How to Fix a Power Steering Pump Hose Leak

A Power Steering Pump Hose Leak is defined as leakage of the steering fluid from any part of the hoses of the steering system. The hoses are made from rubber and are connected to the pump of the power steering using metal fittings. The leak can be a slow leak where some amount of fluid is leaking out slowly from any part of the hose, or a fast leak where larger amounts of fluid are leaking out. The effect of both the leaks is similar, the steering fluid is wasted and this will adversely affect the performance of the power steering and make it difficult to use the vehicle.

Leakage Detection

The Power Steering Pump Hose Leak in a vehicle is usually detected only if the performance of the vehicle is affected, and it become difficult to use the power steering. More power will be required to steer the vehicle in a particular direction. The leaked fluid will usually accumulate below the vehicle in the place where it is parked due to the force of gravity and form a puddle. In other cases, if the vehicle is being driven, the leaking fluid may burn and this will result in a burning smell. In any case, the vehicle user should not ignore the cause of the leakage, since it could cause a fire.

Leakage Cause

For fixing the Power Steering Pump Hose Leak it is important to find out the exact cause of the leak. In some cases for a slow leak, though the steering fluid may be leaking, it is difficult for the vehicle user to find out the exact point at which the leakage is taking place. This is because there are tiny holes and cracks in the rubber material in the hose due to shrinkage, dryness and hardening of the rubber. In other cases there may be a visible tear in the hose due to an accident, pests like rats biting the hose, or other reasons. In these cases, the fluid will be leaking very fast.

Slow Leak

Though only smaller amounts of steering fluid are lost when the Power Steering Pump Hose Leak is slow, it should not be ignored, since it can adversely affect the performance of the other components of the power steering. The slow leak is usually caused by holes, gaps or cracks in the rubber material and can be fixed inexpensively using a stop leak product. These tiny holes are often found in the portion where the metal fittings and connected to the rubber section. The stop leak product will fix the cracks and gaps in the hose by making the rubber soft and elastic again. The rubber will usually become softer in a few days.

Fast Leak

Vehicle users do not ignore Power Steering Pump Hose Leak if it is fast, because the fluid is emptied quickly.This is caused by a visible tear in the hose and the only solution to this leak is replacing the entire hose. First the vehicle user, should find a supplier for the replacement hose, based on the vehicle model number and brand. Then all the remaining fluid from the power steering should be drained, so that the damaged hose can be removed. The replacement hose should be fixed according to the instructions provided.

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