Hydraulic Steering Fluid Loss

[Eric R]

I had a little bit of steering fluid seeping from the cap. Not much, just looked wet around the cap. I’ve cleaned it off before, but decided to reseat the cap today and check the level. I almost instantly regretted it once I loosened the cap and fluid came pouring out. I tightened it back up right away but I’m concerned about the fluid loss. It wasn’t a ton, but enough that I had to wipe down the pump, underneath it and the floor. If I were to guess, maybe a tablespoon or so?

When I removed the cap again (ready with rags this time) no more came out and the fluid level seemed to be right at or just below the bottom of the threads for the cap. I turned the wheel lock to lock and it didn’t push any more fluid out and it seemed to stay at the same level.

Thoughts? I’m concerned about why it would have come pouring out like that and if I have to worry about being low now or having air in the system or anything. Definitely wanted to ask and see if there was anything I needed to do before attempting to go out and find out the hard way I have a steering issue! 😀

Thanks.

 

[Hydraulicjump]

Don't worry. This happens to most of us. When I used to leave my R27 on the trailer on a hot California day, a bit of hydraulic fluid would weep out the cap. I got so I would wrap the cap in a paper towell if I knew it was going to be real hot. When things were cooler, the fluid contracted and there was no problem. You have to get a lot lower before it affects the steering.

So don't worry. This is just expansion of the hydraulic fluid. A bit messy, but no big deal.

 

[Eric R]

Don't worry. This happens to most of us. When I used to leave my R27 on the trailer on a hot California day, a bit of hydraulic fluid would weep out the cap. I got so I would wrap the cap in a paper towell if I knew it was going to be real hot. When things were cooler, the fluid contracted and there was no problem. You have to get a lot lower before it affects the steering.

So don't worry. This is just expansion of the hydraulic fluid. A bit messy, but no big deal.

Thanks, that makes me feel a lot better. It has been crazy hot here lately. My temperature probe said 116F in the cabin today! Glad to know this might be just something to expect when it’s hot.