Why did my power steering pump piss itself?

Dustin Jackson · Feb 15, 2025

I was doing a routine inspection and had the front on jack stands. I turned the wheels full lock using the tire and suddenly fluid started pouring onto the ground.

At first I thought it was coming from the steering rack boot but actually it was coming out of the power steering cap.

What would cause this? My theory is that over time power steering fluid had leaked into the boot and when I compressed it the excess fluid was sent back up and out the top.

Thoughts? I know I’m due for a steering rack but if I need a new pump also let me know please

Geotrash · Feb 15, 2025

Dustin Jackson said:
I was doing a routine inspection and had the front on jack stands. I turned the wheels full lock using the tire and suddenly fluid started pouring onto the ground.

At first I thought it was coming from the steering rack boot but actually it was coming out of the power steering cap.

What would cause this? My theory is that over time power steering fluid had leaked into the boot and when I compressed it the excess fluid was sent back up and out the top.

Thoughts? I know I’m due for a steering rack but if I need a new pump also let me know please
View attachment 450344

Was it overfull?

Dustin Jackson · Feb 15, 2025

@Geotrash Last I checked it was low and so I topped it off

j91z28d1 · Feb 15, 2025

there's a full hot level and a full cold. I'd guess over fill.

does it still work when running?

Dustin Jackson · Feb 15, 2025

@j91z28d1 it was working fine yesterday when I drove it. Haven’t driven it since

Geotrash · Feb 15, 2025

Dustin Jackson said:
@Geotrash Last I checked it was low and so I topped it off

I asked because I’ve overfilled mine myself. Easy to do and that level will change as soon as you fire it up. It leaked out through the cap just like that when I did it.

Dustin Jackson · Feb 15, 2025

@Geotrash interesting. It’s been a couple months since I topped it off and the power steering pump wasn’t even running when it happened today but maybe it is possible

petethepug · Feb 15, 2025

Was the cap off the power steering pump when you were pushing on the rim with the tires off the ground?

Dustin Jackson · Feb 15, 2025

@petethepug No I wasn’t even working on the steering I was greasing lower balljoints

petethepug · Feb 15, 2025

Weird. I wonder if you inadvertently burped out a bubble. I’d clean it up, restart the motor and top it off and cycle it lock to lock a few times.

Buy the expensive bottle with lots of conditioners in it. The GM brand made my new OEM rack moan like a banshee until it was flushed out with the good stuff.

Why did my power steering pump piss itself?

Dustin Jackson

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