Q: Power steering tank is leaking

asked by on November 08, 2016

Informed that the power steering tank is leaking and that this requires replacement of the rack and pinion. Fluids last check in July 16. Began hearing whining noises when turning the wheel in Sep 16. No smell of burning oil, fluid spots noticed on the ground. Steering seems normal; not loose or tight. Can you verify whether or not a rack and pinion replacement is necessary when a power steering tank leak is discovered.

My car has 140000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Power steering fluid is leaking Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi there. No, the power steering rack usually does not require replacement if the tank is leaking. If the rack is leaking, then yes. However, the tank and pump may need to be replaced as the whine noise occurs when the fluid level is low and provides less lubrication inside the pump. A qualified technician should perform an inspection to confirm any needed parts and avoid unnecessary parts replacement. YourMechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with an inspection of the power steering fluid leak.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Tailights and dash lights stopped working
Hi, check the fuse box and make sure that the fuse hasn't blown. If the fuse is okay, the switch may need to be replaced (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/headlight-switch-replacement) or there is a connection issue with the circuit. Over time corrosion can build...
Creaking noise upon releasing the clutch
Hello. This is usually caused by either a worn out engine (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-mount-replacement) or transmission mount or an issue with a worn out suspension bushing. Either one will allow parts to move when they should be stationary and will cause this...
I'm having fuel pump relay problems.
Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It sounds like you have an intermittent connection issue caused by a loose fuse holding tabs. The black you see is carbon where the voltage is jumping a...
Do the seats fold down to become a flat surface? 2011 Honda CR-Z
After some research, it seems that the panel does in fact fold down to create a larger cargo area on some models. Consult your owners manual for the specific procedure on folding down the separation panel in your vehicle.
Preferred oil for a 2016 Chrysler 200
The type of oil that should be used for a specific application depends largely on the driver's driving habits, the environment in which the car is driven, the mileage on the car's engine, and the limits that the engine may...
how much does it cost to change an alternator
Hi there. Quotes cannot be given through the ask a mechanic portal. I can provide you a link to schedule the alternator replacement (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/alternator-replacement). Your request has been forwarded to customer service. Please have your vehicle make, model, mileage, and...
Horn starts blowing by itself
The most common cause of the horn going off all by itself is the horn buttons inside the steering wheel are shorting out and need to be replaced. They may be heat or cold sensitive when the problem happens/ It...
Jerking during deceleration.
Check all of the driveshafts in the jeep and see if any universal joints are worn causing the shafts to move around when letting off the throttle. The universal joints (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/universal-joint-u-joint-replacement) in the front axles are the most common joint...
what type of oil can be used for V6 Hyundai sonata 2004
The Hyundai owner's manual (https://justgivemethedamnmanual.com/wp-content/plugins/pdfjs-viewer-shortcode/pdfjs/web/viewer.php?file=https://justgivemethedamnmanual.com/manuals/2004_hyundai_sonata.pdf&download=true&print=true&openfile=false) specifies a wide range of oil viscosities for this vehicle. See page 6-5 at the foregoing link for full details. Overall, you will be OK with 5W-30. Synthetic oil is always preferred. The stalling could...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re an Interior Designer
As As an interior designer, you need to transport a great many different items, including fabric, paint and wallpaper samples and sometimes even furniture items. You probably don’t handle overly large loads very often, and when you have to, you’ll...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Evaporation Vent Solenoid
Common signs include the Check Engine Light coming on, pressure in the gas tank, and failing an emissions test.
How Long Does a Pitman Arm Shaft Seal Last?
Your Your car’s Pitman arm is a crucial component of the steering system. It connects the gearbox to the steering linkage, and effectively translates the rotational movement of the steering wheel to lateral movement for the tires, which allows you...