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Do you have a power steering fluid leak?Generally a power steering fluid leak can be identified easily. You will either a visible fluid spill under your vehicle or hear a squealing sound when turning your steering wheel whilst driving. Power steering fluid is a generally a reddish brown so should be easily distinguished from either coolant or engine oil. You should check your power steering fluid level to see how much oil, if any, has been lost as this will determine how serious the problem is. Finding the power steering leakIn order to locate the power steering leak you will need to examine the power steering pump and the area around it for physical signs of the leak. The leak will be from one of 3 places. The leak could be from a loose connection on a hose which carries the fluid from the power steering pump to the steering rack. Another area to examine is the power steering pump itself – look at the area where the pump shaft exits the main body of the pump. The last place to check is along the steering rack, this is the most common area to find a leak. Fixing the leak : when to use a power steering stop leakIf the leak is from a loose hose connection you can easily tighten the connection. Fill the power steering fluid reservoir and monitor the level over time to see if the leak has been rectified. If the leak appears to be from a point on the steering rack this is most likely due to a perished seal or gasket which is allowing power steering fluid to pass. This is common both in older vehicles or vehicles which have not been driven regularly. A solution here is to use a power steering stop leak like OIL-FIX. Once added to the existing fluid it will rejuvenate any perished seals or gaskets and restore them to their original shape and size. This will happen over a period of time whilst driving, usually within 200 miles. If you are unable to identify where the leak is coming from and the power steering fluid leak is relatively small it is worth using a power steering stop leak to see if this will fix the leak. However if it does not remedy the leak you should bring your vehicle to a reliable mechanic. OIL-FIX will rejuvenate seals and gaskets and can be used as first stop remedy for leaking gear boxes, power steering or engines.
If you are experiencing a power steering fluid leak, it is important to determine the cause and take the appropriate steps to fix it. There are several potential causes of a power steering fluid leak, from a faulty hose to a worn-out seal. By the end of this article, you will understand:
Let’s get started! The first rule of safety is prevention. Finding the problem before it can get worse is the most important thing. Fortunately, the symptoms of a power steering leak are easy to spot. If you notice any of the following, it is likely that your vehicle has a power steering fluid leak. Fluid On The Garage Floor or DrivewayWhen you see pinkish or reddish droplets of fluid below your engine, it means your power steering fluid is leaking. You will notice this when the car is parked for a while, especially the first time you move it every day. So, make sure to look under your car once in a while to make sure you spot a leak early and get it fixed before it becomes a serious problem (more on that later). Ignition NoiseAnother way to identify leakages of power steering fluid is the sound from the ignition. If you hear a squealing sound from the steering pump when you turn your car on, there is a power steering fluid leak. The squealing sound may be accompanied by a dashboard warning light, similar to the one below: Grinding Or Whining NoiseAll cars are designed to provide maximum comfort with zero noise from the vehicle’s components. If you start hearing noises from the steering system while turning left or right, that’s an indication of fluid leaks. The grinding and whining sound occurs due to friction. Power steering fluid lubricates the steering wheel, making it easier to turn. If it is leaking out, you will hear the noise. Stiffness Of The Steering WheelAnother symptom of steering wheel fluid leakage is the stiffness of the wheels. Power steering fluid makes it easy to make a U-turn or turn a corner. Any stiffness or delay in this response can be a frustrating experience, and is usually a sign of a leak. What’s more, stiffness in the wheels can be risky and dangerous, especially when you need to make a sudden turn. If you notice any of the above, you need to visit a qualified mechanic to get the problem fixed as soon as possible. We have highlighted some of the common symptoms of steering wheel fluid leakage above. Now it’s time to answer the question “why is my power steering fluid leaking?”. Well, the answer could be any of the following: Leaking Power Steering PumpThe power steering pump is an important component in the steering wheel. It is responsible for transferring fluid into the rack and pinion suspension system. The rack and pinion are responsible for the movement of the car wheels. It also helps control the pressure to ensure the steering wheel moves easily without much force. When the seal of the pump that covers the pump shaft is worn-out, it makes the power steering fluid leak. Also, the pump itself can accidentally break its casing if the joint gasket is too loose or old. Over time, the fluid can leak from there. How to FixTo fix leakages due to the steering wheel pump, you have to replace it with a new one. The safest way to do this is to book an appointment at a local garage. Leaking Power Steering HosesIf you want to check for steering fluid leaks, the power steering hose is the first place to look. There are two hoses, the pressure and return hose. The pressure hose links the steering box to the steering pump, while the return hose links the gearbox to the reservoir. The hose can crack due to a worn or loose seal. And this can lead to a disconnection between the steering component and the hose, allowing fluids to leak out. How to FixYou can fix this leakage by tightening the loose seal or using Teflon tape around the thread but ensuring it does not enter the system. If the hose itself is leaking, it is best to replace the entire thing. Overfilled Power Steering Fluid ReservoirOverfilling the power steering wheel reservoir can blow up the seal in the rack due to excessive pressure in the reservoir. This usually occurs when you fill the reservoir beyond the maximum line. How to FixWhen you notice that your reservoir is overfilled, use a turkey baster or syringe to siphon the excess fluid from the reservoir. Power Steering RackThe power steering rack is also called the rack and pinion steering rack. It is responsible for turning your vehicle’s wheels. The leakage occurs due to wear and tear of the shaft and seals caused by constant road grime and dirt. How to FixUnfortunately, the best course of action is to replace the power steering rack if there is an issue. You can opt for a remanufactured steering rack which is more cost efficient and environmentally friendly, but always seek the opinion of a qualified mechanic before making the decision. Using The Wrong Type Of Power Steering FluidEvery car manufacturer specifies the power steering fluid that should be used for their cars. Using the wrong type can damage the power steering system. More than that, it can cause wear and tear to the power steering components, thus creating a leak. Always ensure that you use the power steering fluid that is specified for your vehicle. How to FixYou must change the fluid immediately. You should completely drain the fluid and replace it with the correct type before driving any further. This will avoid further damage. Consult your vehicle handbook to find the right fluid used for your car. On average, it costs between £77 and £170 to fix your power steering leak, including the labour costs. However, it can cost far more than this to fix your problem. Some factors that affect the price are where you live and the garage you choose to fix your power steering leak. To find the best deal in your area, enter your vehicle reg and postcode into BookMyGarage and compare labour costs. You can also filter by availability, distance and reviews and ratings to find the perfect garage for you. That way, you always pay the best price for your repair. Join over 5 million UK drivers that have compared and saved on MOT, servicing and repair costs today! You should never compromise on the safety of your vehicle. That’s why you need to stay on top of your maintenance and inspect your car regularly. Follow our inspection checklist for best results. Most importantly, you should always act fast if you notice a problem. Ignoring a power steering fault can lead to an expensive repair or breakdown in the long run – or something even worse! If you recognise any of the symptoms covered in this article, you should book an inspection at a local garage as soon as possible to get the problem fixed. The longer you leave a power steering fluid leak, the worse it will get. Compare and save through BookMyGarage today! You can read more of Ryan's articles on his website, oilsadvisor.com |
How to fix power steering fluid leak
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