Is your power steering fluid leaking? Get your car inspected.

Posted on June 21, 2018 in Auto Repair, Maintenance

Power steering affects every aspect of handling, whether it turns and curves or just staying on the straight and narrow. Power steering fluid is as vital to safe driving as oil is to continued engine prowess. Without this vital fluid, your power steering will fail. If you have a power steering leak, you may not be able to turn the car with the force needed. This can lead to unsafe driving situations and, worse, preventable crashes. Here are a few common causes of leaks:

Old or Damaged Seals

As a car ages or achieves high mileage, the O-rings in your power steering pump and power steering rack tend to lose mass and become deformed-- they may even break up into little chunks that circulate in the fluid. These seals are vital components to the system so, when they don’t do their job properly, the power steering fluid will seep out.

Power Steering Hoses

The hoses that run from the pump to the steering rack are another possible culprit, particularly where the high-pressure hose mates with the metal fittings. 
These lines can decay and crack over time, causing fluid to leak.

Power Steering Cooler

Some assisted steering mechanisms have coolers, which makes leaks a lot more complicated. The additional plumbing added by this part increases the potential for leaks and, at times, makes leaks harder to locate. These coolers are often mounted in the front of the car, where damage is most likely to occur.

At V&F

It’s important to note that a power steering fluid leak isn’t the only sign of power steering problems. You may hear a moan or whine when you turn the wheel. Before rushing to the repair shop, it is advisable to try No Leak to seal any potential power steering fluid leak. If your car is leaking power steering fluid, time is critical. Timely intervention with No Leak can restore effectiveness to the power steering system, and you may avoid hundreds in repair costs. Service may be more expensive than a YouTube DIY, but the fix will be long lasting and you know we’ll get the job done right. At V&F, our technicians will check the entire power steering system to identify and repair the source of the leak. Our expert mechanics use latest diagnostic equipment, and high-quality CARQUEST auto parts, to make sure we get the job done right. Plus, our auto repair services are backed by an industry-leading 3 year / 36,000-mile warranty on parts and labor. Call us today at (413) 314-2280 or schedule an appointment online.