Dealing with Power Steering Fluid Leaks: Causes, Symptoms, & Solutions

Power steering is an essential feature in every vehicle. Whether it’s negotiating sharp turns or executing abrupt maneuvers, this system plays a pivotal role in ensuring a seamless and secure driving experience. Nevertheless, the presence of power steering fluid leaks can present a notable risk to your vehicle’s functionality, potentially resulting in costly repairs and even accidents.

Why Is My Power Steering Fluid Leaking?

Two main things that can cause leakage are the age of the parts and how much you use them. When the hoses that carry the fluid get old, they might develop holes that let it escape. Also, the rubber rings and seals can get less flexible as you drive more miles, and that can lead to leaks. Sometimes, the pump that helps with power steering might also start leaking. No matter what’s causing the leak, it’s important to check it and fix it as soon as possible.

Symptoms Of Leakage

Fluid On The Floor

If you notice red or pink spots on your garage floor or driveway beneath your car’s engine, it’s a clear signal of leakage. This fluid takes a while to build up, so you’ll probably spot it after the car has been parked for some time, often a day or so later. Therefore, it’s a good idea to look under your car every day to see if you find it.

Ignition Noise

Another thing to pay attention to is the squealing sound that comes from the steering pump when you start your car.

Grinding Or Whining Noise

A different noise that shows you might have a leak is when you hear a loud grinding or whining sound when you turn your steering wheel. This noise happens because of rubbing and scraping, and the fluid is supposed to stop this by making things slippery.

Decreased Steering Performance

The scariest sign is when your steering wheel becomes really hard to turn out of the blue. Usually, it moves easily when you turn it because of the slippery fluid. But if it becomes super hard to turn, it’s not only risky but also a sign that there might be a leak.

How To Fix The Leakage

Flush/Clean

Turning the wheel multiple times to remove air from the hoses. In more complex cases, a power steering flush is needed, involving running small tubes through the fluid-carrying tubes after opening the bleed valve and applying oil to eliminate old fluid and air. After refilling with new fluid, close the bleed valve.

Replace Worn-Out Parts

As I mentioned, parts can wear out over time, but you should start by carefully checking your system to figure out which parts need replacing. For example, you might just need a new hose to fix a blockage or a leak. You can also replace the pump and adjust its belt to make your system last longer. If you’re not sure which parts to replace or feel unsure about doing these repairs yourself, it’s a good idea to talk to a mechanic for help.

Apply Stop Leak

You can pour a stop leak into the reservoir, then drive for an hour or two to distribute the fluid and stop the leak. Remember, instructions may vary by brand, and this isn’t a permanent fix for the leakage.

Use Premium Quality

When you’re putting more fluid or stopping leaks in, it’s a good idea to choose top-quality products. By using the best brand, you’ll make your system last longer and keep it running smoothly without any leaks.

Conclusion

No system can work forever. And in older cars, you’re likely to see more wear and tear in the hydraulic systems. The good news is that identifying and repairing fluid leaks is usually simple and not too costly unless you have to replace the whole power steering rack.