Power Steering Gearbox Leak— What’s Wrong and How to Fix It?

Nothing beats being able to control your car smoothly while on the road. Imagine going through those sharp curves and being able to turn your vehicle like a pro.

Every driver's favorite part of a ride is putting their hands on the wheel and becoming the master of the course. And even if you had to make the slightest littlest turns in a narrow parking slot, you will never have any other friend but your precisely working steering gearbox.

But if there is any more neglected part on the vehicle, it would be this mechanism under your steering wheel. And when it comes to taking care of the vehicle, many of us pay more attention to other car parts than the power steering system.

The steering gearbox, which should last your vehicle lifetime, goes through some wear and tear too. But when you start feeling the steering wheel getting tighter than usual, the gearbox grinding noises, and some puddle building up under the gearbox, you have got to admit that this part that you always use has not been taken care of properly.

This article will tackle the steering gearbox leaking problems and how to fix them.

What is a Power Steering Gearbox?

The power steering gearbox is a mechanism that takes and converts the driver's rotary input from the steering wheel into an angular movement to turn the front wheels left and right. This mechanism comprises universal joints, shafts (main and intermediate), and a steering gearbox or rack.

Another function of the steering gearbox is to minimize the driver's effort in maneuvering the vehicle and provide mechanical advantage. To do this, the system utilizes hydraulic pressure utilizing a pump that releases force when steering the wheel. Some cars use an electric pump for this function.

There are four gearbox types. They are the worm and roller, worm and sector, rack and pinion, and recirculating ball steering mechanism. Most modern cars use rack and pinion today.

What is a Power Steering Gearbox Leak?

A power steering gearbox leak happens when the system loses hydraulic pressure due to leaking power steering fluid.

• What does a Power Steering Fluid Do?

Like other parts of a vehicle, your power steering system needs lubrication so the moving parts would sustain less friction. Also, it reduces the effort to turn the wheels. The fluid helps contain foaming. Also, the power steering fluid keeps the power steering gearbox and steering pump in shape by preventing corrosion, allowing them to work optimally.

• What Causes PS Gearbox Leak?

PS Gearbox leak arises from conditions when there are low levels of fluid. Being hydraulically powered, your steering should not get lower levels of steering liquid until there is a leak.

Here are the possible reasons your gearbox may leak:

• The lines and hoses may crack because they are rubber.
• Loose connections let the fluid escape and drip out of the system.
• The seals or gaskets between the gearbox or rack and steering column may dry out, crack, shrink, or fall out of their place.

Also, be weary if you know that your vehicle is aging. Its seals and O-rings may easily break down with more mileage driven. These components could float and flow with your steering fluid when broken.

What Happens if My PS Gearbox Keeps Leaking?

The worst that could happen when your power steering gearbox keeps leaking is to end up with an accident. When you have a leaking gearbox, you will not know the difference on a straight drive until you have to turn the wheel with tremendous effort.

So here's what will happen when you drive with a leaking gearbox:

• Your gearbox may overheat

Because the gearbox has low fluid levels, the movements inside the gearbox could potentially increase heat due to friction.

• Hydraulic fluid may boil

When you have broken gaskets and seals, it tends to flow with the fluid and cause blockage. The blockage will prompt the pump to purge and create more pressure. When the pump is overworking like this, it increases the pressure and causes the hydraulic fluid to boil. This formula would boil at 180°F. And when it does, you may smell something burning.

• Your gears may crack or break

With low oil fluid levels, gears drying up, plus continuous movements, the gear's components and parts may break. This incident is pretty crucial if the breakage happens when you are driving.

• Increased effort to maneuver

With normal oil levels, you can turn your steering wheel with minimal effort. With low levels of hydraulic fluid, the system lacks added power to turn the steering wheel. You may need to exert more effort in turning the wheel before your car curves to the left or right.

How To Find Out If Your Power Steering Gearbox is Leaking?

Here are the signs that your power steering gearbox is leaking:

• Burning Smell

A burning smell is the most obvious sign of PD gearbox leakage. It means that the gearbox is overheating and the oil is burning. In cases like this, driving your car with an overheating gearbox would be unsafe. Park your vehicle in a safe space, let your car cool down, and call your trusted mechanic.

• Grinding noise

With the absence of enough lubrication, the metal components in the gearbox dry out. They rub each other, and the clanking noise between metal parts is audible. The gearbox produces this noise every time you try to turn the wheel.

• Tighter steering wheel

A smooth-turning steering wheel means there is enough hydraulic pressure. But the lack of it means your steering wheel is weak, and you may have to move it harder before turning the front wheels.

• Puddle of leaking oil

You would find leaks in-between connections or under the gearbox itself. If the puddle is pink or red and under the rear side of the engine, the fluid could be burning.

• The steering wheel won't return to the center

Typically, your steering wheel should automatically return to its center position after making a turn. But with leaking oil, it will not return to its original position. With this state, it can pose a danger when driving.

Should I Keep Driving When My PS Gearbox is Leaking?

Technically, you can drive your car even if your steering gearbox is leaking. But you can only go on a straight road. And doing so is dangerous because, at one point, you will have to turn your car.

When you smell burnt oil, the gearbox is overheating, or the steering wheel has gone out of control, you are not only putting your life and vehicle at risk. You can also pose a danger to nearby surroundings and other vehicles.

The first thing to do is stop your car at bay where it is safe, then call your trusted mechanic. You will never want to get caught in the middle of driving with the uncontrollable steering wheel.

How Long Can I Drive with a Leaking Steering Gearbox?

If you're driving with a badly leaking steering gearbox and filled it with 14 oz fluid, you may be able to cover additional 400 miles. However, this can be uncomfortable as you feel like driving with a locked-up steering wheel.

However, if you are driving with a dried pump, your gearbox should fail within minutes. You may end up with an overheating gearbox or a torn serpentine belt.

How Can I Fix Leak in PS Gearbox?

Unfortunately, repairing the power steering gearbox is not a DIY thing. It's not as simple as replacing other gaskets in your engine.

In most cases, your car will undergo a power steering flush. In this method, your technician will drain old liquid and replace it with new to keep the system free of debris.

Your technician would also inspect your entire system o look for significant wear and tear on components like hoses and valves. They may have to bleed the steering lines and fill up the pump to its capacity.

However, if the wear and tear are in your gearbox, you have no choice but to replace it or rebuild it.

How much does Replacing a Power Steering Gearbox Cost?

It depends on the performed job, replaced parts, car model, and the state where you reside. Labor costs may vary. Your technician may perform the following:

• Total replacement of the power steering system
• Repair of the power steering pump
• Replacement of pressure valve
• Gearbox replacement

Our rough estimate would range from $300 to $1000.

How to Prevent Leak in Power Steering Gearbox?

The power steering system may start showing failures at over 100,000 miles for most vehicles. But did you know that your PS gearbox could last the lifetime of your car when maintained properly?

You only have to keep it running with fresh and clean fluid by flushing the old liquid at intervals advised by your manufacturer.

Remember, there's nothing like driving with smooth steering. A steering gearbox in good condition is the key to mastering the sharpest turns, corners, and curves.