Cars and trucks rely on power steering to help them move through curves and turn corners. When power steering fails, it can be frustrating for drivers. Here are four things to watch for that may indicate you need power steering fluid.
Symptoms of a Leak
Power steering fluid is a vital component of your car’s system, and when it goes missing or leaks, you may experience some unpleasant symptoms. Here are four signs that you need to take action:
1. Your car feels harder to drive.
2. You notice a decrease in the amount of grip you have on the wheel.
3. Your car pulls to one side when you apply pressure to the pedals.
4. The power steering fluid reservoir looks full but there isn’t any fluid leaking out.
How to Test for Power Steering Fluid Leaks
If you have a power steering fluid leak, the first thing you need to do is find the source. There are several ways to test for a power steering fluid leak, but the most reliable method is to use a pressure tester. If the pressure in the system falls below a certain level, then you know there’s a leak. Other methods of finding leaks include using a wet test kit or checking for bubbles in the power steering fluid.
How to Fix a Power Steering Fluid Leak
If you have a power steering fluid leak, the first step is to determine where the leak is. Power steering fluid leaks can originate from many different places inside the vehicle, so it’s important to identify the source of the leak. Here are four tips for finding a power steering fluid leak:
– Drive the vehicle and check for a loss of power and/or jerkiness when turning. This is a sign that there’s a power steering fluid leak somewhere near the pump.
– Check all hoses leading from the pump and see if they’re loose or leaking.
– Check all bolts that hold the pump housing to the vehicle chassis. If any bolts are loose, this can cause a power steering fluid leak.
– Look for any signs of corrosion or damage on the pump or housing. These signs could indicate that there’s a power steering fluid leak near the pump.
Conclusion
If you’ve been noticing a decrease in your car’s performance, or if it seems to be just taking longer than usual to get up to speed, it might be time to check the power steering fluid levels. Power steering fluid is essential for keeping your car moving smoothly and efficiently, so make sure you keep an eye on it and don’t wait too long to replace the fluid if needed.