A power steering leak can be a very dangerous and costly problem. If not caught early, a power steering leak can cause your car to lose power and eventually fail. In this article, we will show you how to seal a power steering leak and save yourself a lot of money and hassle.
What is a Power Steering Leak?
One of the most common and costly automotive repairs is a power steering leak. A power steering leak can occur when water gets inside the power steering system and manifests as a loss of power, loud screeching noises when turning the wheel, or even a decrease in fuel efficiency.
There are a few things you can do to try and prevent a power steering leak from happening in the first place. One is to make sure your car has an effective seal around the power steering pump area. This can be done by using a quality sealant or by having a qualified mechanic install an effective sealant. Another way to prevent power steering leaks is by carefully inspecting and replacing any worn or damaged parts in your power steering system.
Causes of a Power Steering Leak
One of the most common causes of a power steering leak is a failing seal. A seal is typically made up of two parts, the top and the bottom. The top part is designed to fit snugly against the piston, while the bottom part seals against the fluid. When these parts fail, a power steering leak can occur. Here are four common causes of a power steering leak:
1. A failed seal on the top part of the seal. This can happen when the top part of the seal becomes worn or damaged from use.
2. A failure in the manufacturing process that leads to an uneven distribution of pressure within the seal. This can cause one side of the seal to be weaker than the other, which in turn leads to a leak.
3. A failure in the metal to metal connection between the top and bottom parts of the seal. This can occur if there’s corrosion or wear on either side of this connection, which then allows fluid to escape through the joint.
4. A failure in the rubber bladder that surrounds the bottom part of the seal. This can happen if it begins to dry out and crack, which then allows fluid to escape through this opening.
How to Fix a Power Steering Leak
If you’re having trouble steering your car, you may have a power steering leak. Repairing a power steering leak can be done by replacing the power steering pump or hose.
How to Prevent a Power Steering Leak
A power steering leak can be a costly repair. Here are four tips to prevent it from happening:
1. Check for leaks regularly. A power steering leak can occur anywhere in the system, so it’s important to check for signs of leakage even if you don’t think there’s a problem. Watch for fluid seeping from around the seal, leaking from the hoses or reservoir, or strange noises coming from the engine or transmission.
2. Use sealant. A power steering sealant can help to prevent leaks by creating a barrier between the fluid and the metal parts of the system. Sealants are available at most automotive stores and should be applied annually, especially if your vehicle has been in an accident or has had extensive use.
3. Tighten bolts regularly. Loose bolts can cause leaks due to their tendency to loosen over time. Make sure all bolts are tight and properly tightened using a torque wrench.
4. Replace hoses and reservoir as needed. Hoses and reservoirs can become worn over time, which can lead to leaks. Replacing them as needed will help to ensure that the system is functioning properly and preventing costly repairs down the line.