What are the symptoms of water ingress in the steering gear?
2 Answers
"The symptoms of water ingress in a car's steering gear include: unusual noises when turning the steering wheel while stationary; the steering wheel feeling very loose or extremely heavy and difficult to turn during maneuvers; noticeable leakage or seepage of oil from the steering gear, often related to aging seals and oil pipes; and difficulty in the steering wheel returning to its original position. Solutions for water ingress in the steering gear: The method to address water ingress in the car's steering gear involves draining both the water and the power steering fluid, waiting for it to dry, and then refilling 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 a stuck steering wheel may not necessarily be due to internal rust; even if there is a small amount of water inside the steering gear, repeatedly turning the steering wheel to its full angle 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 covers on both sides of the steering gear and the cover connecting the upper part of the steering gear to the universal joint. Damage to these covers is the primary cause of early wear and damage to the steering gear. Once the covers are damaged, water, dust, and sand can enter the steering gear, disrupting the lubrication of the gear rack and leading to internal rust and abnormal wear. If the internal water and sand are not promptly removed, the steering gear can become irreparable in a short time. Therefore, inspect the dust covers at least once a month. If any damage is found, replace them immediately and conduct a thorough inspection and maintenance of the steering gear before replacement."
Once after driving through a waterlogged section, my steering wheel became extremely heavy, as if turning a massive iron block, requiring tremendous effort. It also intermittently made buzzing or creaking noises, like something was stuck inside. Initially, I thought it was normal, but then the power steering system completely failed, making turns particularly strenuous, and the car became unstable, wobbling around. Later, I discovered that water had gotten into the hydraulic fluid, turning it milky white, which can cause internal parts to rust and damage the steering pump and tie rods. I immediately went to a repair shop for inspection, and the mechanic said the fluid needed to be replaced and the system cleaned, or else the entire steering gear could be ruined. So after driving through water, it’s best to test the steering wheel multiple times, listen for unusual sounds, and address any issues promptly—don’t overlook small details.
