In most vehicle models, two types of steering are used: hydraulic power steering and electric power steering. Pressurized fluid is used in hydraulic systems as the medium to provide steering assistance.
This steering pressure fluid transfers the pressure that is required to steer the wheel. Power steering fluid helps to reduce the amount of force needed to turn the steering wheel. When the power steering fluid becomes low than a specified limit, it produces different symptoms.
Power steering fluids help to ensure the smooth operation of the steering wheel system. It lubricates and cools the several moving parts of the steering system, prevents wear and tear, and helps to ensure the efficient functioning of the system.
With time, a leak may appear in the hydraulic power steering system, which results in low fluid levels. The low level of the power steering fluid shows several symptoms that should be fixed as early as possible. This article describes the low power steering fluid symptoms, causes, and how to fix it.
Signs of Low Power Steering Fluid
When the power steering fluid becomes lower than a specified level, your steering system produces one or more of the below-given symptoms:
- Illuminated check engine light
- Irresponsive power steering system
- Heavy steering at low speed
- Steering wheel locks
- Vibration in the steering wheel
- Steering noise
- Low power steering fluid in the reservoir
1) Illuminated Check Engine Light
Your vehicle’s check engine light may illuminate due to low power steering fluid. Your vehicle’s computer monitors the power steering fluid level in the steering fluid reservoir using different sensors. When it monitors that the fluid level is lower than a specified limit, it triggers the check engine light to alert the driver.
2) Irresponsive Power Steering System
An irresponsive power steering system is one of the clear symptoms of insufficient power steering fluid. If your power steering system is not responding, there’s a good chance that your vehicle doesn’t have power steering fluid or it is very low.
3) Heavy Steering at Low Speed
The low level of steering fluid results in the exertion of more force to manage the steering wheel; this is one of the most common symptoms of the low power steering fluid level. In this condition, the wheel feels heavier, and the driver has to exert more effort when turning the steering wheel. That is because the fluid that transfers power is insufficient and is not performing well.
4) Steering Wheel Locks
The steering lock can be irritating while driving. Whenever air enters the steering system due to the low power steering fluid level, your steering wheel becomes even harder to steer. This issue only produces because of insufficient fluid pressure.
Similar problems can arise due to dirty power steering. The dirty steering increases the resistance, and as a result, the temperature increases, which results in declining pressure in the steering system.
5) Vibration in Steering Wheel
The vibration in the steering wheel is one of the famous symptoms of bad wheel alignment, but sometimes vibration in the steering wheel may originate due to low power steering fluid.
In the case of low power steering fluid, the underperforming steering is not felt much at high speeds, but you can feel it more clearly at slow speeds. That is because, the steering assistance (i.e., in the form of kinetic energy) is provided to the steering system due to the high speed.
6) Steering Noise
A squeaking sound while turning the steering wheel is one of the clear signs of the low power steering fluid. If you hear the squashing sound more often, that can be due to the low fluid level or the faulty steering pump. This noise is mainly created by the steering pump, which is badly affected by the low steering fluid levels.
Power steering fluid is crucial to lubricating and cooling the pump, as your steering system demands significant energy to operate. If the fluid is insufficient or lacking, the pump may experience grinding, leading to a sound that can be mistaken for originating from the steering wheel. Additionally, this issue can result in whining sounds during turns.
7) Low fluid level in the reservoir
Make a habit of checking the power steering fluid level during your regular vehicle maintenance. While checking, if you notice the low fluid levels frequently, then you have to search for leaks or any other issues to fix them as early as possible.
Read More: How to change Power Steering Fluid
Causes of Low Power Steering Fluid
- Fluid leaks: The low power steering level is usually caused by leaks in the steering system of the vehicle. Leaks may originate in different parts of the steering system, like hoses, connections, seals, and the steering pump. The power steering fluid is reddish in color and becomes darker with time. If you find maroon drops beneath the car, this may indicate a power steering fluid leak.
- Damaged or cracked reservoir: The power steering fluid is present in the reservoir. The pumps get the fluid from the reservoir and send it to various components of your steering system. The leak or damage in the reservoir results in the fluid leak and low fluid level.
- Worn or damaged components: With the passage of time, the internal components of the power steering system may wear out. These damages can result in the loss of the power steering fluid and low levels of fluid in the reservoir. Hoses, pumps, and seals are the components that usually get worn out or damaged with time.
- Wrong type of fluid: The use of an incompatible fluid can result in an abrupt drop in fluid levels. Carefully use the proper steering fluid type as per the make and model of your car. You can find the exact type of fluid in the car’s manual, or you can consult the owner for this purpose.
- Poor maintenance: Not checking the levels of the power steering fluids on a regular basis may result in low levels of the steering fluid. You should check the fluid reservoir regularly and refill it if needed.
- Air in the system: Sometimes, air enters the steering system, resulting in a spongy steering wheel. That spongy steering wheel can give the impression of a low power steering fluid level, although the fluid is filled.
Can I use water instead of power steering fluid?
No, it is not recommended to use water instead of the steering fluid. Water can cause serious damage to the internal components of the steering wheel, and it can further increase the risk while driving. It is always recommended to use compatible power steering fluid. Listed below are the reasons for not using water as an alternative to the power steering fluid:
- Lubrication: The main purpose of the power steering fluid is to lubricate the internal parts of the steering system, like valves, seals, and the steering pump. Water does not provide lubrication to the internal parts, which will eventually cause permanent damage to the internal parts of the steering system.
- Viscosity: The power steering fluid has a proper viscosity to maintain the pressure in the steering system. Water does not possess that viscosity level and cannot provide that level of performance to the steering, which results in a stuck and unresponsive steering wheel.
- Corrosion: The major concern is rust. Water results in the corrosion of the internal parts of the steering wheel, which leads to wear and system failure.
- Freezing and boiling: The freezing point of the water is higher, and the boiling point is lower than that of the steering fluid. In extreme temperatures, water may freeze and boil, resulting in the loss of the steering control.
- Compatibility with seals and hoses: It is always recommended to use compatible fluid for the steering system. That fluid should be compatible with the seals and hoses of the steering system. In the case of water, these components may swell, degrade, and cause damage.
For the suitable fluid type for your car, you can consult the car’s manual. If there is a problem with the steering system of the car, call a professional for help.
FAQ Section
Is it dangerous to drive with low power steering fluid?
Yes, it is very dangerous to drive with low-power steering fluid. It is never recommended to drive with low-power steering fluid. This fluid helps to lubricate the parts and acts as a cooling agent. With low fluid levels, the lubrication and cooling of the steering system will both be compromised, resulting in damage to the internal components of the steering system. This will cause the steering system to malfunction. If the pump seizes, the steering belt may burn.
What causes weak power steering?
There are several reasons for weak power steering. Blocked hoses, fluid leaks, pump malfunctions, dirty power fluid, and a damaged steering belt are all factors that contribute to the weakness of the steering system.
What happens if the power steering fluid is low?
Your power steering system relies on a pump to circulate the power steering fluid, enabling effortless steering. When fluid levels are low, air may be introduced into the steering mechanism, causing unusual noises during steering wheel rotation. To avoid this issue, simply refill the power steering fluid reservoir as needed.
Does power steering fluid affect brakes?
No, the power steering fluid doesn’t directly affect the brakes because they are separate systems. However, using the wrong fluid in either system may badly damage the system. Therefore, it is necessary to use the correct fluid for each respective system.
How long does the power steering fluid last?
There are no hard and fast rules for the power steering fluid replacement. It is recommended to replace the power steering fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or as recommended by your car’s manufacturer. In the case of some vehicles, manufacturer recommendations can go even higher or lower than this range.
Is it normal to lose power steering fluid?
No, it’s not normal for your car to lose power steering fluid. A low fluid level means there’s a leak somewhere in the power steering system that you need to address.
What are the signs of low power steering fluid?
- Illuminated check engine light
- Irresponsive power steering system
- Heavy steering at low speed
- Steering wheel locks
- Vibration in the steering wheel
- Steering noise
- Low power steering fluid in the reservoir
Can low power steering fluid cause shaking?
Yes, low power steering fluid may cause shaking. A low fluid level may cause an increase in the steering system’s friction which leads to vibrations while steering the wheel. Therefore, it is vital to inspect and maintain proper fluid levels to ensure smooth steering.
Can I drive with low power steering fluid?
It is not recommended to drive with insufficient power steering fluid because it may cause damage to the power steering rack, steering pump, and other parts. However, you can drive for a short distance in an emergency.