What to Do If the Car Steering Gear Is Leaking Oil?
2 Answers
If the steering gear has a slight oil leak, it is a normal phenomenon and does not require repair. Regularly check the power steering fluid to avoid low fluid levels. Steering gear oil leaks are generally caused by aging seals. If the leak is severe, the traditional repair solution at a 4S shop is usually to replace the entire assembly. Below is relevant information about steering gear oil leaks: 1. More than 90% of steering gear oil leaks are caused by seal corrosion and aging. This is especially true for cars over three years old, as rubber seals lose plasticizers due to prolonged exposure to alternating temperature changes, causing the material to harden and lose elasticity. In severe cases, the seals may even crack, leading to oil leaks. In such cases, replacing the seals is sufficient, and there is no need to replace the entire steering gear assembly. 2. Steering gear oil typically needs to be replaced every 2-3 years or after the car has been driven 40,000-50,000 kilometers. Deteriorated steering gear oil can easily cause system instability, and the corrosive effect of deteriorated oil is very strong, particularly on rubber seals. While a steering gear oil leak may seem minor, the consequences of power steering failure leading to steering malfunction can be very serious. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate all potential safety hazards.
Last time I drove my car, I also encountered a power steering fluid leak issue. At first, I didn't pay much attention, but the steering wheel became increasingly heavy and difficult to turn. Upon closer inspection, I noticed oil stains near the hydraulic lines. I immediately checked the power steering fluid reservoir level and found it was slightly low, so I quickly topped up the steering fluid, but this wasn't a permanent solution. For safety reasons, I didn't dare to continue driving and had a friend tow the car to a repair shop. The mechanic inspected it and said the seal ring had aged, so I spent 200 yuan to replace it with a new one. Looking back now, I recommend everyone regularly check the power steering fluid reservoir. If you notice the fluid level dropping or see oil stains, be alert. Additionally, avoid sharp turns during normal driving to reduce stress on the steering system, which can delay leakage problems. It's best to have the shop check the seal condition during your biannual maintenance—don't wait until there's severe leakage to address it.
