Why are there bubbles and severe oil churning in the power steering fluid reservoir?
3 Answers
The presence of bubbles and severe oil churning in the power steering fluid reservoir indicates an air leak in the hydraulic system. Typically, air leaks occur where the oil exits. Please inspect and replace the sealing components. Hydraulic transmission offers the following advantages: The working fluid can be transported through pipes to any location; the arrangement of actuators is not restricted by orientation, and the transmission mechanism can be flexibly and conveniently arranged with the help of oil pipe connections; hydraulic transmission can convert the rotary motion of the prime mover into linear motion; it can easily achieve stepless speed regulation; load control, speed control, and direction control are easily implemented, as are centralized control, remote control, and automatic control; hydraulic transmission operates smoothly without vibration; it provides good lubrication conditions, which can improve the reliability and service life of hydraulic components; hydraulic components are conducive to standardization, serialization, and generalization. Solutions for air leaks in hydraulic systems: Inspect and properly adjust the pressure relief valve, and replace the piston rod with a brand new one.
Last time, the power steering fluid reservoir in my car was bubbling excessively, with the entire reservoir of fluid churning like it was boiling, which really made me worried. Later, I had an experienced mechanic check it, and he said air had gotten into the steering system. This situation is mostly caused by low power steering fluid level, where the pump sucks in air along with the fluid, creating bubbles. It could also be due to loose seals in the pipe connections or a clogged vent hole in the reservoir cap, causing abnormal pressure inside the reservoir. If you recently changed the power steering fluid, it’s likely that air wasn’t properly bled out after the fluid change. These bubbles not only make steering heavier but also accelerate pump wear. In severe cases, the steering wheel may make clunking noises. I recommend checking the fluid level and seals immediately—don’t let a small issue turn into a big problem.
The power steering fluid reservoir in my old car often has bubbles, with the fluid looking like it's been through a blender. This condition actually indicates an abnormal operation in the steering system. If the power steering pump is severely worn, cavitation occurs during operation, tearing the fluid and creating a large number of bubbles. Additionally, a collapsed hose or a filter screen clogged with debris can obstruct fluid flow, causing vortices and foam. Using substandard steering fluid or aged/deteriorated fluid with reduced anti-foaming properties will make the churning more noticeable. The most troublesome part is that increased bubbles affect hydraulic transmission efficiency, making the steering wheel feel particularly heavy and causing the fluid temperature to rise more rapidly. In such cases, it's crucial to bleed the air promptly and replace the pump if necessary.
