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What are signs of power steering fluid leaks?

In Fluids, Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Car leaks, at times, seem to appear out of thin air.

For certain types, a warning light may appear or you might see fluid on the ground near your car.

Some leaks can cause driveability problems and be more difficult to track down. Others might be found unexpectedly by an auto repair shop.

Power steering fluid leaks are one of the kinds you can encounter.

Can I drive with a power steering leak?

You shouldn’t drive if there’s an active power steering fluid leak. When the power steering fluid is too low, that steering wheel can get very tight, making it more difficult to drive.

How do I know if I have a power steering fluid leak?

Power steering fluid leaks can affect a vehicle’s steering capabilities. So, it’s important to address them as soon as possible.

How do you know if there’s a leak?

If the rack and pinion is leaking, drivers might see power steering fluid drops on the ground.

Power steering reservoir.

Power steering reservoir

But leaks aren’t always going to be visible, especially if they’re related to hidden components. Many times, technicians come across this problem when performing other maintenance.

However, certain symptoms may appear.

Low power steering fluid is one sign of a leak. We check the fluids during our courtesy inspections.

Sounds are another possible indicator. You might notice low or high pitched noises as you’re turning. They could also be heard before or when a steering wheel stiffens.

Where does power steering fluid leak?

Power steering fluid leaks aren’t isolated to one component – they can spring up in several spots, including:

  • Bellows boots
  • Power steering coolers
  • Power steering pump
  • Power steering reservoir
  • Power steering lines
  • Rack and pinion

When a power steering leak is present, we may find a damp part (such as a bellows boot) or discover fluid underneath a car.

It’s possible for cracks to develop on return lines and hard lines.

Leaks could also occur at the suction line.

Power steering coolers can leak, too. You might see these on trucks and certain SUVs.

How do you fix power steering fluid leaks?

Our process for resolving a power steering leak depends on its location. 

For example, leaks from the power steering pump would lead to a pump replacement. We don’t reseal the pump anymore. 

Hard lines that are leaking power steering fluid would be replaced, rather than repaired.

If the leak is coming from one of the rubber lines – the return lines – you don’t reclamp it, you do the whole thing. 

The end seals on power steering racks like to leak, at times. These are no longer resealed. Instead, the whole rack is replaced.

How do I maintain my power steering system?

Power steering fluid exchange on a Toyota Tacoma.

Power steering fluid exchange on a Toyota Tacoma

Regular maintenance will help you get the most out of your power steering system.

Power steering fluid exchanges remove contaminants and prevent parts from wearing out prematurely.

When you take care of this system, you can keep it running as it was designed and avoid unnecessary repairs.

What type of power steering fluid should I use?

To prevent possible damage to components, it’s important that the steering system is operating off of the correct type of power steering fluid.

Some cars require a certain kind of fluid. For example, European power steering fluid is needed on European vehicles.

So, if the steering system is due for maintenance or a repair, check with the shop to see what kind of fluid they use.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Dumfries, 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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Drive belts and the Virginia Safety Inspection

In Inspection, Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

A lot of vehicles we’ve worked on have come in with a variety of belt problems.

Some were due for belt replacement. For others, the issue involved nearby components.

Drive belts help engine accessories operate correctly. They are looked over during the Virginia Safety Inspection.

What belt problems will fail the Virginia Safety Inspection?

Whenever we check under the hood, our goal is to make sure everything is in safe condition.

Certain issues can lead to a vehicle failing the Virginia State Inspection.

Our technicians want to confirm that nothing is wrong with any serpentine belts that wrap around the power steering pump.

These problems include belt wear, if the belts are missing, or if the belts don’t have the right amount of tension.

What bad drive belt symptoms do we look for?

Worn drive belt tensioner.

Worn drive belt tensioner

Worn drive belts are one of the items inspectors are watchful of.

We also check for problems with the drive belt tensioner and idler pulleys.

A customer asked us to look over their Toyota Venza before they went on a trip.

When he looked under the hood, our automotive technician noticed the drive belt was slowly coming off of the tensioner. This occurred because the drive belt tensioner had worn out and was no longer aligned. 

It was recommended that the belt and tensioner be replaced.

For a Chevrolet Silverado, a new belt tensioner and idler pulley were needed. The idler pulley bolt was loose, allowing the pulley to wobble.

How do I know if I have a worn drive belt?

Worn drive belts will cause a squeaking sound, but they normally need to be influenced to make noise. The majority of your belt problems come from an underlying cause. 

Idler pulley and belt tensioner replacement on Chevrolet Silverado.

Idler pulley and belt tensioner replacement on Chevrolet Silverado

You have two different types of tensioners – spring loaded tensioners and mechanical tensioners.

Mechanical ones can be adjusted. Spring loaded cannot. Once the spring becomes weak, the tension goes over time and wears out the belt prematurely. 

The adjustable ones will sometimes make a noise during colder times of the year. This sound may go away as it warms up. You can adjust the tensioner to quiet the belt down, but the noise usually comes back.

A worn serpentine belt may be found when your vehicle is being inspected.

Belt replacement is recommended under a variety of conditions – if a belt is discolored, if there are a certain number of cracks within an inch, and even if the grooves form into a specific shape.

We also make sure the vehicle doesn’t have any fraying belts, and that fluids aren’t dripping on them.

The car’s mileage and recommendations from the manufacturer are considered, too. Where the vehicle is driven, the car’s purpose, and the belt quality play a part in the belt’s lifespan.

What can cause drive belts to go bad?

Belt problems can develop over time. 

Cracks and other wear stem from daily use. Heat and friction could lead to oxidation, causing belts to become discolored.

Issues with other parts, such as the tensioners or idler pulleys may impact belts, as well. Worn out tensioners, for example, might result in a loose belt.

Oil leaks and coolant leaks are other possible culprits. These fluids can get on the belts and cause them to slip.

Something as simple as having your drive belts checked regularly can keep you informed on how they are holding up.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Manassas, 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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How do winter storms impact your car?

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Winter weather can be hit or miss here in Northern Virginia. Sometimes, the colder months are mild. Other years, we’re hit by winter storms.

When inclement weather is heading our way, we typically make preparations in case of a power outage, watch for school or work closures, and focus on shoveling ourselves out.

What happens afterward often gets pushed to the wayside. One item that tends to be overlooked is how our vehicles will be impacted.

What car problems can winter cause?

Many issues stem from the colder months and any precipitation they bring.

Bad wheel alignment

Snow on Toyota RAV4 tire.Winter weather can lead to potholes developing. Your wheel alignment can be thrown off by potholes, icy roads and other conditions.

Signs of a bad tire alignment include an uncentered steering wheel, your car pulling one way, and tires wearing unevenly.

Blocked ADAS cameras

The salt and sand that’s put down before a snow storm and the dirt from the roads may block the lane assist cameras.

Corrosion

All of that salt and sand can also result in rust building up over time. This corrosion could affect the steering and suspension systems, brake hardware and exhaust parts. 

Items made out of rubber are more likely to break and boots can dry out.

Electronic failure

If your car has any cheap or weak electrical items, the winter temperatures might finish them off.

Leaks at seals

The cold can put more pressure on seals, causing leaks to crop up.

Vibration

A lot of drivers come in the day after a snow storm with a vibration that’s coming from the front of their vehicle. This occurs when snow and ice is packed into the wheels, acting like a big wheel weight.

FJ Cruiser windshield crack.

FJ Cruiser windshield crack

Windshield problems

Winter can take its toll on windshield wipers and the windshield wiper motor. These components are put to work if you’re traveling in any winter storms. As a result, the wipers might wear out and the motor may go bad.

Putting your windshield wiper blades up before snow storms can prevent them from getting stuck to the windshield and torn up.

Sometimes, existing problems worsen with the lower temperatures or inclement weather.

The owner of an FJ Cruiser had a star crack on his windshield that expanded due to the cold. He noticed that it grew worse as he was defrosting his ice-covered windshield.

This is why it’s a good idea to repair windshield cracks early on.

How can I take care of my car after winter storms?

Some winter-related problems are noticed soon after a storm hits. Other issues will appear over time.

We have a few recommendations for when the weather settles down.

First of all, wash your car. Get that salt and sand off of it. And see if you can wash the undercarriage.

It’s also important to make sure you have the appropriate windshield washer fluid. Some of it has a certain temperature threshold. Sometimes you need – 20 or – 30 washer fluid, even if it’s only getting down to 0 or – 10, because no one takes the wind chill into account.

If you experience any symptoms of a bad wheel alignment or it’s been a while since this service has been performed, you should have someone check the specifications.

Panels that help shield components can be found on certain vehicles. If your car has these, make sure that they’re taken care of.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Lake Ridge, 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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Is it time to replace my car’s ball joints?

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Within a car’s suspension, you will find a number of components working together.

Ball joints are one of the players that serve on this team.

What are ball joints?

A ball joint is a ball and socket joint that’s generally attached to a control arm and/or a knuckle to support the main load of a vehicle.

How do I know when I have a bad ball joint?

Eventually, ball joints might need to be swapped out with new ones.

Lower ball joint replacement.

Lower ball joint replacement

Sometimes, ball joint problems are found at the shop. When you bring your vehicle in for maintenance, the technician may notice that a ball joint has “play”. If they do move, it can cause a vehicle to fail the Virginia State Inspection.

It’s also possible that you notice signs yourself. These parts might make noise. For example, dried out ball joints may lead to squeaking. Knocking is another sound that could be heard.

Drivability issues can crop up, too. A poor alignment and symptoms associated with a bad wheel alignment, such as pulling and the steering wheel becoming crooked, are possible results of a bad ball joint.

When these components are moving or have become dried out, it’s time to replace them.

How long do ball joints last?

The lifespan of ball joints varies among vehicles. When properly maintained, we’ve seen them last as long as 100,000 or 200,000 miles. It really comes down to driving style.

What causes a ball joint to go bad?

Ball joints wear out from daily use. Extreme driving and lack of maintenance can speed up this process.

How can I extend the lifespan of ball joints?

You used to be able to service ball joints. Older vehicles came with fittings that you could grease. That’s why a lot of older people will say, “Just change the oil and grease the front end.” What they mean is you pump grease through that zerk fitting and maintain it.

For most vehicles, new ball joints don’t come with zerk fittings. So, when you go to replace them, it’s a good idea to upgrade them and buy the ones with the grease fittings. That way, you can take care of them. 

Bear in mind that a lot of places don’t do this as part of their service anymore. It used to be lube, oil and filter for an oil change. Now, it’s just oil and filter, and the lube part gets forgotten on a lot of cars. So, it’s important to know if your vehicle has steering and suspension components that need to be lubricated. Also, make sure the auto repair you’re planning to go to offers this service before bringing your car in.

What should I do if I have a ball joint problem?

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of a bad ball joint, get in touch with a nearby autoshop so they can look into the problem.

Choosing not to replace ball joints could lead to handling problems. You may or may not hear clunking noises when turning or driving over bumps. 

The worst problem that could happen is that the ball joint could separate out of the base. This can cause the wheel to flop over and you to lose control. That’s why ball joints are a part of the state safety program.

This is also where it boils down to the quality of components. With the role ball joints play, do you really want to use cheap parts?

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Dale City, 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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Sludge buildup: symptoms and prevention tips

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Many of us have heard about the importance of changing your oil on a regular basis.

This form of maintenance helps prevent engine damage and takes care of parts that run off oil pressure.

Another benefit? Oil changes prevent sludge from accumulating on items and blocking channels.

Where can you find sludge?

Sludge is old oil that typically collects in cooler areas of the engine.

Some common places it may be found are the valve train and valve cover, where oil can sit up and cool.

We also see it in the oil pan from extended oil changes. 

Sometimes, oil coagulates around the oil control ring, causing it to seize up in its channel in the piston. This will keep oil in the combustion chamber and lead to oil consumption problems.

The variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid has screens on it that sludge can get in. We might discover it in the oil lines for the turbos, too.

Sludge buildup symptoms

Sludge on Honda Accord dipstick.

Sludge on Honda Accord dipstick

You might notice that the oil appears thick when checking your oil.

Sometimes, an automotive technician will notice sludge as they look over a vehicle. We saw it on a Honda Accord’s dipstick and oil cap.

Sludge buildup indicators can also present themselves. These signs include:

  • Check engine light
  • Engine performance issues
  • Camshaft actuator codes
  • Problems with the timing chain tensioners
  • Oil pressure light

Oil consumption and oil pressure problems are the main concerns drivers might run into. In the case of oil consumption, you may be putting in a quart or more of oil every 1,000 miles to maintain the oil level. This is unhealthy for the engine.

If you have a lot of sludge, it could start clogging up the oil pump and result in an oil pressure issue. Problems with the oil pressure or oil level can trigger the oil pressure light.

Camshaft actuator codes might appear, as well. One example is the P0010 “A” Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit code. 

That’s a common one where the actuator is trying to advance the timing. If it gets low in oil, it will try to advance timing to keep up with the demands of your right foot input. It will start setting check engine lights because it’s gone beyond what its parameters allow.

How to keep sludge from collecting

Oil change on Acura ILX.

Oil change on Acura ILX

We mentioned regular oil changes as one way to avoid sludge buildup. It’s a good idea to have them performed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. When you bring your vehicle in for an oil change, make sure the shop uses high quality oil. 

Another option is adding BG MOA, a supplement that gives engines extra protection.

Sludge buildup is more likely to occur on certain cars. For these vehicles, we suggest Dynamic Engine Restoration Service.

When performing Dynamic Engine Restoration Service, our technicians add engine cleaner and run the vehicle for certain lengths of time.

They also make sure the oil pressure doesn’t decrease, which might indicate that the oil pump suction line strainer is clogged.

When it comes to engine oil, good car maintenance is a must. Make sure to keep track of when another oil change is needed and see if your mechanic has any recommendations for your specific vehicle.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Dumfries, 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.