How To Know You Have A Power Steering Leak And How To Find It

In this video I go over how you can know you have a power steering leak and how to find it.  There are a few symptoms that can be experienced when a power steering leak is present.  One, you may notice fluid spotting on your driveway where you park.  Two, you may notice that it is becoming more difficult to steer your vehicle and this symptom may be accompanied by a moaning noise from the engine bay.  Power steering pumps many times will moan when the fluid level drops below a certain point.  Three, your power steering fluid level will get low and may even repeatedly get low after filling the power steering fluid.

In my estimation the best way to find a power steering fluid leak is to perform a visual inspection.  The vast majority of cases that I have seen have been diagnosed by merely looking the system over really well.  In some cases cleaning may be needed before you can actually find the leak as fluid may have saturated an entire area of the engine bay.  Once the cleaning is done you can then operate the system giving the fresh fluid an opportunity to leak out.  And, in some rare cases, using UV dye in the power steering system may also be needed for  extra difficult leaks.  Add UV dye to the fluid and operate the system to give the dye a chance to leak out.  Use a UV light to inspect the system for the presence of dye.  The leak will be located where the dye is found.  

Note: Power steering fluid comes in different colors.  Clear and red are among the most common.  

Warning:  As noted in the video this video does not go into detail explaining how to properly and safely lift and support a vehicle.  In many cases lifting and supporting a vehicle is needed to properly diagnose a power steering leak.  Please obtain information on how to properly and safely lift and support your vehicle elsewhere.

Warning!! If brake parts cleaner is used to clean parts in the engine compartment be sure to allow it to dry completely before starting your vehicle to check for leaks.  (Vehicle should not be running when cleaning with brake cleaner.) Brake parts cleaner is flammable and could catch fire in the presence of a spark or heat.  Use brake parts cleaner in a well ventilated area. Have a fire extinguisher handy.

Warning!!  Do not inspect vehicle while the engine is running!  Even when confirming where your leak is coming from after cleaning it and after operating the power steering system. Shut the vehicle off first then inspect. There is a risk of getting caught in the accessory drive and getting hurt.

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Disclaimer:
Barbour's Auto Help is not responsible for any damage or personal injury incurred in the process of performing any auto repairs done by you the viewer.  Automotive repair is extremely dangerous.  Repair your vehicle at your own risk.  It is the viewers responsibility to verify all information and procedures as outlined in YOUR REPAIR MANUAL AND OWNERS MANUAL FOR YOUR VEHICLE.  Owning and using a repair manual suited for your vehicle is essential for correctly and safely performing ANY repair to your vehicle.  Always wear safety glasses, protective gloves and heed all instructions for use applicable to any  piece of equipment you may use.  Due to circumstances out of the control of Barbour's Auto Help, Barbour's Auto Help makes no guarantee that by the use of the information given in this video a quality repair will be made.  Barbour's Auto Help makes no guarantee that the information provided is totally complete, synchronized and accurate.  Verify everything using an appropriate repair manual.  Verify everything with your own research.