles use power steering pumps which are driven by a belt connected to the crankshaft of the engine. Worn belts can slip causing a reduction in the fluid pressure produced by the power steering pump, which increases the effort needed to operate the steering system. Power steering belts that catastrophically cause an immediate loss of power steering as the pump is no longer being driven by the engine.

Worn pump

• As power steering pumps are operated and age they wear out. The seals and internal parts of the power steering pump break down over time and lead to an incremental loss of fluid pressure. As the pump wears out, pump noise and steering effort increases. Worn out pumps will eventually fail, leading to a total loss of fluid pressure and a failure of the power steering system.

Leaks

• Power steering systems require hydraulic fluid to operate. Hydraulic power steering fluid can leak from worn or damaged hoses and failing seals. When enough fluid is lost, the power steering pump can overheat or wear out prematurely, resulting in a loss of hydraulic pressure and failure of the power steering system.

Loss of fluid or low fluid level/power steering unit failure slipping or broken belt no vehicle given?Broken hoses for power steering reservoir and unit failed pressure sensor this is a very vague question with no year make model of the vehicle

is the drive belt of the power steering pump intact, if the loss of assistance was immediate and the fluid level is okay it is almost certain you have lost the belt , or the tension in it has drastically dropped

Check battery connections and charging system.

Is this as simple as the auxiliary belt broken? Is there a loss of fluid from the steering rack? (check both the hydraulic fluid and the belt) If there is fluid loss you should see evidence

I think you may have a problem with your electric assisted power steering motor. Is the loss in power only when your are making sharp turns to the right or left?
Do you hear any load noises or squeling sounds?
You should have it inspected, Don't want you to lose control while driving.

look at your belt tensioner, or belts for powersteering may control brakes as well look for looseness

It sounds to me like the serpetine belt broke, DO NOT continue to drive it. The water pump (for engine cooling), the power steering pump, and the alternator (electrical system) are no longer operating. Have it towed to a shop or have someone put a new belt on it.

have you checked under the hood ? to check if the drivebelt/s for power steering pump is there and if your engine is diesel the power servo pump may be same belt ? hence loss of both these functions? as you say going thro puddles?? deep ? could have caused belt to come off it will be obvious to see if belt is not there ? hope this helps

some power steering system is computer control. if you disconnect battery the control module have to be program.the control module uses vechicle speed sensor and steering wheel rotation sensor.to operate an actuator in the power steering pump to control pump pressure and steering assistance.