What Causes Power Steering Fluid Leaks?

Power steering affects every aspect of handling, whether it’s 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. For example, 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 a potential accident. If you detect a power steering leak, this is definitely a problem, and you it’s best to act sooner rather than later.

Leak Causes

Basically, time and use are the enemies. As cars age and rack up higher mileage, the O-rings and seals lose mass and form. These seals may even break up into little chunks that circulate in the fluid. These vital components cannot do their job properly, and the precious fluid seeps out. If it were easy to replace these seals, like it is with spark plugs, that’s exactly what mechanics would do to prevent this problem. Unfortunately, replacement is not a solution.

The Power of a Leak

When working properly, with no leaks, the fluid is pressured by the pump. This pressured fluid then helps turn the wheels by pushing on pistons mounted to the rack. If the power steering fluid leaks from any point along the intricate machinery, the fluid will lose its effectiveness. If the power steering leak is significant, there won’t be enough fluid to pressurize, leading to difficulty in steering.

Repair Costs

Working under stress, the pump will break from a lack of proper fluid intake. A damaged power steering pump costs hundreds to repair. In worst-case scenarios, a power steering fluid leak may damage the power steering rack. If this happens, repairs could cost well over $1,000. Clearly, these breakdowns are worth avoiding, but can you? Actually, there is an effective product called No Leak®, which costs less than $10 per bottle. No Leak Power Steering Stop Leak can be used to seal current leaks and prevent future ones. No Leak is safe and compatible with all power steering fluids.

Reducing The Dangers

Since O-rings and seals are not accessible, No Leak is designed to reach them “where they live.” No Leak is poured into the power fluid reservoir where it begins circulating through the system with the power steering fluid. As it circulates, No Leak acts to restore proper form and mass to the seals. After about 200 miles of driving, No Leak generally has restored the seals and O-rings to their proper effectiveness. This stops the power steering fluid leak and gets your car out of the danger zone.

Other Warning Signs

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.