Most will have marks on the exterior for min or max fill. To check your fluid level, open your hood and look near the top right of the engine bay for the fluid reservoir. The next sign of a fluid leak is the fluid sitting below the min fill line on the reservoir. Try to make a habit of checking your power steering fluid level at each oil change If you notice brown fluid that isn’t oil, open the power steering fluid reservoir and check the color of the fluid. Power steering fluid is usually red, however it can be brown if the fluid gets contaminated. The first and most obvious is seeing fluid under the front of the engine bay. Power Steering Fluid LeakĪ power steering fluid leak can show itself in several different ways. That’s why it’s important to recognize the signs of a power steering system issue before it fails. A faulty system could go out at any moment making your car difficult to handle. Power steering failures can be more than just an inconvenience, it can also be a dangerous safety issue. The steering knuckles turn and pivot the two front wheels when the steering wheel is rotated. The tie rods connect the steering rack to the steering knuckles, and they assist with turning the wheels when you turn the steering wheel.ħ. Most reservoirs will have a max or min level of power steering fluid.Ħ. The Fluid Reservoir is located near the pump and it is easily visible when popping the hood. This functions to guide the steering components when turning the wheels.ĥ. Steering Arm connects to the wheel hub assembly. As the pinion rotates it pushes the rack in the appropriate direction.Ĥ. The pinion is a gear which rotates as you turn the steering wheel. The rack and pinion is a system of components that connects the steering wheel to the actual wheels. The pump fluid pressure and moves the power steering fluid through the system.ģ. The pump is usually either a gerotor or rotary vane pump. A pump, The pump is driven by a belt which is connected to the crankshaft. Power steering fluid is the fluid that puts pressure on the piston that ends up turning the wheels in the direction of the steering wheel.Ģ. The hydraulic system is composed of the following :ġ. The power steering system is a mechanical/hydraulic system that is directly connected to the steering wheel. Power Steering systems are common in trucks, suvs, and many cars. This system multiplies the force you apply to the steering wheel, enabling your wheels and your vehicle to turn. Ever wonder why your car’s steering wheel is so easy to turn? Well its because of a power steering system.