If steering begins to feel heavier than normal while out on the road, your vehicle could be low on power steering fluid. In order to change the fluid, you must first locate the power steering fluid reservoir. Follow our guide below!
Where Is The Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Located?
The power steering fluid reservoir’s location will vary based on make and model of the vehicle. Use this quick breakdown below to properly access your power steering fluid reservoir.
Cars
The reservoir is usually located close to the engine in most cars. It typically features a small plastic or metal container with a twist-off cap.
You’ll be able to reference the owner’s manual for its exact location. Here is a quick breakdown:
| SUVs and Trucks | Close to the front of the engine compartment. |
| Sedans | On the driver’s side near the engine bay. |
| Japanese Cars | Next to the air filter or coolant reservoir. |
| European Cars | Either side of the engine compartment. |
Sports Cars And Luxury Vehicles
The reservoir will be placed in different spots due to space constraints featured in these vehicles. Design considerations will also be considered when placing the reservoir.
Typically, the power steering fluid reservoir will be found either next to the radiator or near the back of the engine compartment.
Signs A Power Steering Pump Needs To Be Replaced
Your power steering pump has a very important job, sometimes they go out or fail, here’s what you should be keeping an eye out for:
Whirring Noise When Turning The Wheel
If you hear a whirring noise when turning the steering wheel of your vehicle, there could be something wrong with the power steering system. There could be a leak in the power steering pump, or it could be a low fluid level.
If the fluid level is left like this for long periods of time, it can damage the entire power steering system. Regardless, the power steering pump needs to be inspected and possibly replaced by a professional mechanic.
Steering Wheel Slow To Respond
While taking a corner, if the steering feels slow to respond when you turn the wheel, there is a good chance your power steering pump is starting to fail. Together with this, you may also hear a whirring noise.
If you notice these two symptoms with each other, contact the professionals at Bridwell Automotive Center to have your power steering pump inspected or replaced.
Stiff Steering Wheel
If the power steering is starting to fail the wheel becomes slow to respond and stiff. If your steering wheel starts feeling stiff, your power steering pump could be starting to fail.
Squealing Noises When You Start The Vehicle
While whirring noises are typically heard when turning the vehicle, squealing noises come when you first start the vehicle. They can occur when you make sharp turns too, but they are more likely to occur for a minute when you start your vehicle.
The squealing noises come from the hood of your vehicle, and is a clue that your power steering pump may be going bad and causing it’s belt to slip.
Groaning Noises
A groaning noise is the worst noises your power steering pump can make. They will get worse as your power steering pump continues failing.
If the power steering system fails because a lack of fluid it can damage the entire system including the steering lines and racks, and will have to be completely replaced.
POWER STEERING & SUSPENSION SYSTEM REPAIR QUOTES IN SCOTTSDALE
Our automotive mechanics can diagnose your power steering or suspension issue and offer repair or replacement services to fix it for you. Our diagnostic process will also help identify any other issues that might be contributing to the signs you let us know about during the consultation.
No matter what the problem is we will find it, offer affordable rates for repair, and get you back on the road quickly! Give us a call today at (480) 948-4781, Get a quote using our contact form or stop by our auto repair shop located at  7171 E Lincoln Dr. Scottsdale, Arizona 85253.
