If you’ve ever had your power steering fluid boil, you know it’s not a pleasant experience. The good news is that it’s usually not a sign of serious damage to your car. In this article, we’ll tell you what causes power steering fluid to boil and how to prevent it from happening again.
What is power steering fluid?
Power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid that helps to move the components of your power steering system. The fluid is under high pressure, so if it leaks, it can cause the system to fail. If the fluid boils, it can cause damage to the system and may require repairs.
What causes power steering fluid to boil?
There are many reasons why your power steering fluid may be boiling. The most common cause is a leak in the system that is allowing air to enter. This can happen at any of the seals or gaskets in the system. Another common cause is a failure in the pump that is not allowing the fluid to circulate properly. If the pump fails, the fluid can overheat and boil.
Symptoms of a boiling power steering fluid
If your power steering fluid is boiling, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
1. The steering wheel feels heavy.
2. The steering wheel is hard to turn.
3. The power steering pump makes a whining noise.
4. You see steam or bubbles coming from the power steering reservoir.
5. The power steering system feels hot to the touch.
These symptoms can be caused by a number of different factors, but most likely indicate that the power steering fluid is overheating. This can happen if the fluid level is low, there is a leak in the system, or the cooling fans are not working properly. Whatever the cause, it’s important to have the problem fixed as soon as possible to avoid damaging the power steering system.
How to prevent power steering fluid from boiling
One of the main causes of power steering fluid boiling is heat build-up from driving. The power steering pump circulates fluid through the system to help turn the wheels. When you turn the steering wheel, the fluid helps to make it easier to do so. The fluid is under high pressure as it leaves the pump, and this pressure can cause the temperature of the fluid to increase.
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your power steering fluid from boiling:
Check your power steering fluid level regularly and top up if necessary.
Avoid making sudden, sharp turns when driving.
If you notice your power steering fluid is boiling, stop driving and let the system cool down.
How to fix a boiling power steering fluid
If your power steering fluid is boiling, it’s likely due to a leak in the system. To fix this, you’ll need to:
1. Find the source of the leak and repair it.
2. Flush the power steering fluid.
3. Fill the system with fresh fluid.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your power steering fluid should no longer be boiling.