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Power Steering Fluid Leak

On cars with hydraulic power steering, oily drips near the front, a whining pump and heavier steering point to a power steering fluid leak.

High risk

Have it checked soon. Steering gets heavy as fluid is lost, and the pump can be damaged.

Short answer · Is a power steering fluid leak dangerous?

The car can still be steered without assistance, but it becomes much heavier, especially when parking. Running the pump with low fluid damages it. Check the reservoir level, top up with the correct fluid and have the leak fixed. Many modern cars have electric steering with no fluid at all.

On this page

Safe checks you can do

  1. Check the reservoirLevel between the marks, using the specified fluid.
  2. Listen to the pumpA whine when turning suggests low fluid or air in the system.
  3. Look along the hosesWet, oily hoses near the pump and steering rack.

Questions that narrow it down

  1. Does the car have hydraulic steering?Electric steering has no fluid; this symptom does not apply.
  2. Is the steering heavier?Fluid is low or the pump is failing.
  3. Does it whine when turning?Air or low fluid.

Possible causes

Listed without ranking. Use the questions above to see which ones fit your car.

  1. Hose or pipe leakPressure hoses age and crack.
  2. Steering rack sealsFluid gathers in the rack boots.
  3. Pump sealLeaks at the pump shaft.
  4. Reservoir or capCracked reservoir.

Questions about Power Steering Fluid Leak

Can I use any fluid?

No. Some systems use ATF, others a special mineral or synthetic fluid; follow the specification.

How do I know if my car has electric steering?

There is no fluid reservoir for steering; the owner’s manual confirms it.