Well, not really...it's leaking somewhere. I haven't noticed any major puddles under the car but a small one but one day my reservoir was basically completely empty.
1) What happens if the reservoir goes completely dry? Is that bad? Will it introduce air into the system causing a slew of other issues?
2) Is the 49001-1MD3B the correct part number for the rack and pinion?
3) Is the R&P hard to replace on these cars or is this something best left to a shop to do?
4) Are there any products that 'stop leaks' or are those all snake oil? lol.
Car is approaching 130kmi and is a 2011.
Thoughts? Advice?
M56x Power Steering Fluid Magically Disappearing
Re: M56x Power Steering Fluid Magically Disappearing
A few answers in no particular order:
1. Stop leak products could work. It depends on where the leak is and how large it is. I prefer to not use them on my vehicles.
2. Yes, you can R&R a steering rack. Way easier for those of us with lifts at home. Lol
Remember to get an alignment afterwards. Well, the car might just let you know by a generous display of dash cluster lights.
3. The reservoir in itself doesn't hold that much fluid. The piping holds a lot too.
I have seen a power steering leak masked for a while because the inner tie rod end boot was holding fluid and it wouldn't drip on the garage floor.
4. If the pump runs dry, you'll hear PS noises like groaning, whining, pumping marbles etc. And of course you'll have increased steering effort.
As far as pumps go, the PS pump seems pretty hardy to improper lubrication - add fluid and go, but it's definitely a system I wouldn't risk running dry or even low for too long.
Btw, the worst case I've ever heard of was the ECU being taken out by PS system neglect.
1. Stop leak products could work. It depends on where the leak is and how large it is. I prefer to not use them on my vehicles.
2. Yes, you can R&R a steering rack. Way easier for those of us with lifts at home. Lol
Remember to get an alignment afterwards. Well, the car might just let you know by a generous display of dash cluster lights.
3. The reservoir in itself doesn't hold that much fluid. The piping holds a lot too.
I have seen a power steering leak masked for a while because the inner tie rod end boot was holding fluid and it wouldn't drip on the garage floor.
4. If the pump runs dry, you'll hear PS noises like groaning, whining, pumping marbles etc. And of course you'll have increased steering effort.
As far as pumps go, the PS pump seems pretty hardy to improper lubrication - add fluid and go, but it's definitely a system I wouldn't risk running dry or even low for too long.
Btw, the worst case I've ever heard of was the ECU being taken out by PS system neglect.
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Ilya
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- Car: 2011 M56x but I spend a lot of time on my 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S. Former owner of a 2007 M35x. Also take care of my wife's 2016 QX60.
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Re: M56x Power Steering Fluid Magically Disappearing
Even with my lift I don't know if I want to tackle this. Looks like a reman unit can be had for around $350-400 or so. How much would a shop (probably wouldn't go to a dealer for this) charge for the labor?
I may try the stop leak stuff first...what's the worst that can happen? All my fluid disappears...again? lol.
I did have some groaning which is what made me investigate the reservoir and I had very little in there but enough that I could see it from the side.
I may try the stop leak stuff first...what's the worst that can happen? All my fluid disappears...again? lol.
I did have some groaning which is what made me investigate the reservoir and I had very little in there but enough that I could see it from the side.