![]() LEAK CHECKS Normally, the end bellows on a steering rack should contain little or no power steering fluid. But if the bellows are still intact and tight, you might not see any obvious signs of leakage. If the leak is really bad and the bellows are cracked or loose, you’ll probably see fluid dripping from the rack and the bellows will be wet. Leaky end seals may or may not leave telltale stains on the outside of the rubber or plastic bellows. Power racks typically leak at one or both ends where the rack bar passes through the end seals, at the pinion input shaft seal, and/or internally in the spool valve housing. If the fluid level is low, a complete and thorough visual inspection of the entire power steering system should be undertaken to determine where the fluid is going. The level should always be checked any time a steering complaint is noted. The level should remain the same regardless of the age of the vehicle or how many miles on the odometer – unless, of course, the system is leaking.Ĭhecking the power steering fluid reservoir regularly (as when changing oil or doing other underhood maintenance) is a good way to catch leaks early on before they cause additional problems. ![]() Normally, the power steering system should not use any fluid. If the fluid level gets too low, the pump may suck in air causing noise and a loss of power assist. Or, the vehicle owner may notice the fluid inside the power steering pump reservoir keeps disappearing. WHEN TROUBLE STARTS The first sign of leakage may be a telltale stain in the driveway. In a turn, pressure can climb to as much as 700 psi or higher depending on how much assist is needed. Normal operating pressures within a power rack generally do not exceed 150 psi when the wheels are straight ahead. This provides power assist and helps push the rack bar in the desired direction. A piston on the rack bar divides the chamber into two halves, and pressure is channeled into one side or the other depending on which way the driver is turning. When the driver turns the steering wheel, the spool valves open ports that direct pressure to a hydraulic chamber around the rack. When high pressure fluid from the power steering pump enters a steering rack, it is routed through “spool valves” connected to the steering column.
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