What are the causes of power steering fluid overflow?
2 Answers
The causes of power steering fluid overflow are: 1. Improper driving by the driver; 2. Damage to the power steering pump; 3. Overfilling of power steering fluid. The method for replacing power steering fluid is: 1. Start the car and use an oil extractor to completely remove the old fluid; 2. Inject new power steering fluid and turn the steering wheel back and forth to allow the new fluid to penetrate and clean the system; 3. Extract the fluid from the power steering reservoir again and inject new fluid while turning the steering wheel. Precautions when changing power steering fluid: 1. Avoid holding the steering wheel at full lock for extended periods as it may cause excessive oil pressure and fluid ejection; 2. Do not mix different types of fluids; 3. Do not run the engine without fluid for prolonged periods as it may damage the power steering pump.
I've found that power steering fluid overflow is quite common, with the root cause often being aging and failure of oil seals. Those sealing rings become brittle or worn over time, especially in high-temperature environments where they're more prone to cracking, allowing fluid to seep through gaps. Another frequent cause is loose pipe connections or damaged hoses—for instance, prolonged engine vibration pulling on tubes or rodent bites creating leak points, leading to dripping fluid. Pump failures are also common; internal wear causes pressure instability, potentially forcing fluid out through intake ports. Overfilling the reservoir is another issue—when fluid temperature rises and expands, it can spill over. I've handled numerous cases where fluid leakage becomes noticeably worse after driving on bumpy roads, indicating that vibrations exacerbate the risk. In short, regularly checking fluid levels and hose conditions can prevent major issues. If you spot any fluid stains, get it repaired promptly—don't let your steering wheel stiffen and compromise driving safety.
