One of the most important fluids in your car is power steering fluid. It helps turn your wheels left and right and also assists in keeping them stable. Over time, the fluid can start to degrade and will need to be replaced. But what happens if you accidentally overfill it?
What is Power Steering Fluid?
Power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid that helps make turning the steering wheel easier. When you overfill power steering fluid, it can cause problems with the steering system.
Overfilling power steering fluid can cause leaks, making it difficult to steer. It can also cause the pump to work harder, which can lead to premature failure. In some cases, overfilling power steering fluid can even cause the steering wheel to lock up.
What Happens When You Overfill Power Steering Fluid?
Overfilling your power steering fluid can cause a number of problems, chief among them being a decrease in steering response. As the fluid level in the reservoir gets too high, it can start to foam and aerate, which reduces its overall effectiveness. This can lead to increased steering effort, as well as a loss of control while making turns. In extreme cases, an overfilled power steering system can even cause the steering wheel to lock up entirely. So be careful not to overfill your power steering fluid, and if you do accidentally put in too much, be sure to bleed the system and get it back to the correct level as soon as possible.
How to Check Your Power Steering Fluid Level
If your power steering fluid level is low, you may notice a squealing noise when you turn the steering wheel. The squealing noise is caused by air bubbles in the power steering fluid, and it can eventually lead to power steering failure.
To prevent this from happening, it’s important to check your power steering fluid level regularly. Here’s how:
1. Park your car on a level surface and turn off the engine.
2. Locate the power steering reservoir under the hood of your car. It’s usually a clear plastic container with a black cap.
3. Remove the cap from the reservoir and use a clean rag to wipe away any dirt or grime that may be on the opening.
4. Insert a clean funnel into the opening and slowly pour in fresh power steering fluid until the reservoir is full. Be careful not to overfill it!
5. Replace the cap on the reservoir and start up your car to make sure that the new fluid level is correct.
How to Fix an Overfilled Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
If your power steering fluid reservoir is overfilled, don’t worry – it’s an easy fix. You’ll just need to remove some of the excess fluid. Here’s how:
1. Park your car on a level surface and turn off the engine.
2. Locate the power steering fluid reservoir – it’s usually found near the engine, on the driver’s side.
3. Remove the cap from the reservoir.
4. Using a turkey baster or syringe, remove some of the excess fluid from the reservoir. Remove enough fluid so that the level of fluid is just below the “full” line on the reservoir.
5. Replace the cap on the reservoir and start your engine. Check for leaks around the reservoir and make sure that the power steering system is working properly before driving your car.
Conclusion
If you overfill your power steering fluid, it can cause a number of problems. The most common problem is that it will cause the power steering pump to work harder than it needs to, which can lead to premature failure. It can also cause leaks and other issues. If you think you may have overfilled your power steering fluid, be sure to take it to a mechanic so they can check it out and top it off if necessary.