Go-To Garage In Birmingham To Fix Maserati Power Steering Fluid Leak

Owning a Maserati is pleasurable until its power steering fluid starts leaking out, throwing off the smooth and effortless vehicle handling. Since the steering wheel is responsible for providing direction and controlling the overall vehicle movement, when the power steering system runs low on this fluid, it can wear the internal steering parts, causing permanent damage to the entire system if not treated in time.

The issues don’t end here. Continuing to drive in this condition can be truly hazardous on the road and may risk your life from severe road crashes due to vehicle imbalance. Here is a breakdown explaining the common reasons that trigger power steering fluid leaks, along with the warning signs your Maserati may encounter, so that you can find a reliable solution more easily.

Primary Reasons Behind Power Steering Fluid Leaks and Their Clues

• Worn or Cracked Power Steering Hose: Power steering hoses transfer fluid from one part to another, keepingthe steering wheel light and smooth. However, they can’t last forever. Over time, exposure to excessive heat and pressure can cause damage, ultimately leading to small cracks or leaks. As the fluid seeps out through those tiny holes, you might notice a small amount of fluid under your car when parked or find that the steering wheel no longer responds as it used to. Moreover, you could smell an unpleasant burning odor when the fluid starts dripping on the hot engine parts. In the worst case, if a hose blows completely while driving, you might lose the steering assist abruptly, which can be truly dangerous.
• Loose or Defective Hose Connections: The hose connections have a significant role in maintaining an optimal fluid flow. However, due to constant vibrations while driving, the power steering hose connections may loosen slightly, ultimately creating small fluid puddles or wet patches under your car. Additionally, without finding any major leaks, you could also experience a frequent loss of steering fluid even after topping it up regularly. Another symptom is that, sometimes, the steering wheel feels properly functional, while in the next moment it suddenly becomes stiff for a few minutes. Nothing to worry about! It’s just a loose clamp or fitting that needs to be tightened with the correct torque or replaced with a new one.
• Damaged Power Steering Pump Seal: The power steering pump generates hydraulic pressure for smooth steering wheel movement. Therefore, it typically relies on rubber seals to prevent the fluid from leaking out. But aging and constant heat exposure can break or dry them out, causing the fluid to get deposited around the pump. This, in turn, produces a loud and unusual whining sound while making sharp turns in corner areas, creating difficulties in turning the steering wheel, especially when driving slowly. Ignoring this issue or not treating the pump seal on time can damage the pump completely, which is quite expensive to replace. Thus, it’s better to detect the faulty seal early and replace it before things go wrong.
• Poor Power Steering Reservoir: The primary function of the power steering fluid tank is to store the fluid, but over time, it can break down, particularly if it’s been hit or just due to aging. When this occurs, you may notice the fluid dripping from the area directly under the tank or observe a rapid drop in the fluid level, even though there are no visible leaks at the hoses or pump body. Usually, with a cracked reservoir, your vehicle never gets the ideal amount of fluid for optimal steering operation, which ultimately makes the steering wheel feel jumpy or weird. If it runs extremely low, you could even lose steering assistance completely, which can be dangerous in itself.

Reasons to Choose Us for Your Maserati’s Power Steering Fluid Leak Repairs

At Franklin Automotive, located in the heart of Birmingham, AL, our highly skilled professionals have worked on plenty of Maseratis over the years. Since these cars are engineered with high-tech features, their power steering systems require proper attention when issues arise, especially when the system is experiencing a fluid leak. Whether it’s a worn-out hose, a cracked reservoir, or a faulty seal, we have precise tools and years of experience to pinpoint the exact issue and get it fixed right away. As we are not here to overcomplicate things, trust us and book an appointment with us to restore optimal steering in your Maserati in the long run.