Toyota corolla power steering fluid leak.

Toyota corolla power steering fluid leak

The common problem that occurs with a vehicle over time is that it will start leaking power steering fluid. The Toyota Corolla‘s power steering fluid runs via the power steering pump, and throughout the steering system.

Meaning without the power steering system, the Toyota Corolla would be very difficult to drive. However, most of the weight of the vehicle is absorbed by the power steering system. This makes it feel much lighter than it is.

So What Is Power Steering Fluid?

Sometimes you wonder why my car Toyota corolla power steering fluid leak”. However, before going to know the causes of power steering fluid leak, let’s find out what is power steering fluid.

A power steering fluid is hugely vital to the performance and life of any car. This is what keeps things smooth and streamlined on the road. The power steering fluid is the hydraulic fluid that transmits the power in your steering system.

However, it helps create the pressure that pushes on both sides of your car’s rack-mounted piston, which allows you to turn the wheels easily. And since the majority of cars use power-assisted steering (PAS) systems, this fluid is essential for smooth steering.

The Power Steering Leak Symptoms In Toyota Corolla

Below are the most common symptoms of a power steering leak in your Corolla car:

• Fluids On The Ground

One of the first symptoms of a power steering leak will be whenever your Toyota starts dropping fluid on the ground. But as long as the leak isn’t bad enough, this will be the only symptom. However, if you let it go too long, it’ll start to make noise.

• A Whirring Noise

Once your power steering system is seriously low on fluid, you’ll start hearing your Corolla make a whirring noise. However, this is the sound of the pump not having enough power steering fluid to cycle through the steering system. This won’t take long before there is no fluid left at all and your Corolla’s steering wheel feels heavy.

• Hard To Steer

Now enough power steering fluid has leaked out of your system making the pump not to do its job. Note that modern vehicles are not made to be driven without power steering. This is because their close ratio steering makes them very hard to operate without power steering.

The Causes Of Toyota Corolla Leaking Power Steering 

• The Power Steering Hose

What you should do is to look around the power steering hoses for any obvious signs of leakage. This is because the power steering hose will run from the pump to the rack or gear. And the most commonplace that the hose will leak is from where the metal part of the hose meets the rubber. So look for power steering fluid on or below it.

• The Power Steering Pump

The Toyota Corolla’s power steering pump pushes the hydraulic fluid through power steering hoses and also through the steering rack or gearbox. This is turned by the serpentine belt attached to the engine. Also, the pump can wear down over time. And when it does, it can start to leak power steering fluid under the engine.

• The Rack or Gearbox

Remember that there are seals in the rack or gearbox that can go bad over time and leak.

• The Cooler

In some corolla models, there will be a power steering cooler. But it’s easy to determine if there is a cooler. Sometimes you’ll notice lines running from the power steering pump to the radiator. This will look like a smaller radiator.

How to fix Toyota Corolla Power Steering Fluid Leak

To fix the power steering fluid leak in your Toyota corolla is a pretty straight forward process. Here are what to do.

• The Steering Gear Or Rack

This is the most common location of car leaking power steering fluid. This is because the seals here are subject to the most road grime and dirt that can wear the shafts and seals. However, the leak in steering gear will be on the top of the gear which is where the steering column enters or at the bottom where the pitman arm is attached.

And another leak place is where the tie rods connect to the rack which causes power steering fluid leaking fast. This is if your car is equipped with a steering rack. So if your car leaks here, you can make use of some power steering stop leak product. You will find many different products in the market so go forward for one and fix your steering gear and rack.

• The Power Steering Pump

Note that the leak would be at the point where the pump shaft exits the pump body and where it’s connected to the pulley. So if you find the leak here, you will also find fluid dripping from behind the pump pulley.

One of the best things you can do in this case is to replace the power steering pump. Though this is an inexpensive maintenance item and these leaks can indicate future problems like bearing or pump failures.

• The Hose Or Tubing

In case the leak is not in the power steering pump, then examine the hose and the tubing that carry the power steering fluid from the pump to the steering gear or rack. Note that many power steering systems are using a long hard pipe in the return line.  This ensures the inspection of the full length of hose and pipe. This means if you find a leak here, you can try tightening the connection or adding Teflon tape to the threads. But ensure you are careful not to let any tape enter the system. However, for long, we recommend you to replace any leaking hose or tubing.

Conclusion on my car Toyota corolla power steering fluid leak

Please remember that leaking power steering fluid means losing the power steering and subsequently, the power brakes. So as a driver, you can use brakes but this time, you will require to apply more force to them.

Since you’ve known all causes of Toyota corolla power steering fluid leak, just take your car to the nearest service shop for maintenance in case you do not know how to fix it by yourself.