Car Power Steering Belt Replacement in Dubai

Power steering belt, being a component of your car's steering, is one of the most important parts that enable your car to run smoothly and easily. It actually performs the role of transferring torque from the motor to the steering gear to assist driving. But like any other mechanical part, the power steering belt also wears out over time, and if not checked, this may lead to disastrous consequences. Your power steering may randomly go out one day, and the mechanic will quote you thousands of dollars to replace the whole rack and pinion.

A power steering belt replacement in Dubai is a service that may be crucial for your vehicle. In this article, we will discuss why the power steering belt needs to be replaced in its own time, its symptoms, causes, replacement procedure, and precautions for keeping it in good shape.

Symptoms of Failing Power Steering Belt

• Squealing or Screeching Noise: A squealing or screeching sound when turning the steering wheel means the belt is loose or slipping.
• Heavy or Hard Steering: An indication that the power steering belt is low when your steering requires extra effort to turn.
• Visible Damage or Cracks: Simple-to-see damage or cracks through visual examination of the belt for cracking, fraying, or overall wear and tear.
• Unusual Sounds from Engine Bay: Unusual sounds from the engine bay are signs of power steering belt wear and tear or otherwise.
• Dashboard Warning Light: Your car's onboard computer will light up a dashboard warning light whenever the power steering is in trouble.

Causes of Power Steering Belt Wear and Tear

• Regular Wear and Tear: Regular wear and tear on the power steering belt will be caused by use, friction, and heat. These will, over time, lower the belt's elasticity and strength, and the belt will tend to fail.
• Low Tension and Over-Tension: Overly low belt tension will produce belt slippage or squealing and misaligned wear. A too-tight belt will also impose excess stress on pulleys and the power steering pump as well as produce other mechanical issues.
• Overheat: Excessive heat will produce early wear on the belt. The source of heat can be from the engine or due to friction because of incorrect alignment or installation of the belt.
• Fluid Contamination: Exposure to oil, coolant, or any fluid leads to slipping, glazing, or wear on the belt. The contaminants degrade the material of the belt, and this causes loss of grip and overall efficiency.
• Low-Quality Parts: Premature failure will be the consequence of a low-quality power steering belt. Use of substandard materials can result in belts that are not durable enough to handle the demands of daily driving and, therefore, will have to be replaced constantly.

Power Steering Belt Replacement Process

Before proceeding with the power steering belt replacement in Dubai, it's crucial to diagnose the issue accurately. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you identify the problem and then remove your power steering belt:

Diagnostics

• Visual Inspection: First, you have to decide what component is the cause of the problem. For example, the belt may slow down and squeak whenever the wheel is turned. Our technicians will have to figure out if it is just the belt needing to be replaced, if the pulley is bad, or if it is the pump. Only after they have pinned the problem will they inspect the belt itself for apparent damage, i.e., fraying, cracking, or glazing, on the belt. 
• Tension Check: Our mechanics will tighten the belt. Low tension or over-tension will cause premature wear.
• Pump Operation Check: Then follows the check. Our specialists will test the power steering pump with the engine running to understand if the pump is in good condition.

Removing the Old Belt

Power steering belts are different and require different tooling. Some require special tools to release the belt, some have manual tensioners, some are difficult to access, and some are really straightforward. It all depends on the car and engine. In general, the removal procedure will look this way:

• Relax Tensioner: A mechanic has to loosen the tensioner pulley with a wrench to release tension from the belt.
• Remove the Belt: Then the belt is removed from the pulleys gradually so that it does not scratch or get dirty.
• Clean Installation Site for New Belt: The technician will clean the installation site of the new belt, remove dirt, dust, or debris of the old belt.

Installing the New Belt 

• Select a Good Belt: A good power steering belt of the right size appropriate for your vehicle has to be purchased.
• Install New Belt: Put the new belt on the pulleys in the correct position and tension. The pulleys need to be aligned properly so that the belt doesn't slip off.
• Test the System: Take the car for a drive and turn the steering wheel to test whether the power steering system is working well.

How to Extend the Life of a Power Steering Belt?

• Regular Checkup: Check the power steering belt for wear and tear on a regular basis.
• Good Quality Lubricants: Use good quality lubricants so that the belt and other components are in good shape.
• Fluid Checkup: Monitor the power steering fluid level periodically so that the system is properly lubricated.
• Severe Driving Conditions: Never subject it to severe driving conditions such as temperature and heavy load so that the belt will last longer.

Book Your Power Steering Belt Replacement in Dubai Today

Don't let a small problem become a big one. If you do happen to notice some of the above symptoms, or it's been quite a while since your power steering belt has been checked, don't hesitate to book an appointment with our expert technicians. Convenience, state-of-the-art tools, and fast turnaround have made us Dubai's go-to power steering belt replacement facility. And, as you might expect, it's simple to book an appointment with us – just stop by online!