If your power steering fluid is boiling you’ve got some real problems! The systems in your vehicle use specific fluids to accomplish certain things. One thing all of these systems have in common is that they use a fluid that is designed to resist boiling. Your cooling system accomplishes this feat by operating at a high pressure to keep the fluid from boiling. Your power steering system along with your transmission and differentials use fluids that have high boiling points. Your power steering system uses fluid that boils at a very high temperature, usually around 600 degrees! So if your power steering fluid is boiling you definitely have some other problems going on.
Even if your power steering fluid isn’t boiling, if it gets too hot it can get burnt destroying its ability to lubricate your system and keep it running quietly. If you suspect your power steering is burnt either from the color or the smell, consider having your system flushed immediately.
The more likely cause of “boiling” in your power steering system is actually just air getting pulled into the system and being released in the power steering reservoir.
How Does Air Get Into my Power Steering Fluid?
- A leak in the low-pressure line
- A leak in the power steering pump suction
- A crack in the fluid reservoir
The most common place for air to enter your power steering system is in between the fluid reservoir and the pump. The suction from the pump draws the fluid from the reservoir into the pump and if the connections or seals aren’t tight air will get drawn in here as well. Air in the fluid will make your pump noisy and your steering to feel soggy. When that foamy fluid finally gets back to your reservoir the air will bubble out and may make it look like your fluid is boiling.
Replacing the hose, clamps or O-rings between the fluid reservoir and pump section is usually a very easy and inexpensive job so we recommend trying this first to see if you can get your power steering fluid to stop “boiling” If you still have air in your fluid you may also need to replace your fluid reservoir as well.
Anytime you replace a worn component in your power steering system it is a good idea to flush the system to remove any contamination from that worn component. If you’re looking to keep your system in top operating condition, flush your system using BlueDevil Synthetic Power Steering Fluid. BlueDevil Synthetic Power Steering Fluid is compatible with all makes and models and will keep your system running smooth and quiet!
You can pick up BlueDevil Synthetic Power Steering Fluid at one of your local auto parts stores like:
- AutoZone
- Advance Auto Parts
- Bennett Auto Supply
- CarQuest Auto Parts
- NAPA Auto Parts
- O’Reilly Auto Parts
- Pep Boys
- Fast Track
- Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts Specialists
- S&E Quick Lube Distributor
- DYK Automotive
- Fisher Auto Parts stores
- Auto Plus Auto Parts stores
- Hovis Auto & Truck Supply stores
- Salvo Auto Parts
- Advantage Auto Stores
- Genuine Auto Parts stores
- Bond Auto Parts stores
- Tidewater Fleet Supply
- Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts
- Any Part Auto Parts
- Consumer Auto Parts
Pictures Provided By:
power_steering.jpg – By May_Chanikran – Licensed By Getty Images – Original Link
BlueDevil Products can be found on Amazon.com or at AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, O’Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA, and other major auto parts retailers.
12 responses to "My Power Steering Fluid is Boiling!"
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I have purchased a 2000 VW bug, it is leaking power steering fluid. I’m going to purchase Blue Devil Power Steering Stop Leak; what brand of power steering fluid do you recommend?
Sally,
Thanks for your question about your 2000 VW Beetle. Your owner’s manual should tell you what Volkswagen recommends and the dealership should carry the genuine Volks Wagen fluid. Also, many VW owners find Pentosin CHF 11S works well in these cars.
Thanks again for your question!
-BD Auto Pro
Power steering fluid appears to be boiling. There are no leaks but there is a smell that gets into the engine compartment and then gets into the vehicle. Do you have any ides.
Chris-
The most likely cause of boiling in your power steering system is actually just air getting pulled into the system and being released in the power steering reservoir. Replacing the hose, clamps or O-rings between the fluid reservoir and pump section is usually a very easy and inexpensive job so we recommend trying this first to see if you can get your power steering fluid to stop “boiling” If you still have air in your fluid you may also need to replace your fluid reservoir as well. Anytime you replace a worn component in your power steering system it is a good idea to flush the system to remove any contamination from that worn component.
Thank you!
-BDP
79 Pontiac trans am a stock car boiling the power steering fluid. After runing 30 min. New pump and steering gear and hoses
Tommy-
Thank you for asking about your Pontiac Trans Am. More than likely, the boiling power steering fluid you are seeing is air trapped in the system, coming into the power steering reservoir in the form of bubbles. We recommend bleeding the power steering system to remove all excess air and then topping the system off to the proper level.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hello i have a 06 acura rsx and its making a moaning and whining noise when i turn the wheel while i have the car parked or am not moving. After driving for about 30 mins the power steering fluid had bubbles. What would I need to do?
Miya-
Thank you for asking about your Acura RSX. Based on your description, it sounds as though you have air trapped in the power steering unit. We recommend bleeding the system to remove the excess air and get rid of the bubbles. Removing the air should make the whining sound disappear.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi i have 2006 CRV and the steering is stiff in first 10 mins of driving along the way it becomes smoother but sometimes it goes stiffer again
Eric-
Thank you for asking about your Honda CRV. Have you tried checking the power steering fluid level? If the fluid appears to be low, top it off with fluid and see if that fixes the problem. If it doesn’t look like you are losing power steering fluid, the stiffness in steering could be due to the power steering pump starting to go out.
Hope this helps!
-BDP
I have 2017 dodge grant handicap and the fluid on the van disappear in the steering put fluid gone 3 miles and no fluid in the bottle thank you
Vincent-
Thank you for asking about your Dodge. Are you saying you are losing power steering fluid just as quickly as you add it? Have you noticed fluid bubbling in the power steering reservoir? Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a little better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP