What is the problem with severe overheating of power steering fluid?

[MacNaomi]

Oil pipe overheating is caused by excessive load. Below is relevant information about the steering gear: Introduction: The automobile steering gear, also known as the steering mechanism or steering box, is the most important component in the automobile steering system. Its function is to amplify the force transmitted from the steering wheel to the steering linkage and to change the direction of force transmission. Rack and pinion steering gear: This is the most common type of steering gear. Its basic structure consists of a pair of meshing pinion and rack. When the steering shaft drives the pinion to rotate, the rack moves in a straight line. Sometimes, the rack directly drives the tie rod to turn the steering wheels. Worm and sector steering gear: This is a steering gear with a worm as the driving part and a sector as the driven part. The worm has trapezoidal threads, and the finger-like tapered pin is supported by bearings on the sector, which is integrated with the steering rocker arm shaft.

[MacEmerson]

Severe overheating of power steering fluid can have several causes, which I often encounter during car repairs. The most common issues are a faulty or worn-out oil pump, leading to poor fluid circulation and friction-generated heat; insufficient or contaminated fluid can also increase resistance and raise temperatures; air entering the system causes significant heat when bubbles compress. Additionally, excessive resistance in the steering column or tie rods, such as from sharp turns or heavy loads, can overload the fluid continuously. I recommend first checking the fluid level and quality, replacing it promptly if needed. If the problem persists, inspect the pump or flush the system. Otherwise, overheating fluid may smoke, leak, or even ignite, posing serious hazards. Untreated, steering failure could lead to accidents, so it's crucial to have a professional shop diagnose the issue.

[DeKate]

Experienced heavy steering on long drives with a burning oil smell? That's severe power steering fluid overheating. I've been there – low or old, dirty fluid overheats easily. Prolonged high-speed driving or frequent turns also ramp up the heat. Don't ignore it – overheating reduces steering efficiency, making driving laborious and awkward. Now I routinely change fluids and inspect the pump for wear. If this happens, pull over to cool down – never force it. Safety first. Have a mechanic diagnose the root cause to save money and avoid major repairs.

[StBraxton]

As a car owner learning DIY repairs, I found that power steering fluid overheating is often caused by poor oil quality or system blockages. When the oil can't dissipate heat during circulation, it's prone to temperature rise. Other causes include air entering the system, leading to increased friction; external high temperatures combined with driving pressure make it worse. I've tried replacing the fluid and bleeding the air, which improved the situation significantly. The principle is simple: the oil cools through circulation, and any obstruction generates heat. It's recommended to regularly check fluid levels and maintain system cleanliness to prevent issues.