Q: Power steering fluid is overflowing from reservoir

asked by on January 25, 2017

My power steering pump started to whine when I started it this morning, I popped the hood to see the reservoir overflowing. I turned it off and cleaned up the lines to see if I could spot a leak. Seeing no leak I started it back up and turned the wheel from lock to lock and still no leak but I did get some blue smoke from the exaust

My car has 135000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

You need to check the return filter screen inside the reservoir for blockage with debris. You man need to clean it out. What happens is the returning fluid to the reservoir cannot drain back into the reservoir to be used by the pump motor fast enough and pump is starved for fluid and reservoir overflows.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Air conditioning leak
Hello. If your AC system is suddenly not blowing cold, then it may indeed be low due to a leak. In some cases, you can take a look at all of the AC system hoses and connections and if any...
Car is making weird nose from the front end
Hello there, the loose steering and brake pedal vibration can be caused by a few different items and may be related. The most common causes of the loose steering and noise is the power steering pump failing or air in...
Oil leak and hissing noise
You will need to check out all of the plastic oil feed lines on the center area of the motor to see if one is broke. This will pump out the oil. Make sure not to let the oil get...
Bad odor in my car that is making me ill.
Hi, thanks for writing in. The first thing I would recommend doing is taking your vehicle to a local exhaust shop to determine if you have any exhaust leaks. If you have any exhaust leaks that would be my first...
Put in gear but car won't move
Hi there. That's an interesting concern you've described. With no codes present, verify proper transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) condition, level, and type. Once you have verified the fluid type, level, and condition inspect the shift cable connector; usually located toward the...
No start and no crank. I hear a noise from one of the relays - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Depending on the type of noise you hear, this may be related to the starter relay or starter solenoid. The starter solenoid is a small unit on the starter that has internal electrical contacts that transmit electricity to the starter....
Number #1 cylinder misfire?
Hi there. As you already know, replacing components without proper diagnoses can expensive and time consuming without resolution. Assuming, the engine is mechanically sound, good cylinder compression and valve train properly opening and closing, circuit tests need to be performed....
Front windshield wipers do not work--washers still work, fuse is good 2010 Dodge Nitro
Hi - the sudden nature of this failure would suggest a fuse or other electrical link, but you have checked the obvious. Further diagnosis is needed to determine which component in the electrical power chain (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/the-best-tool-for-mechanics-to-diagnose-electrical-issues) has failed - switch,...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Love Road Trips
If If you love to travel, comfort is very important in a vehicle. You want a nice, quiet ride, comfortable seating, and enough room. We have evaluated several used vehicles, and narrowed our favorite road trip vehicles down to the...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Power Steering Pressure Switch
If you notice your engine slows down, stalls, or speeds up then slows down, have your power steering pressure switch inspected and replaced.
Top Five Selling Cars in Colorado in 2012
Colorado Colorado offers a varied climate depending on where drivers are located. Those in lower elevations see plenty of sunshine all year, while those in the mountain areas can see as much as 300 inches of snow. Due to this,...