Problems associated with low power steering fluid…
Hard Vehicle Steering
A low power steering fluid level can often times cause a vehicle's steering to become hard and labored. Adequate amounts of power steering fluid are necessary to enable a vehicle's power steering system to function and operate at optimum levels. A lack of power steering fluid in a vehicle's power steering system reduces the amount of hydraulic fluid pressure necessary to efficiently operating the various parts of the entire power steering system. Power steering fluid supplies the fluid force needed to operate the power steering gears and to enable power steering gearbox operation. Low power steering fluid levels reduce this hydraulic pressure, which commonly results in hard vehicle steering.
Pump Noise
It is very common for a low power steering fluid level to cause significant power steering pump noise. An adequate amount of power steering fluid is required to ensure the proper function and longevity of a power steering pump unit, which is a belt-driven pump responsible for housing and circulating power steering pump fluid. A low level of power steering fluid results in increased power steering pump friction, heat, and wear, all of which can significantly reduce the operational life of the power steering pump while at the same time cause excessive power steering pump noise.
Fluid Boiling
Many times a low power steering fluid level can result in excessive heating of power steering fluid, a condition that can seriously degrade the fluid and cause it to boil. A low power steering fluid level results in less available fluid to both lubricate and cool a power steering pump unit. A lack of power steering pump lubrication and cooling leads to excessive heat being generated within the power steering pump unit itself, a condition that translates into the available level of power steering fluid becoming super-heated and degraded. When this happens it is common for the power steering fluid to boil and lose all of its lubricating and heat-reducing capabilities.
Gearbox Wear
The power steering gearbox is a set of gears within a vehicle's power steering system designed to facilitate movement of a vehicle's front wheels. The power steering gearbox is connected to the power steering pump by hydraulic fluid lines that deliver a constant supply of power steering fluid to the power steering gearbox. A low power steering fluid level, especially a chronic and severe low power steering fluid level, can lead to increased friction and wear within the power steering gearbox assembly, a condition that can significantly shorten the operational life of the power steering gearbox and negatively affect its operation
SOURCE: I beleive the power steering fluid is leaking
The leak can be from the power steering pump, hose or rack. You must visually inspect it to locate the leak. Jack up the vehicle, place on safety stands, block rear wheels, check directly above the puddle of fluid, which could be traveling some distance before it gets to the point where it's dripping on the ground forming the puddle. Get a mirror on an extending handle at a parts store to help you trace the leak to it's source. So, to answer your question, the leak can be caused by a bad (loose) connection, a split in a line, a bad seal, etc. You have to track down the source to determine what needs to be repaired, replaced, or tightened to stop the leak. If you have the tools and determination to fix it, you can. Once you find out where it is leaking (and if it is in fact the power steering) you can post for more assistance, and it would probably be a good idea to purchase a repair manual to help guide you for this repair and future projects.
SOURCE: 1997 FORD EXPLORER STEERING IS JERKY EVEN AT LOW SPEEDS
Bad steering rack.
Had you flushed the P/S Fluid,every couple years,you could have avoided an expensive repair!
SOURCE: power steering is stiff, if fluid is low can that
The tank has a green reservoir cap usually. The cap will also tell you if you are to use hydrualic oil to refill. The brand name is Peltosin and is sold at CarQuest etc. It is expensive, about $15-$20 per liter. You do NOT want to mix power steering fluid (ATF fluid) with hydrualic fluid. Make sure you know what your car requires and make the adjustment to the level as you need. Don't over fill, and keep the fluid from spilling on any painted surfaces etc. Wash with soap and water immediately if you happen to spill. The low level can be the cause of the hard steering, but also make sure the belt is tight and in good condition. It is a good idea to check tire air pressures too. Keep them above 30psi om 14" wheels, and higher as the wheel size increases. If you have 15" or 16" use 34-36psi for better handling and less burden on the power steering system. If the fluid is leaking out on your garage floor, you have a bad hose or pump seal, but the steering rack seals could be leaking. If any of these are the problem, get tha leak fixed asap, and keep the reservoir full so that you don't burn up the pump.
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