Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Power Steering Fluid Leaks
Special Tools
GE-28431-6 Fluorescent Dye
For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .
- If fluid is found on a manual steering gear or on an electronic power steering gear, do not replace steering gear. Vehicles equipped with these systems do not use hydraulic power steering fluid. The fluid may be assembly fluid or another system fluid.
- Clean the components and identify the sources of the leaks before attempting to repair or replace any power steering components. Clearly mark all locations of leaks with paint, marker, or equivalent for warranty identification and engineering root cause analysis.
Some customers may comment on a fluid LEAK or NOISY power steering pump. Upon inspection, the technician may find power steering fluid leaking from the hydraulic power steering system. Use the following inspection procedure in order to diagnose the source of the leak and take appropriate action to correct the condition.
- Inspect the fluid level in the power steering fluid reservoir. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid . If the fluid level is NOT low, a careful analysis of the condition is necessary to confirm that the type of fluid is actually power steering fluid.
- Visually inspect the power steering system and components where the fluid has accumulated.
- Use a clean towel or a rag in order to completely clean off all residual fluid from the power steering components.
- Add 30 cc (1 oz) of GE-28431-6 dye to the power steering fluid.
- Start the vehicle and warm the steering system by turning to the left steering stop and to the right steering stop 10 times with the weight of the vehicle on the front tires.
- Turn vehicle engine OFF.
- Shine a black light on the area where the residual fluid accumulated. Identify the sources of the leaks.
- Mark all locations of leaks with paint, marker, or equivalent.
- Repair or replace all affected components.
Do not clean using brake cleaner or other reactive solvents as these solvents can damage rubber gaskets, seals and bushings.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.