About Power Steering Fluid Leaks
A power steering fluid leak.
Ever noticed your steering wheel’s gone stiff, or you’re hearing some odd groaning noise when turning the car at the lights on Peachgrove Road? Might be your power steering fluid’s having a bad day. Your power steering’s there to make turning easy, especially when you’re crawling through traffic on Ulster Street or weaving around the potholes in Nawton. Basically, there’s a small pump pushing fluid through hoses to make it lighter to steer the car. If that fluid gets low, for whatever reason, the whole job gets harder — and that’s when things start to feel dodgy.
Good idea to keep an eye on your power steering fluid now and then. You don’t have to be a pro or anything — just check the level if you notice the steering getting heavy or the wheel making a racket. And if you’re coming up to 70,000km on the odometer, reckon it’s worth getting the fluid changed. Catching leaks early keeps you from being stranded in Cambridge or having a real arm workout down Victoria Street.
Here’s a good rundown if you’re keen to know how power steering works in more detail.
What Causes Power Steering Fluid Leaks?
We see leaks fairly often, so here’s what usually causes them:
- Worn or cracked seals: Happens over time, especially with heat and age, or if you’re in a Mazda CX-5 or a Peugeot 308 clocking up plenty of K’s commuting from Te Awamutu.
- Dodgy hoses: Had one the other week on a Toyota Estima – the hose got caught on a speed bump in Rototuna and cracked, so out went the fluid.
- Leaky power steering pump: Cracking or just old age, really. Euro cars like VW Passats and even the odd Hyundai Santa Fe aren’t immune, especially after a rough winter.
- Contaminated fluid: If you’ve done big miles, towing the trailer up to Morrinsville or just haven’t changed your fluid, dirt gets in. Eats at seals, makes a mess.
- General corrosion: Hamilton’s muggy winters, bit of salt from rural roads, well, it all adds up and sometimes you get a corroded line or fitting.
How to Spot a Power Steering Leak
- Noisy steering: Hear some whining or groaning when you’re turning slow, like pulling into the Countdown carpark on Anglesea Street? Could be low fluid.
- Hard to turn the wheel: Power steering fluid low, and suddenly you feel like you’re arm wrestling the car, especially at slow speeds or tight turns. Pretty common job for us – last week a lady with a Honda Jazz from Gordonton came in saying she nearly missed her turn because it was so heavy.
- Puddles underneath: If you see a reddish or brown puddle under your vehicle in the morning, even just a drip or two, it could be power steering fluid (could also be engine oil, coolant, or something else). If you’re not sure what’s what, bring it in. Here’s a handy link about diagnosing leaks.
Power Steering Leak Repairs & Diagnostics in Hamilton
Don’t leave a power steering leak for too long — trust us, it’ll only get worse, not better. Running dry, you’ll wreck the pump or even lose all power assist. Not fun when you’re on busy Greenwood Street or heading up to Chartwell in the rain.
At Grimmer Motors, we’ve sorted leaks on all sorts — from Nissan Leafs (yep, even hybrids have hydraulic steering sometimes) to Audi A4s and the old reliable Corolla. One of our technicians can check your car, spot where the fluid’s running away, and sort you out with a fix that’ll last.
For local, honest car service in Hamilton, or power steering leak checks, just give us a bell at Grimmer Motors. We’re always happy to help — whether you’re from Hamilton, Raglan, or coming in from Tamahere.