The power steering fluid overflowed and foamed out of the...


The power steering fluid overflowed and foamed out of the reservoir when I turned on my car. I just finished changing the alternator and had to move around the p/s reservoir to get the alternator out. I'm thinking air somehow mana...

The power steering fluid overflowed and foamed out of the reservoir when I turned on my car. I just finished changing the alternator and had to move around the p/s reservoir to get the alternator out. I'm thinking air somehow managed to get into the system. Thoughts? Mechanic's Assistant: When was the fluid last checked? Have you heard any whining noises while turning the wheel? No whining noises, but when it did foam I attempted to turn the wheel when the motor was on, and it DID NOT feel normal. Mechanic's Assistant: What is the make/model/year of your car? 2007 Acura TSX P/S system worked perfectly and flawlessly before this. Mechanic's Assistant: Are you fixing your TSX yourself? What have you tried so far? Yeah I am, I let it rest over night and the foam is gone. Although, the fluid level is still above the original mark it was at. I tried turning wheel without motor on to get any air out, but it is causing the fluid to overflow. Should I continue to do this? Mechanic's Assistant: Anything else you want the Mechanic to know before I connect you? Nothing I can think of, Thanks!

Automotive Expert
Hello and thank you for using JustAnswer. My name is \*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\* I will do my best to assist you. During this conversation you will be given an automated offer for a phone call. You may accept or decline that offer.I don’t personally offer this service so if you take this another tech may call I’m sorry that you’re having trouble with your vehicle. I will do my best to help you resolve them. Please understand that I do not know your knowledge or capabilities so I may need to ask questions to find out basic information to help solve your specific problem. My aim is to give you the best service possible and to help you. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Sometimes it may take a moment for me to respond because I may have to look up information about your concern. I appreciate your patience and will provide responses as soon as possible. Ok, if you have not done so, check to make sure you dont have any of the power steering hoses crimped or otherwise restricted, make sure that the serpentine belt has good tension on it. If ok, then I suspect some sediment got sloshed around and is restricting flow. Remove the lines to drain them and then blow out with compressed air. Blow out pump with compressed air. Reinstall lines, fill and bleed system Thanks for using Just Answer and letting me help you. I hope I provided what you needed. If you find more help is still needed, let me know by listing out any remaining questions you have on this concern. I hope the remainder of your day is well.

Awesome, I checked on the hoses multiple times when I turned the steering wheel back and forth several times without the motor on. Also, after each segment of turning, I checked the hoses and their connections for signs of a leak but did not find any.Another thing I forgot to mention is, when I turned the car on for the first time after replacing the alternator, there was a high pitch vacuum-leak sounding noise coming from the power steering pump. I have looked at forums all night, and many say it could be an O-Ring from the inlet hose on the power steering pump. What do you think about this?My knowledge is above average. I am a car enthusiast and have spent the last several years trying to learn everything I can about cars. Also, I am on my Junior year of studying Mechanical Engineering at Texas Tech.
Automotive Expert
HI, good engineering school. Got my degree from Georgia Tech. Anyway, it is possible that it could be the o-ring, but usually they leak, not restrict flow. Really think you got a restriction from sediment buildup.

Okay, cool. I'll try that out! Is there a time limit in which I can contact you next? Currently, I have a lot work to do today and will it be able to try your recommendation until tomorrow.Also, would you recommend flushing out the system if it turns out to be a sediment build up?
Automotive Expert
HI, no time limit. I am here everyday yes, I would go ahead and flush it.

Awesome, I'll let you know how it goes and if it fixes it! Thank you for your time, I really appreciate it!
Automotive Expert
you are welcome and sounds good

What others are asking

Car groaning when turning
Sometimes air can get sucked into the power steering lines and the bubbles going through the power steering pump. This causes the growling you are describing. I would suggest having a qualified mechanic diagnose the noise (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-making-a-noise-inspection) to ensure that...
There is noise when I go over bumpy road or uneven road.the noise only happen when the car left around 5-6 hours before driving
Your front struts may be worn out or have bad strut insulators that need to be replaced. The struts have a gas charge in them that, if too low, will not work correct until the strut is warmed up from...
Brake Lights don't work
If both of these features quit working at the same time, you may just have blown a fuse (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-fuse). If neither one of these are related, the problem may be two separate ones. The power locks are controlled by a...
The car won't start, it is completely unresponsive, the lights work fine
Have the system checked to see if something is loose or came loose on the accident and is only now showing up as a problem. The air bag module may be shorted causing a problem in the data buss of...
Grinding during shifting from third into fourth gear and reverse
Hello. There are some common issues with this car that will cause this. Most of the time, changing the oil in the transmission will help. If the fluid does not fix it, then it can be a failing clutch, as...
Rransmission slipping causing check engine light to come on hard shifting when warm only first gear is harsh
Hello. From what you describe it would appear that your vehicle may be experiencing some mild to serious transmission issues. If the Check Engine Light is on I would recommend retrieving the trouble codes, as they will likely shed some...
I have a 08 Chevy Equinox and 2 weeks ago I was driving and the traction control indicator light came on and suddenly all my clust
This problem is due to electrical connections on one or more computers in the vehicle. Try to disconnect and reconnect all the ECU,s one at a time and inspect the connectors for loose or corroded connections. The connections are known...
Car jerks while driving
The first thing to check for in any drivability problem is air leaks. Any air that gets into the engine without being measured will lean out the system and cause problems. Look at all the rubber hoses and boots under...
High temp in catalytic converter is it normal?
Nine hundred degrees F. is well within the normal operating temperature range of the catalytic converter. Temperatures within the converter can exceed 1,000 degrees F. or more in certain operating conditions. The post converter oxygen sensor, typically referred to as...