Power Steering FLuid Foam

[Alpha D]

The problem is exactly as the title states. With the somewhat extreme drop in temperatures. I discovered a new problem on my car. As well as on a fellow member on this forum.

What happens is on initial start up. After about 30seconds of idle i observed the power steering fluid reservoir foaming up. I did not get a chance to take a picture. it literally foamed and dripped to the bottom of the car. The cap was tightly closed as well.

I did some research but was not able to find any satisfying answers. A few people believe it is due to a bad powersteering pump. Yet if that was the case how come it doesn't not do it frequently like every time. Or during warmer temperatures?

Any ideas or problem solving advice is appreciated.

[Matt D.]

Typically foam needs air to form, and while there may not be a leak that drips fluid, there could be a leak that sucks in air. I too would bet my money on the pump being bad.

[goodhart]

^^ What he said. This extreme cold weather we have been having does funny shit to cars, especially 18 years old ones.

[Alpha D]

Tell me about it! Must be the cold then.

[Alpha D]

The power steering starting to fail, is the most answer i have received. It is a close to twenty year old device. It does operate fine though. In terms of assist when turning etc. There is No odd movements when turning.

However there is a squeaky noise when turning left to right. ( I am not sure if that is the right word) In regular circumstances i would think its broken. Yet it turns just fine.

[goodhart]

It's just that in this cold it seems that everything seems to break easier/faster/on it own.

[Constant_Project21]

Plus anything that can shrink, will shrink. Could be a cause of the "leak".

[Alpha D]

That would totally explain why my oil plug perhaps is leaking. I need a new pan plus a plug. The area where my oil filter screws on leaks as well probably because of a failed rubber seal or something like that. Please correct me if i am wrong?

[Goat Blower]

Check closely, the threaded rod that the filter screws onto can actually back out of the filter housing itself. I had this happen 8-9 years ago and luckily saw the smoke pouring out the back and shut it down before it did any damage to the engine.

[Alpha D]

That sounds like it could cause some serious damage if not taken care of.

So i should check for the rod asap then. Are those rods readily replaceable? Or is that going to be more of a job that should be left for a pro?

Thank Everyone for the input!

[Matt D.]

Originally Posted by Alpha D

That sounds like it could cause some serious damage if not taken care of.

So i should check for the rod asap then. Are those rods readily replaceable? Or is that going to be more of a job that should be left for a pro?

Thank Everyone for the input!

That rod has a big hex on it that is used to turn it, should be easy to do by yourself with a wrench or socket. Just get it snug and don't over tighten as it is aluminum.

[Alpha D]

Im doing an oil change over the weekend. I will make sure to to double check as to the condition the rod is in, as well as if its backed its way out.

The power steering fluid thing i guess is most likely caused by the pump so i will replace that in the near future.

[CarPsyco84]

Be careful not to get it too tight, they crush the water jacket inside them, and have been known to mix coolant and oil after said damage...

On a side note, My car also did the power steering overflow when I started it and it was wicked cold (-10F). Is is possible that the fluid gets too thick and the pump starts to cavitate cause it to get sorta foamy?

[Kevin 1G Drummer]

Just delete power steering and your problem is solved That's what I did. haha

[CarPsyco84]

Yeah, I had a saturn that never had power steering, right from the factory... that gets old fast. IF this was a weekend race car I would maybe, but not a street car.