If your car’s power steering is feeling a bit sluggish, it might not be the best time to skimp on maintenance. The reservoir that holds fluid for the power steering system can eventually become clogged and damage the pump, leading to a Significantly less powerful steering. Don’t wait until it’s too late – check out our guide on how to replace a power steering reservoir now!
What is a Power Steering Reservoir?
A power steering reservoir is a component of your car’s hydraulic system. It stores the hydraulic fluid and helps to transfer the power from the engine to the steering wheel. When it starts to get low on fluid, the reservoir will force more fluid into the system to keep things operating smoothly.
How Does a Power Steering Reservoir Work?
A power steering reservoir is a device that helps to distribute the pressure and fluid flow from your power steering pump to the power steering system. When your engine experiences a loss of pressure, the reservoir will allow more fluid to be drawn up from the system, helping to maintain your vehicle’s stability. In addition, a power steering reservoir can help to improve your vehicle’s response time and torque. If yours is leaking or defective, you may need to replace it. Here are a few steps you can take to do so:
1. Remove the battery cover.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Locate and remove the power steering reservoir cover.
4. Remove the power steering hoses from the reservoir.
5. Clean and inspect the internals of the reservoir for damage or wear.
6. Install new seals, hoses, and cover bolts in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
What to do if Your Power Steering Reservoir is Leaking
If your power steering reservoir is leaking, you’ll need to replace it. Here’s how to do it:
1. Park your car on a level surface and turn off the ignition.
2. Remove the AC adaptor from the power outlet.
3. Disconnect the battery cables.
4. Disconnect the power steering hose from the reservoir.
5. Raise and support the car with a jack and remove the wheel and tire.
6. Use a Phillips or slotted screwdriver to pry up one end of the reservoir cover while holding onto the other end of the cover with a wrench. Gently pull off the cover.
7. Locate and remove the power steering pump assembly (see Fig 1). If necessary, you can unscrew the cap on top of the pump assembly (see Fig 2) to gain better access to screws securing it to the reservoir body (see Fig 3). Also visible in Fig 3 is a rubber seal that helps prevent water from entering into both parts when water is being pumped out of the reservoir by the pump assembly during normal operation; this seal should be replaced as part of an overall reservoir service if it shows signs of wear or tear.
How to Replace a Power Steering Reservoir
If you unexpectedly notice a loss of power steering fluid, it’s time to replace your reservoir. A worn or damaged reservoir can cause a loss of power and make it difficult to steer.
The reservoir is located under the hood on the passenger side. To replace the reservoir, follow these steps:
1. Remove the cover plates on the front and back of the engine bay.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Remove the bolts that attach the reservoir to the engine.
4. Lift up the reservoir and remove it from the car.
5. Replace the reservoir with a new one. Put everything back together in reverse order and connect the battery cable.