Why is the power steering fluid reservoir spraying oil?
4 Answers
Possible causes for this phenomenon may include blockage in the power steering fluid lines. Solutions for power steering fluid blockage are as follows: Thorough Cleaning: When replacing the power steering fluid, start the car first and use a fluid extractor to remove all the old fluid. Inject new power steering fluid, then turn the steering wheel back and forth to allow the new fluid to circulate, which also serves as a cleaning process. Fluid Drainage: For thorough circulation, it's best to turn the steering wheel sharply left and right, then gently turn it left and right again. However, the purpose of turning the steering wheel back and forth is to expel the old fluid from the steering gear. Avoid holding the steering wheel at full lock for extended periods, as this can cause excessive fluid pressure and lead to fluid spraying out.
I've experienced the issue of power steering fluid spraying out from the reservoir, which was quite a headache to be honest. When I took it to the repair shop, they found three main problems: the fluid was overfilled beyond the maximum line, causing it to spray out when hot due to expansion; air had entered the power steering system, creating air resistance that led to fluid spraying under pressure; and the filter screen was clogged, preventing smooth fluid return. The mechanic taught me to first remove the excess fluid, then start the engine and slowly turn the steering wheel to bleed the air. If that didn't work, I'd have to remove the reservoir to clean the filter screen and check if the return line was kinked. A word of advice: don't continue driving with this issue. Last time I delayed the repair, it caused abnormal noise in the power steering pump, and I ended up spending several hundred more to replace parts.
Buddy, I get your situation. The most common reason for power steering fluid spraying out is overfilling, a frequent mistake made by repair shop workers. Another possibility is air trapped in the lines—when you turn the wheel, the bubbles burst and spray fluid. Here's a simple fix: Check the reservoir level when the engine is cold; if it's above the MAX line, remove some fluid. Then start the car and slowly turn the steering wheel left and right to bleed the air. If the filter screen at the bottom of the reservoir is clogged with sludge, it can also cause spraying, which requires disassembly for cleaning. Be aware that spraying fluid can dirty the engine bay and corrode rubber hoses, and worse, low fluid can damage the power steering pump. I recommend taking it to a professional shop for inspection—they can pinpoint the issue by testing the system with a pressure gauge.
I've also experienced power steering fluid reservoir spraying oil before, which scared me into stopping the car immediately. My car-savvy friend told me there are several main possibilities: overfilling the fluid is the most common reason, as the oil expands when hot and contracts when cold, causing overflow; air entering the system creates airlocks; or the return oil filter screen in the reservoir being clogged with debris. He advised me to first check if the fluid level exceeds the maximum mark, and if so, to use a syringe to remove the excess. Then, start the engine and slowly turn the steering wheel to bleed the air, being careful not to spill oil onto the belt. If it still sprays, consider cleaning the reservoir filter screen or checking if the oil hose is twisted or deformed. Don't take this lightly—continuing to drive could lead to heavier steering or even damage to the power steering pump.
