Posted under Car Maintenance

Power steering is one of the most important systems in your vehicle, helping you maintain control of the vehicle and keep it safely on the road. That means that any problems with your power steering system can be serious—including a power steering fluid leak. 

If you’ve found a steering fluid leak on your vehicle, you understandably have a lot of questions. So Jiffy Lube® is here with the answers you need.

Q: WHY IS POWER STEERING IMPORTANT, ANYWAY?

Answer: Simply put, power steering makes it easier for you to operate your vehicle. It helps provide control on both curves and straightaways and assists you in making sudden moves if needed. (If you’ve ever quickly swerved to avoid another vehicle or even a runaway shopping cart, you can thank your power steering system.) To make this possible, the power steering system needs an ample supply of power steering fluid. Without enough fluid, your vehicle may not handle as well or turn as easily, which increases your chances of getting into an accident. So what does this fluid look like? The power steering fluid color is typically clear, or slightly tinted red—and if you see it leaking from your vehicle, it means you need to take action.

Q: WHY IS MY POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING?

Answer: Like the other systems in your vehicle, the power steering system simply ages and degrades over time. As you put more miles on your vehicle, the O-rings and seals in the power steering system lose flexibility, and tiny bits of the seals end up in the fluid. It’s also common for the supply and pressure hoses to develop holes as they age. If any of these components begin to fail, a leak can begin to develop, and you may see that telltale fluid on your driveway or garage floor. It could also be your power steering pump leaking. Regardless of the cause, a power steering fluid leak requires professional attention right away.

Q: CAN MY POWER STEERING STOP LEAK ON ITS OWN?

Answer:  Once your power steering system begins to leak fluid, the problem won’t stop until it’s repaired. And while a vehicle can technically still operate with a power steering fluid leak, it’s risky for you, other drivers, and the health of your vehicle. As your system runs dry of fluid, you’ll notice that your turns are not as smooth and the vehicle is veering wider than you expect. Meanwhile, inside your vehicle, heat and internal friction will increase which has the potential to cause greater and more costly damage. 

So as soon as you notice a leak, the best course of action is to visit a Jiffy Lube® service center immediately. While the repair may cost a few hundred dollars, it’s worth it to ensure your family’s safety and the safety of others on the road. 

Q: HOW MUCH DOES A POWER STEERING LEAK REPAIR COST?

Answer: The average power steering fluid leak costs between $500 and $650 to repair. The exact price will depend on the specific parts that are failing. You may need to replace only a single component, or the entire system. 

Here are a few common power steering repair cost breakdowns. (Keep in mind that your repair will usually require both parts and labor):

  • Total power steering system replacement: $500-$650
  • Hose replacement: $60-$150
  • Power steering pump leaking repair: $200-$220
  • Power steering line leak: $60 to $150
  • Pressure valve replacement: About $10
  • Labor: $40-$200 per hour

Of course, the power steering leak fix may also be as simple as pouring a low-cost additive into the fluid reservoir. These products, often called power steering stop leak additives, can fix the issue without mechanical repairs. Talk to the trained technicians at your local Jiffy Lube® to see if power steering stop leak additives can fix the issue, or if another repair is needed.

Q: WHAT HAPPENS DURING A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK INSPECTION?

Answer: When you bring your vehicle to any Jiffy Lube® location, the technicians will ask you a few questions to learn more about your driving style and the leak that you’ve noticed. Then they’ll begin a process to identify the leak and offer a solution:

  • Technicians will check your power steering fluid level 
  • They will visually inspect the power steering system 
  • Service options with be presented (if necessary)
  • Technicians will top off your power steering fluid using the manufacturer-specified fluid

At Jiffy Lube®, you don’t just get the right repairs to fix your problem. We also follow your manufacturer’s recommended processes to help extend the life of your vehicle and help you get the proper performance. If you’re experiencing a power steering fluid leak or any other issue, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the friendly technicians at your local Jiffy Lube®.

Jiffy Lube technician propping up a vehicle hood before inspecting the car engine

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Here is a comprehensive list of Jiffy Lube fluid services designed to help keep your car running smooth. 

Next time you have a “how-to” car question, please check back here at the Tips in a Jiffy blog. 

Please note: Not all services are offered at each Jiffy Lube® location. Please check with your local Jiffy Lube® service center or visit jiffylube.com for specific services offered.