What are the consequences of not repairing a leaking steering gear?
2 Answers
Failure to repair a leaking steering gear can result in heavy steering, abnormal noises, and vehicle deviation while driving. In more severe cases, the steering gear may become completely inoperable. Related information: Cause of leakage 1: Oil leakage from the screw holes of the steering gear may occur due to penetration of the screw holes or the use of excessively long screws during repairs, causing the area to crack. In this case, oil will slowly seep out from the outer side of the threads. Cause of leakage 2: The rubber sealing rings inside the transmission, subjected to alternating cold and warm temperatures over time, lose a significant amount of plasticizers and softeners, leading to corrosion, aging, and hardening. Initially, this may manifest as oil seepage, gradually progressing to oil dripping, and over time, the sealing rings may break.
Hey, I've been driving for years, and power steering fluid leaks are definitely not something you can afford to ignore. At first, it might just make the steering wheel a bit harder to turn, but if left unfixed, once the fluid runs out, the entire steering system could be ruined. Without power assist, turning feels like moving a boulder—especially dangerous when making sharp turns at high speeds. I've seen a friend nearly crash because of this. Over time, the steering pump can wear out from dry friction, and repairs won't just involve fixing the leak anymore; you might end up spending thousands to replace the pump or even damage other components. Worse yet, the safety risks are high—losing control on a rainy night or in heavy traffic could lead to an accident in an instant. That's why I always check the fluid level during maintenance and address even minor leaks immediately—it saves both hassle and money in the long run.
