It can be frustrating losing something. You know at one point you had it in your possession, but now you have no idea where it is, and no matter where you look for it you just can’t figure out where it went. Maybe it was the television remote, or your car keys. Maybe for you it was your power steering fluid. Whether it was the telltale whining noise in your car that gave it away, a sudden loss of power steering in while you were driving, or you simply noticed your power steering fluid level was low during a regular check, it can be frustrating finding a low fluid level without having any prior indications of a leak. Regular maintenance checks can help keep low fluid levels from sneaking up on you. For more things you should be regularly checking on your vehicle, checkout out our series on routine maintenance that starts with an article about what you should check every week.
Do I have a power steering fluid leak?
If you find yourself wondering where you power steering fluid has gone, there is only one possibility. You’ve got a leak somewhere in your power steering system. It is not unusual to have a leak in your power steering system to go unnoticed. Your power steering system operates at high pressures so a leak in your system will likely only leak while your vehicle is running and the system is pressurized. Since power steering fluid usually only leaks while your engine is running, the drips can often land on the road or be blown back under the engine of your car not leaving any puddles or spots on your driveway or in your parking spots. Also, the components where a leak is possible are all located very low on your vehicle and can often be over looked when you are checking under your hood. Lastly, dirty power steering fluid can look very similar to dirty engine oil and a power steering fluid leak can easily be mistaken for an engine oil leak.
It is not unusual to develop a leak at the seals in your steering rack or steering gear. The motion of shafts through the seals can cause them to wear out over time. Also, since the seals are located low in the front of your vehicle they are regular exposed to road dirt, sand and salt in the winter making them prone to leaks. Also, the high pressure fluid in you power steering system is carried through a combination of hard metal lines and rubber hoses. The rubber hoses allow the power steering pump to move and flex with your engine as it shifts during acceleration and deceleration and the metal lines allow for cooling of the power steering fluid. Leaks can also form at the union of the soft rubber hose and the hard metal line due to vibrations and flexing of the rubber hose.
How do I fix a leak?
Replacing power steering lines and seals can be a very complicated job. Often they are routed in very difficult to reach areas of your engine bay and can be covered by other components or even the sub frame of the vehicle. Replacing the leaking component can be either a very time consuming project, or a very expensive maintenance item.
The best course of action for disappearing power steering fluid is to add BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak to your power steering reservoir next time you top it off. BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak is a specially formulated stop leak additive that will revitalize the seals and hoses in your power steering system to seal your leak and restore your power steering system to normal operation. BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak does not have any particulates that can clog your system and is safe to stay in your power steering system for the life of your vehicle.
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.
54 responses to "Where is My Power Steering Fluid Going?"
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Does power steering fluid leak to the ground? My car is dripping oil on the ground. I don’t know whether it is transmission or power fluid but we have to top the power steering fluid occassionally when it is below max level.
Taiwo-
In order to use one of our products you will first need to pinpoint whether you are losing fluid from the power steering unit or your transmission. Once you are able to do so you can use the appropriate product; either the BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak or the BlueDevil Transmission Sealer.
Feel free to contact us at 888-863-0426 with any questions.
Thanks!
-BDP
my steering fluid is always down without a leak..i always went to mechanic but they cannot see the leak
Ramil-
If you are constantly low on power steering fluid, it must be escaping from somewhere. Based on your description, we recommend using the BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak to help stop the loss of power steering fluid. You will start by adding 1/3 of the bottle into your power steering reservoir, and should expect to start seeing results after approximately 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
Can I use bluedevil for 98 Honda Civic
And how to put stop leak in reservoir
Saip-
Yes, you can use the BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak in your Honda Civic. You will add 1/3 of the bottle to your power steering reservoir. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
Can i use bluedevil gor 05 Nissan Quest?
April-
Yes, the BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak is compatible with your Nissan Quest. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
Can I use Blue Devil Power Steering Stop Leak on my 2003 Mercedes Benz ML 350?
JR-
Yes, BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak is compatible and safe to use in your Mercedes. You should add 1/3 of a bottle to treat the system. Expect to start seeing results after about 100 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
Is this product compatible with a ford 3 ton truck .
Tony-
Yes! The BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak is compatible with your Ford 3 ton truck. You will be adding 1/3 of the bottle into the power steering reservoir and should expect to see results after about 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
Do I need to add power steering fluid before adding 1/3 bottle of BlueDevil? The directions seem to indicate that I should use BlueDevil without adding more power steering fluid and keep doing so until the leak has stopped.
Adib-
Yes, you should have the proper amount of power steering fluid in the system, prior to adding the product. If the fluid is already at capacity, you would want to drain enough out in order to add the recommended amount of the product. Typically, you will start to see results after about 100-200 miles of driving. You may top the system off with power steering fluid as needed, however, you wouldn’t add more of the product unless you were at around the 200 mile mark and were still noticing a leak. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Hope this helps!
-BDP
I have tried all kinds of stop leak it worked for awhile. Now when I look under my car I can see it coming out. How can I tell what is causing this. And is it worth fixing my car is a 1999 Plymouth sunfire
Lorna-
Thank you for asking about your Plymouth Sunfire. Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
Is it compatible in my Nissan Maxima 2005?
Jayson-
Yes, the BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak is compatible with your Nissan Maxima. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
Can i use this Power Steering Stop Leak on a manual 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser…pretty sure its leaking somewhere as I added fluid a couple of weeks ago and its already making the tell tale noise!!!
Celeste-
Yes, the BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak is safe to use on your Chrysler PT Cruiser with manual transmission. You will be adding 1/3 of the bottle into your power steering reservoir and should expect to see results after about 100-200 miles of drving.
Thank you!
-BDP
My GMC Acadia loses its power steering fluid within hours. Two different mechanics thought it was the rack and pinion system so I had them replace it but it is still leaking. If these fools cannot discover the problem, is this product strong or effective enough to stop what appears to be a significant leak and is it compatible with the Acadia?
Rr-
The BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak is compatible with your GMC Acadia, however, it is not really intended for significant leaks. Typically, you would start to see results after about 100-200 miles of driving. If you are losing fluid too quickly, you would be losing the product just as quickly, and wouldn’t really be able to keep it in the system long enough in order to get the benefit of using it. A hard part repair may be your best option.
Thank you!
-BDP
My 2006 toyota Camry loses the power steering fluid after driving 400 miles in a week. And I saw just a spot or two under my car after I parked for the whole night. Will this fix the power steering oil leaking problem even tho I don’t know if it’s leaking from tube or the pump?
Nat-
Thank you for asking about your Toyota Camry. Based on your description, we would recommend using the BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak http://store.gobdp.com/power-steering-stop-leak-00232/. The Power Steering Stop Leak is only intended for the rubber seals/gaskets in the system. You should expect to see results after about 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I paid a mechanic to fix my power steering leaks. First said it was a hose I needed . I still had the leaks on the ground after was told it was fixed. I notified mechanic again looked at it I said guess didn’t tighten the hose tight enough fixed with another hose he showed me where it had come lose. I filled with power steering fluid again per his instructions I refuse to have him do anything else to my 2002 trailblazer will blue devil power steering stop leak fix my problem i don’t see it hurting.. Please help!!!
Lorraine-
Thank you for asking about your Chevrolet Trailblazer. As long as you are not losing power steering fluid too quickly, you would be a great candidate for the BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak http://store.gobdp.com/power-steering-stop-leak-00232/. You should expect to see results after about 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi, I just came across this site. About a week ago, I just so happened to check my power steering fluid, because I think that I noticed it whining a little. It was low. I added some. A few days later, it was low again. I have a Kia Sephia 2000. Just had a radiator put in. Not really looking to spend $500 on power steering lines, etc, especially if this product could help.
Thank you
Mar-
Thank you for asking about your Kia Sephia. Based on your description, you would be a great candidate for the BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak (http://store.gobdp.com/power-steering-stop-leak-00232/). You should expect to see results after about 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 03 pt cruiser my car started whining check transmission fluid ut was low i added sone till full and it went straight on ground what might be problem please can you help me
Glenda-
Thank you for asking about your Chrysler PT Cruiser. Based on your description, unfortunately, it seems you are losing transmission fluid a little too quickly for the BlueDevil Transmission Sealer to be effective. It is difficult to say exactly where the leak is coming from. We recommend taking the vehicle to a transmission specialist for a proper diagnosis.
Thank you!
-BDP
I took my 2006 Impala to my mechanic .he has replaced two power steering pumps ,blue out the lines.
the fluid keeps over flowing from the reservoir.Do you have any ?
Jack-
Thank you for asking about your Chevy Impala. Based on your description, it sounds like pressure building up inside the system is forcing fluid out of the reservoir. This could possibly be from the power steering pump not circulating fluid properly, or perhaps from some kind of restriction in the system. We recommend getting a second opinion in this situation and taking it to a different ASE certified mechanic.
Hope this helps!
-BDP
Hi i have a nissan caravan E26 year 2009 i have change the tranmission oil and now my steering is very hard to turn. could u tell me what went wrong. and what could i do….
Nourisha-
Thank you for asking about your Nissan Caravan E26. Based on your description, we recommend checking the power steering reservoir to make sure fluid is topped off to the proper level. If the system appears low, you may be dealing with a leak, so we’d recommend using the BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak (https://store.gobdp.com/power-steering-stop-leak-00232/). You should expect to see results after approximately 100-200 miles and can top the system off with power steering fluid as needed.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi , I have a 2012 dodge journey. every three weeks I have to add power steering fluid in the reservoir. No sign of leakage any where on
the driveway or where ever it is parked. when starting engine , it sounds funny noise as well as turning the steering. Once I add fluid, it runs
ok, for 3 to 4 weeks. Can you please help on this. Thanks
Ranjit-
It sounds like you have a leak and as the fluid gets low the power steering pump starts making noise. We recommend applying 1/3 of a bottle of BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak; you will want to top off the power steering fluid to the proper level after adding BlueDevil. Expect to start seeing results after approximately 100 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a ford focus 2005 I have to keep topping my power steering oil it’s wet in the ground I’ve checked the hose from the resovwire it seems ok where else could it be leaking
Shirley,
Most power steering leaks are either from the high-pressure hose or from the rack and pinion. The high-pressure hose goes from your power steering pump down to the rack and pinion and might be difficult to see on your car. If you can see a leak in that hose, the best thing is to replace the hose. If the leak is coming from your rack and pinion you would see drips out closer to your wheels. If that is the case, add BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak to your reservoir to seal the leak.
Thanks again for your question!
-BD Auto Pro
I have a ford Taurus 99 I’m having a problem with my power steering oil check one day it’s full the next day it’s empty you can see it flowing in the bottom and there is never oil on the ground! What’s the problem?
Angela-
Thank you for asking about your Ford Taurus. It is possible that you are only losing power steering fluid when the vehicle is in motion or after it warms up. How often are you having to add power steering fluid? 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
I have an Acura 2003 TL and my leak is quite important like when turning it leave a line of oil plus also leaks standing still engine off the oil is right behind the driver side rear wheel what look like a big rubber similar to engine mount or shock absorber housing I hope its the hose since all brake lines where also rusted and replace but if it’s not would your product fix a rack and pinion seal ??? I read if it does not leak overnight could be the seal
There no noise yet was a few months ago when the power steering was low a
nd I just noticed this yesterday could have been leaking less in weeks before
Any reply would be appreciated as not oil on the back of engine or on top just where I said it was
Henri-
Thank you for asking about your Acura TL. Based on your description, you would be a good candidate for the BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak(https://store.gobdp.com/power-steering-stop-leak-00232/), as the product would be able to seal a rack and pinion seal leak. You will start by adding 1/3 of the bottle into your power steering reservoir, and should expect to see results after approximately 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi I have polo 2004 model, and I noticed that after I have opened heater there something leaking of i believe it’s a coolant and the power steering transmission needs to be filled in most of the time. What could be the problem?
Clement-
Thank you for asking about your Volkswagen Polo. 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
Can I use blue devil in a 496 mag mercury mercrusier i/o engine power steering pump
Kevin-
Yes, the BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak is safe and compatible to use on your Mercury MerCruiser. You will start off by adding 1/3 of the bottle into your power steering reservoir, making sure the system is topped off with regular power steering fluid, and you should expect to start seeing results after 1-2 hours of operation.
Thank you!
-BDP
What if theres no leak on the floor but I see myself refilling once a week? 2005 Nissan murano s.
Terrence-
Thank you for asking about your Nissan Murano. How much power steering fluid are you having to add? Depending on the size of the leak, you may not see the fluid actually dripping to the ground. 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
I have a 2006 dodge ram. I have a leak at the cooler area of the power steering cooler. Will stop leak help?
Joe-
Thank you for asking about your Dodge Ram. Unfortunately, we do not manufacture a product for the type of leak you’ve described. A hard part repair may be your best option.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have been putting a bottle og powersteering fluid in my car every other day. People that have been checking it told me that they don’t know where it is leaking from will the blue devil work for me. Need answer asap please
Dwayne-
The BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak is intended for leaks that are seeping or lightly dripping. Based on your description, you may be losing fluid a little too quickly for the product to be of any benefit. You may want to have the vehicle looked at by a certified ASE mechanic to pinpoint where the leak is coming from and make a decision for replacement.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2011 Mazda cx-7. I was driving the other day the steering wheel kept jerking a little bit and then all of a sudden it got hard to turn left but right especially. Went to go get some power steering fluid, put it in and turned the wheel left and right a few times and everything was perfectly fine until 30 minutes later the wheel started to jerk again and then it got hard to turn again, my mechanic checked on it today and the fluid was almost gone. He had me turn the car on and turn it left and right but there is no leak anywhere at all so we’re both wondering where the power steering fluid is going so should I get the power steering pump replaced?
Lex-
Thank you for asking about your Mazda. Based on your description, it may be best to try adding a uv dye to the power steering fluid to see if you can trace the location of the leak. It sounds as though you are losing fluid relatively quickly, so there must be some kind of evidence as to where the leak is coming from.
Thank you!
-BDP