For most of us living in the Hartford area, it is hard to remember life without power steering - cranking those great big steering wheels? It was a pretty good workout. Now power steering is standard. The heart of any power steering system is its pump. The pump pressurizes the power steering fluid that provides assist for steering. Most pumps are driven by a belt that is run by the engine - a few are electrically powered. A high-pressure hose passes fluid from the pump to the steering gear. A low pressure hose returns the fluid back to the pump.
These hoses can develop leaks, so it is a good idea to inspect them at every oil change. Low fluid can damage the power steering pump. That is why fluid level is on the checklist for a full-service oil change. The fluid needs to be compatible with the hoses and seals, so check your owners' manual for the right type - or just ask your service technician at Economy Transmission and Auto Repair.
The fluid cleans, cools and lubricates the power steering system. It breaks down as the years go by and collects unwanted moisture, so it needs to be replaced from time to time. Many manufacturers specify power steering service intervals. Unfortunately, this important service is sometimes left off the maintenance schedule for many of us in Hartford. So, when in doubt, every 25,000 miles/40,000 km or two years is a good fallback. Your Economy Transmission and Auto Repair service center in Hartford will use a detergent to clean the system, flush out the old fluid and replace it with the good stuff.
Here are some warning signs of trouble with your power steering: It's harder to turn the wheel, there's erratic power assist, you hear loud whining coming from the pump (which may be difficult to hear over the loud whining coming from the backseat), you have to top-off the fluid frequently, or you hear squealing belts. Remember to never hold the steering wheel to the far right or left for more than a few seconds at a time. That will wear out your power steering pump real fast.
Other steering components can be bent or damaged from wear or hard knocks. Ball-joint, idler-arm, steering-gear, steering-knuckle and tie rod to name a few. Warning signs here are steering play, wandering, uneven tire wear, and off-center steering wheel. An annual alignment check at Economy Transmission and Auto Repair will reveal bent or damaged steering components.
Most SUV's, pick-ups and rear-wheel-drive cars need regular front-wheel-bearing service.
The bearings should be cleaned and inspected. If they are excessively worn, they need to be replaced. The bearings are then repacked in clean grease. It's also recommend the wheel-seal be replaced when the bearings are serviced. Like everything else, check your owners' manual maintenance schedule. It's usually required around every two years or 40,000 miles/64,000 km. If you drive through water in the Hartford area, the bearings will need service more often.
I have brought my car here so many times I've lost count and will continue to bring my car here every time I need a repair. These guys are good at what they do and they stay honest & fair while doing it. I've never felt misled or ripped off after driving away.
Tabitha N.
This is the only mechanic in Bristol that I trust. My car randomly leaked out every drop of coolant overnight. I brought it down to the shop this morning and within a couple hours they had it up on a lift and diagnosed. I had no appointment, and they were busy when I dropped it off. The repair will be done as soon as the part gets in which will be the next day. They're a really reliable shop that won't lie to you, they're timely, and the prices are probably the best around for a professional shop. I won't go back to a dealership ever again for a repair.
Tina
Mike and his staff are AMAZING and HONEST!!!. I brought my car there for transmission issues. Mike did his best to troubleshoot/identify if the issue was a sensor and from having to avoid purchasing a used transmission. After determining it was not a sensor and indeed needing a transmission, Mike quoted me 2600 on a used transmission. A local shop and previously quoted 6k on a used transmission and did not go to the length that Mike did to research the root cause beforehand. If you want a honest person, this is the place to go!!!
Madeline
Hade another garage try to replace my starter and broke both bolts off in the transmission and told me he couldn't fix it and the only way would be to replace the transmission. I had my truck towed to economy and the were able to extract the bolts and replace the starter I will recommend this place to everyone
Ryan M.
My first experience was very pleasant working with them. They didn't over charge like most garages, fixed what I asked without saying other things needed to also be fixed. They double checked to see if I wanted my old parts. Communication was great and Nicole did a wonderful job taking calls and working with me. My SUV feels great! I really appreciate you guys. I will be recommending you to everyone I know!