Automakers are always striving to make their cars as fuel efficient and emissions-free as possible, but there’s one less obvious side effect of this focus: overfilling power steering fluid. Overfilling can cause power steering fluid to leak out of the system and contaminate the engine oil.
What to Do if Your Power Steering Fluid is Overfilled
If you notice your power steering is difficult to turn, it might be time to check the fluid level. Overfilling the power steering fluid can cause problems with how the car steers. Here are a few things to do if your power steering fluid is overfilled:
1. Check the pressure gauge- if the pressure is too high, the fluid may be overfilled.
2. Check for leaks- if there are any leaks, they could be draining the fluid and causing it to overflow.
3. Check for clogged filters- if there are clogged filters, debris could be blocking the oil flow and causing the problem.
4. Change the power steering fluid- if steps 1-3 do not solve the issue, it may be time to replace the power steering fluid.
How to Find Your Power Steering Fluid Level
If your car has power steering, you’ll need to check the power steering fluid level regularly. Here’s how to do it:
1. Park the car in a level spot. You don’t need to elevate the front of the car.
2. Turn the car off and remove the key.
3. Open the hood and remove the cap on the reservoir. (The reservoir is usually located behind or below the air filter.)
4. Fill the reservoir to the “max” line with power steering fluid (see photo). Make sure you use the correct type of power steering fluid for your make and model of car- either synthetic or mineral based.
5. Replace the cap and close the hood.
6. Turn on the car and check for leaks around the reservoir and at connections between reservoir and lines going to engine compartment (fuel rail, pump, etc.). If there are any leaks, tighten them up using a wrench or pliers.
How to Refill Your Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
In a hurry? Here’s how to refill your power steering fluid reservoir in just minutes!
1. Park your vehicle on a level surface.
2. Close the engine lid and remove the key from the ignition.
3. Open the hood and locate the power steering fluid reservoir. It is typically located under or behind the front driver’s side tire on the engine block.
4. Use a funnel to fill the power steering fluid reservoir to the MAX line with fresh, cold fluid. Make sure to add enough fluid so that the level is below the “Refill” mark on the reservoir. Do not overfill! Overfilling can result in decreased steering ability and even a possible rupture of your power steering system.
5. Replace the funnel and key, re-attach the engine lid, and start your vehicle. The power steering will feel noticeably smoother after refilling!
What to Do if you Overfill Your Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
If your car’s power steering is slow or difficult to use, it may be because the reservoir is low on fluid. Overfilling the reservoir can fix the problem.
To Overfill the Reservoir:
1. Park your car in a level place.
2. Turn off the car’s engine and remove the key from the ignition.
3. Open the hood and locate the power steering fluid reservoir. It is usually located on the left side of the car near the engine.
4. Pour enough power steering fluid into the reservoir to cover the bottom of the bottle. Make sure there is at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) of fluid in each bottle.
5. Replace all of the covers on the reservoir, and reattach the key to the ignition.
6. Start your car and check for improvement in how easy it is to turn your wheel. If necessary, add more power steering fluid to correct any problems.”
Conclusion
If you overfill your power steering fluid reservoir, it is important to understand what will happen. Overfilling the reservoir can cause the fluid to overflow from the tank and into the engine compartment, potentially damaging both the power steering system and other components in the car. In order to avoid any potential damage, always refill your power steering fluid reservoir according to the manufacturer’s instructions.