What are the symptoms of water entering the steering gear?
2 Answers
Symptoms of water entering the car's steering gear include: abnormal noises when turning the steering wheel while stationary; the steering wheel feels very loose or extremely heavy and difficult to turn during cornering; oil leakage from the steering gear is a noticeable symptom—check for any oil leaks or seepage, which is often related to aging seals or oil pipes in the steering gear; difficulty in the steering wheel returning to its original position. Solutions for water entering the steering gear: The solution for water entering the car's steering gear is to drain both the water and the power steering fluid, wait until it dries, then refill with new power steering fluid. If there is no oil leakage from the steering gear, simply replacing the steering fluid will not cause internal rusting. Heavy steering or steering lock-up is not necessarily caused by internal rust. Even if there is a small amount of water inside the steering gear, repeatedly turning the steering wheel to full lock can help expel the water with the fluid, after which the steering fluid can be replaced. Precautions for using the car's steering gear: Regularly inspect the condition of the protective boots on both sides of the steering gear and the boot connecting the upper part of the steering gear to the universal joint. Damaged boots are the primary cause of early wear and damage to the steering gear. Once the boot is damaged, water, dust, and sand can enter the steering gear, disrupting the lubrication film on the gear and rack, leading to internal rust and abnormal wear. If the internal water and sand are not promptly removed, the steering gear can be rendered useless in a short time. Therefore, inspect the condition of the dust boots at least once a month. If any damage is found, replace the boots immediately and conduct a thorough inspection and maintenance of the steering gear before replacement.
My old car's steering gear once got water inside, and it was truly unpleasant. The steering would gradually become heavier while driving, especially noticeable when turning, as if someone was forcefully pulling the steering wheel from behind, accompanied by squeaky friction noises. This issue was more likely to occur after rain or car washes. Over time, the steering wheel would also slightly vibrate, making parking particularly difficult—I nearly scraped adjacent cars several times. This happens because water mixes into the power steering system, causing insufficient lubrication and internal part rusting. If not addressed promptly, the hydraulic fluid can emulsify and leak, accelerating component wear and even leading to complete power steering failure. I learned my lesson and now check the seals before every rainy season, avoid driving through deep water, and have the mechanic inspect the power steering fluid condition during regular maintenance to prevent problems beforehand.
