Power Steering Fluid - A warning for normal drivers!

Hi Folks, Have had a whining coming from the power steering motor for a week or so, and I had booked the car into the main dealer to have this investigated. The noise was increasing so yesterday I thought, screw it, I can't wait another week and 500 miles before I get this looked at and I checked the power steering fluid myself. To my shock the reservoir at the top was bone dry. The engine was hot when I checked and there was absolutely no fluid in it, not even at the bottom of the cold marker. My car is now at the dealer, but I'm wondering, should I be expecting permanent damage to the pump and rack from this? I wouldn't like to think they'll just fill the tank and send me on my way. Surely if the fluid is non-consumable (I have never tracked my car) then they will have to investigate to find the source of the leak? Any opinions welcome, I just want to ensure I'm on the ball when I get the call from the dealer. p.s. Car has 26K miles. Serviced at 20K. Cheers C

My first question is, where did the fluid go? You must have a leak. The pumps don't like to work dry. It all depends on how long you ran it this way. Ask your dealer and see what they say. At the very least, I would make sure that your concern is in writing, in case it does fail, to prove that it should have been replaced at the time the leak was repaired.

Update - Car is now fixed. Leak where the fluid pipe joins the steering rack was identifed as the source of the problem. System was purged, cleaned and re-filled and all is now "operating as normal, with no damage to the pump identifed." Aparantely, this is a "common" problem. May be worthwhile checking the PS fluid on a regular basis. Cheers Chris

Update - Steering Rack failed at the weekend! Car now at dealers with a new rack and pump on order. I guess that the damage was done by running the pump dry earlier. There was still sufficient fluid in the tank when the second failure occurred. I'd suggest if anyone has run the pump dry for any reason, that they insist the rack and pump be properly assessed for damage. I reckon the dealer will always take the simplest route to resolving the problem. In my case, this was identifying the leak and re-filling the tank on the first occasion. There must have been signs that damage had occurred then, but they either choose to ignore it or were incompetent. p.s. I do not and have never tracked the car.

I don't think it's their fault if they serviced it and it worked normal as you stated. One thing you might do is to always look at the floor where you park, there you will usually find the first signs of any leaks.

If you notice, I was quoting the dealer. The pump ran dry the first time and they identified a leak. They simply filled the fluid reservoir and cleaned the area around the leak. Given that the fluid was re-filled and has not subsequently leaked since the last fill, is it not fair to assume that the rack and pump were damaged then? Unless there is another way the rack and pump can fail in the presence of sufficient fluid? p.s. There was no sign of any fluid leakage the first time round.

Mate, it's even worse on a Boxster ! If the root cause is an overheating failure, I'll be purchasing an UD Pulley and some line insulation in the near future.

I checked mine a few weeks ago and mine was pretty much dry also. I had one drop on the dipstick from a cold engine. Car was bought used at 22k miles and I checked fluid at 26k miles. Car was never pushed hard. I just topped off the reservoir with Pentosin power steering fluid. I should check again in a few weeks and see if I am missing more fluid.

Arrgghhh! 500 miles after a new pump and rack was fitted, the steering has gone again. I can hear the PS pump whining and the rack is creaking loudly. I cannot believe it! I've not yet checked the PS reservoir, but I'm betting it is empty. Is there somewhere I should be looking for a leak? Please help...

It could be leaking from underneath the reservoir where it is fastened - I've heard of several leaks there, and the leaking fluid just sits in a puddle on top of the engine, and rarely makes it to the floor. brad

Thanks for the responses. Does anyone have an exploded diagram or otherwise showing the system and corresponding pipework? Surely if the pump and rack was changed the last time then those connection should be sound? :thanks:

Here you go: View attachment 9166

Hi Blueone, Would you please describe how to remove the carpeted engine cover. I need to change the air filter and check the power steering fluid. I have been unable to find any info on where the tabs are located & best way to remove engine cover w/o damaging it. Have an 07 Cayman 5 speed w 22k miles, in beautiful Lawrence, NJ. Thanks. Apprecaite any ifnmformation.

Take a look at this article biotecky: Engine Cover & Air Filter Removal - My Articles Welcome to the site!

Yup, that's the article I used to figure it out. And don't listen to Gator Bite about how "super easy" it is. He's in a whole 'nuther league from most of the rest of us in mechanical ability. (See some of his awesome articles.) The carpet tabs may take a little experimentation the first time time you do it, but the second time will be a lot easier. Also note, the hatch opens wider than you might think it would; it goes nearly vertical if you push it. Opening the hatch wider makes the job easier.

A putty knife makes a good tool but to avoid damage to the painted bits around the cover put a couple wraps of tape over it. I do this with plastic trim tools also. Haven't got around to working it out but I've thought about putting another D-ring and strap in so that pulling it pops the carpeted cover.

trick idea...get on it