Symptoms of a failing Power Steering Return Line

Leaking power steering fluid

First rule of cars: Leaks are bad. Did you really need me to tell you that? If the power steering return line goes out, then your car will start to leak power steering fluid. You may notice a pool of liquid under your car, so before you blame your dog, consider that there might be something wrong with your car. Your car has a lot of fluids, so a leak can represent any number of issues. A busted power steering return line isn’t the most common thing to cause a leak, but it’s not unheard of. If you’re familiar with your car liquids, and you notice that the leak is power steering fluid, then it may be the return line.

Low fluid level

Well, hopefully you can put two and two together here, and figure this one out. If your car is leaking power steering fluid, you may end up with low power steering fluid levels. Who knew? It’s a good idea to get in the habit of checking your car’s fluid levels. You only need to do so every few weeks, it only takes five minutes, and you’ll feel like a little bit of a badass when you do so. If you notice that your car is low on power steering fluid, then you’ve likely got a leak. And it might be coming from the power steering return line.

Steering is difficult

Ever driven an old car, one that doesn’t have power steering? If so, you’ve noticed how heavy the steering feels. It’s not great. If your car has inadequate pressure in the power steering system, the power steering won’t work very well, and the burden of providing the power to your steering wheel will fall on you. And you’ll feel it. The power steering return line isn’t responsible for providing pressure to the system. The other hose does that. However, if the return line is broken, your car will leak power steering fluid. As the fluid level drops, the power steering system won’t be able to provide as much pressure, and the effect of the system will be diminished.