If you’re noticing an unusual amount of slippage or hesitation when you turn the wheel, there’s a good chance you have a power steering leak. Knowing how to find and fix this issue can save you time and money, so be sure to read on for instructions on how to identify and fix your power steering leak.
Symptoms of a Power Steering Leak
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to have a power steering system inspection performed:
• A wet/muddy feeling when driving
• Leaking from the power steering hose(s)
• A decrease in engine performance
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to have your power steering system inspected as soon as possible. A power steering system inspection can help determine if a leak is present and if it needs to be repaired.
How to Test for a Power Steering Leak
If you have a suspicion that your power steering system is leaking, the first step is to determine if the issue is actually the power steering system or something else. One way to do this is to test the power steering system while it’s still connected to your vehicle’s engine.
To do this, start by turning your car’s key off and removing the battery cables. Next, disconnect the power steering pump connector from the motor. Finally, use a voltmeter to measure the voltage between the motor and pump connector.
If the voltage is significantly lower than what it should be, that means there is a leak in your power steering system. If the voltage is normal, there isn’t a leak and you can continue with your inspection.
If there is a leak, you’ll need to replace your power steering pump as well as any other components that are leaking.
How to Fix a Power Steering Leak
If you’re noticing a strange smell coming from your power steering pump, it might be time to take it into your mechanic for repair. A power steering leak can cause your car to feel bogged down and difficult to drive, so it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. Here are four simple ways to tell if you have a power steering leak:
1. Feel the pressure in the steering wheel when you turn the wheel. If the pressure feels light or nonexistent, there’s a good chance you have a leak.
2. Check for coolant flowing from the power steering hose(s). If there’s coolant leaking, you’ll likely see wet spots on the ground nearby.
3. Listen for unusual noises coming from the engine or power steering pump. If you hear any strange noises, it might be a sign that there’s a leak.
4. Test drive your car and see if the issue persists. If the problem goes away when you drive your car, then you likely have a leaky power steering system.