If you’ve ever been in a hurry and driven your car with a power steering fluid leak, then you know how frustrating it can be to try to fix the problem on the spot. Fortunately, there are ways to fix a power steering fluid leak without having to take your car to a mechanic. In this article, we’ll show you how to fix a power steering fluid leak using three different methods. Which one is right for you depends on the severity of the leak, how close the leak is to the rear axle, and how dirty the power steering fluid is.
Identify the leak
If you’re noticing a power steering fluid leak, it’s important to identify the source of the problem. Here are a few tips to help you do just that:
1. Check for fluid leaks around the hoses and connectors. Brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant can all seep from these areas over time, leading to a power steering system leak.
2. Look for drips or puddles on the ground. If you see any evidence of fluid leaking from underneath your vehicle, chances are high that the issue is with one of your car’s hoses or connectors.
3. Inspect the power steering pump itself. A broken or worn component inside the pump can lead to a power steering leak. In most cases, this can be identified by a lack of power when you try to turn the wheel while the car is in park or when driving.
4. Check for clogs in the system. If there are any objects obstructing the flow of power steering fluid through your car’s system, you’ll likely see signs of a leak soon after. This includes things like leaves and other debris in your lines, as well as build-up on your pump or housing.
Replace the power steering fluid
If you’re noticing an increasing amount of power steering fluid leaking from your car’s power steering system, it’s time to replace the fluid. Here’s how to do it:
1. Park your car in a safe location, ensuring that no pedestrians or other cars are nearby.
2. Turn off the car’s engine by pressing the “on/off” button and then turning the key off.
3. Disconnect the battery cable by pulling it straight out from the battery.
4. Remove the cover located on the left side of the car near the front wheel well, using a screwdriver or key removed from earlier in this process.
5. Underneath this cover is a reservoir holding power steering fluid. Use a funnel to pour out all of the old fluid, being sure to discard any yellowish or reddish fluids, as these are signs of oil contamination.
6. Replace the reservoir with a new one, making sure to clean all of the old fluid off of the threads with a solvent such as acetone before doing so. (If you don’t have a clean piece of tubing, you can use a sealant such as silicone.)
7. Reinstall the cover and connect the battery cable. Turn
Put everything back together and test it out
If your power steering fluid leak is small, you may not need to replace the entire power steering system. Here are five easy fixes for a power steering fluid leak:
1. Check for blockages in the system: If the leak is coming from a component near the pump, like a hose or filter, there may be debris blocking the flow of fluid. Clean out any obstructions and try the leak again.
2. Replace a worn or broken part: If the leak is coming from a component farther down the system, like a seal or coupling, it may be time to replace that part. Power steering systems are often reliable for many years with only minor repairs, but eventually something will wear out and need to be replaced.
3. Add fluid: If the leak is coming from a rupture in the hose itself, adding fluid can help restore circulation and stop the leak. Do not add more than 4 ounces (118 milliliters) at a time, though; overfilling can cause problems like bubbles in the oil and metal on metal clanking noises.
4. Replace the entire power steering system: If none of these fixes work and you’ve ruled out major mechanical issues, it may be
If it still leaks, there may be a more serious issue
If a power steering fluid leak is still occurring, it may be time to take a look at the power steering pump itself. If the seal between the pump and the engine seems loose or if there is debris inside of the pump, this may be indicative of a more serious issue. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire power steering pump assembly.