How Does Air Get into a Power Steering System

Cause: Providing the system has been bleed correctly, the problem will be due to air being sucked into the system. The only areas that air can be sucked in to the system is the front seal of the power steering pump, the low pressure connection on the pump or the pipework between the pump and the reservoir.

How does air get into my power steering?

A power steering whine or buzzing noise is caused by cavitation. Cavitation is when air bubbles are mixed with the fluid, so that when they strike the pump impeller, it makes a loud noise. Air typically gets into a power steering system through a leaking low pressure return line fitting or damaged return line hose.

How do you know if you have air in your power steering line?

1. You hear a whine in the steering pump.
2. Bubbles appear in the reservoir fluid.
3. Reservoir fluid is low and foamy.
4. The steering wheel is hard to turn.
5. The steering system is leaking.
6. You hear a grunt or growling noise at low speeds when turning.