Repair And Fix it

When a car is leaking power steering fluid, the leak needs to be found and repaired in order to keep the system working properly. Power steering fluid leaks can allow moisture and other contaminants into the system, which can cause further damage.

Leaking Seals

One of the most common sources of leaks in a power steering system is old seals that have dried out and shrunk. Power steering stop leak additives are designed to soften and swell older seals, causing them to seal the leak. These additives are inexpensive and easy to use to correct minor leaks.

Lines and Hoses

Power steering lines and hoses carry pressurized power steering fluid from the power steering pump to the steering rack. The lines and hoses can become damaged and cause a leak. Car owners should inspect these caully looking for splits, cracks, and kinks. Lines or hoses that are leaking should be replaced.

Worn Parts

The power steering pump and other parts of the power steering system can become worn or damaged and cause leaks. To identify the leak, wipe clean the power steering system, then observe it while a helper starts the motor and turns the wheels. These leaks will require the replacement of the defective part.

If youve driven your car away from your garage or parking spot and noticed a puddle of fluid under it, you could have a transmission leak. Without transmission fluid, your gears have nothing to lubricate them against the effects of friction. Therefore, they become stripped and cannot create motion. In addition, transmission fluid provides the hydraulic force necessary to shift gears. Repairing a leak as soon as you discover it could save you the expense of buying a new transmission --- potentially thousands of dollars.

Diagnose the Leak

Seeing a puddle of reddish-brown fluid under your car when you move away is one sign of a leaky transmission, but there are several other signs. Low transmission fluid can cause gears to be unresponsive or to slip when shifting. Also, if you hear the sound of gears grinding, its a sign that you need to check your transmission fluid levels. According to California State University Automotive, you can also determine the state of your transmission fluid by its color: as fluid ages, it changes color from red to brownish-red or dark pink.

Locate the Leak

To locate the leak, elevate your car with a jack and look under the middle toward the front. Repairing the leak will require you to take the car to a mechanic. Leaks toward the front of the vehicle indicate a bad seal or gasket. Fluid typically leaks from either a seal or from the fluid pan. If fluid is leaking from the front seal where the transmission attaches to the torque converter, your mechanic will have to remove the transmission and add a replacement seal.

DIY Transmission Repair

If you have a minor leak, you can use a commercial transmission sealer until you can get the car to a mechanic. Sealers penetrate worn and shrunken gaskets and seals, causing them to swell and form a seal against leaks. It is applied in the same manner as standard transmission fluid (i.e, poured in the transmission receptacle under the hood.) Only use sealer as a one-time solution.

Add Transmission Fluid

If youve already taken steps to repair the leak, you need to replace the fluid you lost. Use a funnel, paper towel and the transmission fluid that is intended for your vehicles make and model. Start the car and let the engine warm up if your vehicle requires you to do this. Remove the transmission fluid dipstick near the rear of the engine. Its handle may also be marked "Trans Fluid" or similar. Clean the dipstick; any solid debris can damage the transmission. Place the dipstick and take a "Warm" reading. Use a long funnel to add fluid to the proper amount.

Preventive Maintenance

Even after repairing a transmission leak and replacing lost fluid, you need to have it checked regularly to ensure problems do not occur. Regularly check your transmission fluid levels and change it every 30,000 miles.