Is it necessary to replace the power steering pump if it leaks oil?
2 Answers
It depends. If the oil leakage is caused by poor sealing at the connection interface and the problem is not severe, timely treatment of the interface will suffice. However, if the oil leakage is due to a cracked pump body of the power steering pump, driving should not continue. A leaking power steering pump will fail to drive the steering mechanism, thereby affecting the driver's ability to steer normally, making the steering wheel difficult to control and potentially leading to safety hazards. Introduction to the power steering pump: Power steering pumps are mainly divided into steering power pumps and brake power pumps. The steering power pump, as the power source for vehicle steering, is the 'heart' of the steering system. The brake power pump is a large-diameter vacuum chamber with a diaphragm (or piston) inside, which has a push rod in the middle. The chamber is divided into two parts: one part is connected to the atmosphere, and the other part is connected to the engine intake pipe through a pipeline.
A friend of mine didn't deal with the power steering pump oil leak in time, and while driving, the steering wheel suddenly became extremely heavy, almost causing him to hit the guardrail during a turn. That experience really scared him. Power steering pump leaks are usually due to aging seals or cracks in the pump body. Once the oil leaks out, the power steering assistance is gone, making driving very difficult and dangerous. If left unrepaired, it could also damage other steering components, leading to even higher repair costs later. My advice is to check immediately: see how severe the leak is. If it's just a slight seepage, replacing the seal might suffice; but if the leak is rapid, with a puddle of oil on the ground, or if the pump makes unusual noises when starting, then the entire pump must be replaced. Don't delay—safety comes first. It's important to develop the habit of regularly checking the power steering fluid level to catch and address issues early. After all, the steering system is crucial for driving safety, and timely action can prevent more serious accidents.
