How to find power steering fluid leak

Power steering is one of the most important systems in your vehicle, helping you maintain control of the vehicle and keep it safely on the road. That means that any problems with your power steering system can be serious—including a power steering fluid leak. 

If you’ve found a steering fluid leak on your vehicle, you understandably have a lot of questions. So Jiffy Lube® is here with the answers you need.

Q. WHY IS POWER STEERING IMPORTANT, ANYWAY?

Answer. Simply put, power steering makes it easier for you to operate your vehicle. It helps provide control on both curves and straightaways and assists you in making sudden moves if needed. (If you’ve ever quickly swerved to avoid another vehicle or even a runaway shopping cart, you can thank your power steering system.) To make this possible, the power steering system needs an ample supply of power steering fluid. Without enough fluid, your vehicle may not handle as well or turn as easily, which increases your chances of getting into an accident. So what does this fluid look like? The power steering fluid color is typically clear, or slightly tinted red—and if you see it leaking from your vehicle, it means you need to take action.

Q. WHAT CAUSES A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK?

Answer. Like the other systems in your vehicle, the power steering system simply ages and degrades over time. As you put more miles on your vehicle, the O-rings and seals in the power steering system lose flexibility, and tiny bits of the seals end up in the fluid. It’s also common for the supply and pressure hoses to develop holes as they age. If any of these components begin to fail, a leak can begin to develop, and you may see that telltale fluid on your driveway or garage floor. It could also be your power steering pump leaking. Regardless of the cause, a power steering fluid leak requires professional attention right away.

Q. CAN MY POWER STEERING STOP LEAK ON ITS OWN?

Answer.  Once your power steering system begins to leak fluid, the problem won’t stop until it’s repaired. And while a vehicle can technically still operate with a power steering fluid leak, it’s risky for you, other drivers, and the health of your vehicle. As your system runs dry of fluid, you’ll notice that your turns are not as smooth and the vehicle is veering wider than you expect. Meanwhile, inside your vehicle, heat and internal friction will increase which has the potential to cause greater and more costly damage. 

So as soon as you notice a leak, the best course of action is to visit a Jiffy Lube® service center immediately. While the repair may cost a few hundred dollars, it’s worth it to ensure your family’s safety and the safety of others on the road. 

Q. HOW MUCH DOES A POWER STEERING LEAK REPAIR COST?

Answer. The average power steering fluid leak costs between $500 and $650 to repair. The exact price will depend on the specific parts that are failing. You may need to replace only a single component, or the entire system. 

Here are a few common power steering repair cost breakdowns. (Keep in mind that your repair will usually require both parts and labor):

• Total power steering system replacement: $500-$650
• Hose replacement: $60-$150
• Power steering pump leaking repair: $200-$220
• Power steering line leak: $60 to $150
• Pressure valve replacement: About $10
• Labor: $40-$200 per hour

Of course, the power steering leak fix may also be as simple as pouring a low-cost additive into the fluid reservoir. These products, often called power steering stop leak additives, can fix the issue without mechanical repairs. Talk to the trained technicians at your local Jiffy Lube® to see if power steering stop leak additives can fix the issue, or if another repair is needed.

Q. WHAT HAPPENS DURING A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK INSPECTION?

Answer. When you bring your vehicle to any Jiffy Lube® location, the technicians will ask you a few questions to learn more about your driving style and the leak that you’ve noticed. Then they’ll begin a process to identify the leak and offer a solution:

READ MORE ABOUT IT

Here is a comprehensive list of Jiffy Lube fluid services designed to help keep your car running smooth. 

Next time you have a “how-to” car question, please check back here at the Tips in a Jiffy blog. 

Please note: Not all services are offered at each Jiffy Lube® location. Please check with your local Jiffy Lube® service center or visit jiffylube.com for specific services offered.

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.

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