I a while ago I noticed the power steering resevoir was low, and I also noticed oil surrounding the cap. I figured someone had missed pouring it in or something. It was pretty low, as it didnt even show up on the dipstick which is attached to the cap.

I filled it up all the way to the correct level, and everytime I go to take off the cap I get a "pshhh" noise as pressure is released. I also noticed a lot more oil redisdue over the resevoir and the surrounding areas. Like it leaked out or seeped out somehow.

Is that pressure noise normal, also what would cause this to happen?

I noticed that one of the boots on the steering rack looks like it has oil on the bottom of it. I do not know it is leaking or not. But it is not dripping, and the fluid level seems to be constant in the resevoir.

 

I also have a lot of oil residue around the cap, what could this be?

 

The steering systems are pressurized. When you remove the cap, you release the pressure. I think the pressure maxes out at around 6 psi if I remember right. That's the pssst sound you heard is normal. After it cools down and heats back up it will pressurize itself again. The pressure goes away when the system cools down, and comes back when it heats up. You might just have a bad seal on your cap. I would clean the cap good and the sealing surface and see if the residue goes away.

Dan

 

thanks, i will try it.

 

"Exploding"...too much drama

If you overfill the reservoir, you may have excessive seepage; mine has always had a small amount of residue around the cap even with the correct fluid level.