Troubleshooting Your Hydraulic Power Steering Gear

Hydraulic power steering gears are robust, often lasting over 100,000 miles. However, because they operate under high pressure (often exceeding 1,000 PSI) and rely on fluid dynamics, they are susceptible to specific types of failure.

If your vehicle is exhibiting symptoms, here is how to identify if the hydraulic gear is the culprit:

1. The Dreaded “Morning Sickness”
If your steering feels incredibly heavy when you first start the car on a cold morning but gets easier as the engine warms up, your steering gear’s internal seals are likely worn. As the fluid heats and expands, it temporarily seals the gaps, masking the problem.

2. Fluid Leaks (Red or Brown Puddles)
The number one enemy of hydraulic gears is seal failure. Check the bellows (rubber boots) at the ends of the rack. If they are ballooned with fluid or dripping, the internal high-pressure seals have failed. Leaking fluid leads to loss of assist and pump damage.

3. Whining and Groaning
While a whining noise often points to the pump, it can also indicate air trapped inside the steering gear assembly. If the gear allows air to enter the system due to poor sealing, the fluid becomes aerated, causing a distinct groaning sound when turning the wheel.

The Fix:
Stop-leak additives are temporary bandages. Once internal seals are compromised or the rack shaft is scored, the only safe solution is replacing the unit with a remanufactured or new hydraulic steering gear.