Home
Blog Car Issues & Diagnoses Power Steering Fluid Leak: 5 Major Symptoms (+ How to Fix)
Car Issues & Diagnoses

Power Steering Fluid Leak: 5 Major Symptoms (+ How to Fix)

Looking for a mechanic near you for maintenance or repair? AutoNation Mobile Service brings the shop to you. Get a free instant quote today.
Get a Quote

Notice a puddle of red fluid under your vehicle?
Have difficulty steering too?

You may be dealing with a power steering fluid leak. While it might seem like a minor issue at first, it can make steering your vehicle more difficult and put you in danger on the road. 

Worried about driving until you get it resolved?

We’ll explain the symptoms, causes, and repair options to get you back on the road quickly. We’ll also share some nifty tips to prevent a fluid leak from happening again.  

This Article Contains:

What Does Power Steering Fluid Do?

Power steering fluid transfers power from the steering wheel to the wheels, allowing for easier steering. It uses hydraulic pressure to amplify the force you apply to the steering wheel to move the steering rack.

Hydraulic fluid also lubricates internal steering system components, preventing friction from causing premature wear and expensive repairs.  

So, what happens when a leak causes a loss of power steering fluid?
Let’s find out. 

5 Troubling Symptoms of a Power Steering Fluid Leak 

If you have a power steering problem, you’ll experience:

  1. Red fluid on the ground: The most common sign of power steering fluid leaking is reddish or brown fluid puddles under the front of the vehicle.
  1. Difficulty steering: The power steering system relies on hydraulic pressure generated by the fluid. When there’s a leak, the fluid level drops, reducing hydraulic pressure. This makes it harder to turn the steering wheel and move the steering rack.
  1. Whining or squealing noise: Power steering fluid leaking leads to increased friction within the system as components operate without adequate lubrication. This produces a whining or squealing noise.   
  1. Burning smell: If the fluid leaks on hot engine components, it may produce an odor as it burns. 
  1. Illuminated power steering warning light: Modern vehicles monitor power steering fluid levels and trigger a power steering warning light when there’s fluid loss. However, not all cars have a dedicated power steering warning light, so you’ll need to monitor your vehicle for other symptoms.  

Now that you know the signs to watch out for, let’s understand what leads to the fluid loss. 

5 Underlying Causes of a Steering Fluid Leak

A power steering fluid leak happens when you have:

  1. Damaged hoses: Power steering hoses deteriorate over time due to age, exposure to heat and contaminants, or mechanical stress. 
  1. Damaged power steering pump seal: If the power steering pump seal becomes damaged through wear and tear or heat exposure, fluid could leak out. 
  1. Damaged rack and pinion seal: The power steering system exerts a significant amount of force on the rack and pinion (steering mechanism) when turning the wheels. As a result, the seal can wear out faster, causing a leak. 
  1. Loose or damaged fittings or connections: Over time, vibrations or improper installation can cause hose fittings to become loose, allowing the fluid to leak out. 
  1. Power steering reservoir issues: The power steering fluid reservoir can corrode due to exposure to extreme temperatures. Additionally, overfilling the reservoir can cause excessive pressure in the system, resulting in broken seals. 

Now that we’ve covered the causes of a car’s power steering fluid leak, it’s time to discover the culprit behind your power steering problem. 

How to Diagnose a Power Steering Fluid Leak

Diagnosing your car’s power steering fluid leak is complex as it involves checking multiple parts of the steering system. So, it’s best to have an auto mechanic handle it. 

Here’s what they’d do:

  1. Clean the power steering system: The mechanic will clean the components with a degreaser, making it easier to locate the leak.
  1. Visual inspection: The mechanic will thoroughly inspect the system, checking for a damaged hose, power steering reservoir, pump, or connection. They’ll also look for signs of fluid leakage, such as wet spots under the vehicle.   
  1. Pressure testing: They’d attach a pressure and flow test kit to the pressure line of the power steering pump. Then, they’ll pull on the steering wheel to ensure the valve in the steering gear is open. The steering pump should reach its maximum pressure, and flow should be less than one gallon per minute.
  1. Dye test: The mechanic may add a UV dye to the power steering fluid. After operating the system for a short period, they’ll use a UV light to illuminate any areas where the dye has escaped, indicating a leak. 

Based on the diagnosis, the mechanic will begin the power steering repair. 

How to Fix a Power Steering Fluid Leak

If you don’t have immediate access to a mechanic, you can try adding a power steering stop leak solution to the steering fluid to temporarily seal a minor leak. The solution revitalizes and conditions the rubber seals and O-ring, preventing the fluid from escaping through gaps. 

However, this is just a temporary power steering repair.

Eventually, you’ll need an auto mechanic to:

Still have some unanswered questions about power steering fluid leaks?
Find the answers below. 

3 FAQs About Power Steering Fluid Leaks

Here’s everything else you need to know about power steering fluid leaks:

1. Should You Drive with a Power Steering Fluid Leak?

No, you shouldn’t drive with a power steering leak, as even a minor leak will limit your control over your vehicle’s steering. Even at lower speeds, this loss of control can make your vehicle dangerous to drive.

In addition, driving with low hydraulic fluid causes more friction in your vehicle, which could lead to internal damage and costly repairs, so get your vehicle to a mechanic ASAP. 

2. How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Power Steering Leak?

You’ll likely spend between $150 and $670 to repair the power steering fluid leak. This cost covers labor charges of $140 to $170 and the price of replacement parts, like:

3. How to Prevent Power Steering Fluid Leaks?

To mitigate power steering fluid leaks and costly repairs from the ensuing damage, you should:

Steer Clear of Fluid Leaks with AutoNation Mobile Service

Damaged hoses, loose seals, and several other problems can cause a power steering fluid leak. Ultimately, this will give you steering trouble, even at lower speeds. To get your steering system fully operational, you’ll need a mechanic to replace any damaged components and flush any air out of the system.   

Don’t want to drive to the mechanic with reduced steering ability?

AutoNation Mobile Service mechanics will repair the fluid leakage right from your driveway. We’re available 7 days a week, so it’ll never be long before you’re back on the road again.

Our online booking system also makes it easy to contact us at any time. So reach out for any fluid leak issues and other car problems.