Steering box Seal Leak Signs

A Steering Box relies on a number of internal seals to keep the hydraulic fluid within the box. The following are the common signs of seal failure on a Steering Box.

Fluid Patches on the Ground

Fresh Power Steering Fluid Patches on the Ground: There will be a patch or ring of fluid on the ground near the front of your car. This can be a fresh spot every night and disappear in the day as you drive. Power Steering Fluid is very thin and spreads quickly.

Damp or Oily Casing

Healthy steering boxes are dry to the touch. Even slow leaking of power steering fluid can leave greasy marks or damp patches on the casing surface. We have found such marks around the input shaft, sector shaft and fill cap.

Stiff or Inconsistent Steering

A leak from the fluid can drop to a low level, which can cause the steering to feel stiff at low speed. The stiffness can be worse in some turns than others and is usually worse at low speed where the power steering pump is working hardest.

Visible Seal Damage

On some cars you can see the seals on the steering box. Exposed shafts. Check for any signs of damage, such as cracks, swelling or hardening of the rubber.

Fluid Colour Changes

Check the reservoir fluid to check for any contamination by seal material. Dark brown or foamy fluid with a gritty texture is typical of a failing steering box seal. As degraded seal material is pumped around the system, it can wear other components to cause further damage. Early detection of a leak is therefore crucial to avoid expensive repair work to other components of the power steering system, such as the pump and rack.

Catching a seal leak early is a lot cheaper than the damage that can be done to the steering pump and rack when the fluid level drops too low.