Anyone with a bit of automotive experience knows the shrill whine of a sick power steering pump. When your power steering fluid level gets low because of a leak, your power steering pump quickly lets you know. Running a power steering pump without oil can quickly cause damage, so it’s important to react quickly, repair any leaks and fill it with fluid again.
Thankfully, with the help of Bar’s Leaks, repairing a power steering fluid leak is quick, easy and affordable. We’ve put together a list of the steps to take to take care of your power steering leak and avoid that terrible power steering pump whine, especially after your car has been sitting for a while (this is known as “morning sickness”).
Act Fast
The key to every automotive fluid leak is to act quickly. Don’t wait until all your power steering fluid leaks out to intervene. In general practice, it is a good idea to check all your fluid levels on a regular basis and before every long trip. It only takes a moment to inspect your power steering fluid circuit:
- Take your car for a drive and pay close attention to how it steers. Most power steering fluid problems will be more noticeable at low speeds, such as in a parking lot. Turn your steering wheel fully to the left and right and listen for any whining. You might also find the wheel hard to turn at slow speeds or feel odd pulsations (like mini-bursts of resistance) from your power steering rack.
- It is advisable to clean your power steering fluid reservoir, lines and steering rack. This allows you to inspect for any leaks. Simply wipe all visible surfaces with a cloth, and after a short drive, check for any new leaks. Quite often, your power steering circuit won’t leak when your engine is off and will only leak while you’re driving, as the system is active and pressurized during operation.
- Check the fluid level per the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually it’s simply a matter of removing the power steering fluid reservoir cap and checking the dipstick or level indicator. Most vehicles only have a small amount of fluid in the reservoir, so maintaining the correct level is important. As with all fluids, overfilling is not advisable.
- Most power steering systems don’t require any service or adjustment. The most important thing to do is ensure your fluid level is correct. If you see a leak or find that the fluid level drops over time, don’t panic. Physical replacement of your power steering fluid circuit is rarely necessary. Instead, opt for one of our Bar’s Leaks products designed specifically to stop your power steering fluid leaks permanently.
We have power steering fluid products designed to stop leaks, including our popular One Seal Stop Leak, Power Steering Stop Leak Concentrate, as well as our Power Steering Repair designed to smooth out the feel and quiet the noise of your power steering system. All our products are effective, affordable, easy to use and only take a few minutes to install. If you’re looking for a quick solution to your car’s power steering leak, Bar’s Leak is the proven solution you need!
Questions? We have answers. Hit us up on Facebook, or contact our support team directly. We’ll help with you with any concerns you might have.
