I. How to Repair a Leaking Steering Gear
1. Replace Seals and Oil Seals
Inspect the steering gear cover, side end covers, and steering shaft crank arm connections. If the seals in these areas are aged or damaged, replacing them with new oil seals and seals will solve the leak.
2. Repair the Housing
If the leak is from other parts, it may be due to pinholes or cracks in the housing. In this case, use a high-penetration sealant to seal these small leaks.
3. Replace the Steering Gear Assembly
If the leak persists after replacing the gaskets and applying sealant, it may be due to severe wear on components such as the steering gear bearings. In this case, the entire steering gear assembly may need to be replaced.
4. Check the Power Steering System
Sometimes steering gear leaks are caused by malfunctions in the power steering system. Therefore, it is also necessary to check whether there are any problems with the power steering pump, belts, and other components.
5. Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for any vehicle, including inspecting and cleaning the steering gear. This can prevent problems such as steering gear leaks caused by long-term neglect of maintenance.
II. Consequences of Ignoring a Leaking Power Steering Gear
Ignoring a leaking power steering gear can lead to the following consequences:
- Unstable steering while driving, increased steering wheel free play, and difficulty in returning the steering wheel to its original position.
- Understeering, severe understeering, or oversteering, causing frequent veering and significantly affecting normal driving.
Severe steering wheel vibration, wobbly steering, heavy steering, and abnormal noises from the power steering gear.
In short, a leaking power steering gear severely impacts safe driving and the driving experience; the effects are more pronounced at higher speeds. The electronic power steering system may also malfunction, making steering extremely difficult.
III. Can You Still Drive a Car with a Leaking Power Steering Gear?
Power steering fluid leaks are a common problem that pose a serious threat to driving safety, rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive. The power steering system is a critical component for vehicle safety. If a leak is detected, the vehicle should be taken to a repair shop for inspection immediately. If the leak is severe, the power steering fluid will deplete rapidly, causing the steering wheel to lose power assist, become heavy and difficult to turn, creating a significant safety hazard. Therefore, if you discover a power steering fluid leak, you should stop immediately and seek professional repair services to ensure driving safety.
IV. Does a Power Steering Fluid Leak Always Require Replacement?
A power steering fluid leak doesn’t necessarily require replacement. It depends on the severity of the leak. If the leak is minor, you can simply top up the fluid regularly, provided it’s safe to do so. However, if the leak is severe, it’s recommended to replace the power steering gear.