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
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
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.
