The power steering helps you turn your vehicle more easily and works when the vehicle is running. The power steering pump pushes fluid into the steering gear as soon as you turn the steering wheel.
The gear applies pressure that then turns the tires and allows you to take a corner effortlessly. Power steering is an essential part of your vehicle. As such, you should always ensure your vehicle has enough steering fluid.
Keep reading to learn how to handle overfilled power steering fluid.
Signs that you have too much steering fluid
When you first put too much power steering fluid in, you will not notice much of a problem. This is because the excess power steering fluid will sit in the reservoir, and it may or may not be a problem for the car owner.
The only overfilled power steering fluid symptom you can expect is leaking steering fluid. As a car heats up, the power steering fluid will heat up and expand. As the steering fluid expands, you will notice that the fluid may be leaking all over the entire engine compartment.
Can I drive With Overfilled Steering Fluid?
Nothing will happen to the car if you overfill the power steering fluid, but it is still possible to damage it. When steering fluid heats up, it will expand and will spill all over your engine compartment. In addition, the spilled power steering fluid can get to the belts and damage them when they get slippery.
How to Fix Overfilled Power Steering Fluid
If you pour a lot of power steering fluid into the power steering fluid reservoir, the good news is that removing the excess fluid is quite easy because it doesn’t need a special tool. Instead, you can use a household tool that most homes tend to have.
You need to use a syringe or a turkey baster to remove the excess power steering fluid out of the reservoir. You may take some time to completely take the excess fluid out because syringes and turkey basters tend to have low capacities. However, it still is better than a damaged engine bay.
What Happens if You Spill Power Steering Fluid When Refilling?
Steering fluid all over your engine compartment can cause some auxiliary problems. For example, if the steering fluid gets on your belts, it could cause them to slip.
When a belt slips, it can often be destroyed well before it should have been. The leakage will result in a cluttered engine compartment. In addition, foaming may occasionally occur, contributing to premature component wear.
Does Power Steering Fluid Expand When Hot?
Yes. The power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid made with either mineral oil or silicone. In addition, some power steering fluids are made with synthetic-based oil. The manufacturers use silicone or petroleum as a base stock and add additives in most cases.
The power steering fluid comprises at least 92 weight percent of a mineral lubricating oil and 0.5 to eight percent of an oil-soluble estolide of a hydroxystearic acid.
The general ‘rule of thumb’ for silicone oil is that it expands (or contracts) by approximately 10% per 100°C (1% per 10°C). At the same time, mineral base oils expand by about 7% for every 100°C (0.7% per 10°C).
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
Here are some common signs of a damaged steering fluid reservoir;
1. Leaking power steering fluid
One of the main symptoms your fluid reservoir is going bad is your vehicle is leaking power steering fluid. This fluid may be seen on the ground beneath your vehicle. It is clear in color to an amber color.
In addition, it has a distinct smell, kind of like a burnt marshmallow. Power steering fluid is flammable, so contact a professional mechanic to have your power steering fluid reservoir inspected and replaced if you leak.
2. Lack of steering
If you notice it is becoming more difficult to steer, or your vehicle does not seem as responsive, this is a sign the leak in your reservoir has gotten worse. In addition, the fluid level will also be low or empty in the power steering fluid reservoir.
It is important to fill up the reservoir and repair the problem as soon as possible. If the vehicle lacks power assist, it should not be driven until repairs are made. The vehicle will be difficult to turn without the assist.
3. Noises While Turning
Another sign of a failing power steering fluid reservoir is noises while turning a corner or using your steering wheel. A pressure drop can cause this due to air getting into the system; because of the low fluid reservoir. Air and the low fluid level cause the pump to whine and not function properly.
The way to repair this is to replace the fluid and find out why the fluid runs low. For example, it could be a leak or crack in the reservoir. If repairs are not done properly, the power steering system can become damaged, and the pump can fail.
Major signs you’re low on steering fluid
Here are some signs your car has low power steering fluid;
Difficulty in turning the wheels
The most obvious yet important sign to see if you are low on steering fluid is if your wheels are difficult to turn. This can cause difficulties when driving and can be dangerous, especially if it happens when driving.
If you notice a visible difference in how your steering wheel functions, we suggest you check the power steering fluid level in your vehicle. To find out if a leak causes the low fluid level, check to see if the fluid has escaped through the hose.
Note: If a leak is present, replacing it with more fluid will only be a short-term fix. To prevent further complications, getting your car checked by a professional will ensure your vehicle is in good condition.
Squealing noises
If you notice a squealing or whining noise whenever the wheels turn, there is a strong possibility that it is due to low power steering fluid. This is because the power steering system uses a pump so the fluid can flow for smooth steering.
If there is a low amount of fluid present, air will start to circulate through the steering mechanism and make strange sounds when you turn the steering wheel. Top up your fluid reservoir with power steering fluid to prevent this. The noises should start to go away if there are no leaks.
Vibrating and jerky steering wheel
If you are in the middle of driving and notice your steering wheel starts to vibrate, you need to be extra cautious to keep full control over the vehicle. As you will need to work harder to make any turns, we suggest finding a safe location to park and instead call your breakdown service.
Alternatively, if you notice your steering wheel jerks when you turn left or right, you are low on power steering fluid. But, again, we stress that you do not leave this problem to escalate further and get it checked out as soon as you can.
Leaking fluid
A leaking power steering rack is one of the major signs of low power steering fluid. If you take the cap off of the reservoir and see no fluid inside, there is a high possibility there is a leak.
Difficulty turning the wheel
There can be more than one reason for this symptom, but the bulk of the time, it will be low power steering fluid. If your wheel feels “hard” and tough to turn, you might need a power steering fluid.
Loud steering
Steering shouldn’t make sounds. The minute you notice that your steering wheel is making loud noises, it’s time to check your vehicle’s power steering fluid level. Chances are you’re going to need more power steering fluid.
Check this too: Why Is My Car Losing Brake Fluid?
Shrill steering
Once again, this is a sound that no one wants to hear. If it sounds like your steering wheel is screeching, then it’s time to have a mechanic check your power steering fluid levels. Remember that the noise doesn’t always come from the steering wheel itself, but it can also come from under the hood.
Stains under vehicle
This symptom can come from various problems, but sometimes a stain under your vehicle means that you have a power steering fluid problem. However, other fluids might be leaking from the car, so you’ll need to check with a certified mechanic to verify that it’s your power steering fluid that’s the problem and not some other sort of leak.