Power Steering Fluid question

[General Lee]

When I posted a pic of my 2011 F-250, I mentioned the steering box had to be replaced due to a leak. A week ago it was replaced. Since, I've keeping an eye on things checking for leakage. I had a lot of residual fluid dripping for days and I've been cleaning under the truck the best I can to help keep track of any leaks.

I believe the residual fluid has stopped dripping, but I noticed the fluid level in the steering reservoir has dropped about an 1/8 inch after holding steady for a week as truck has been driven daily. Truck hasn't moved for the past 2 days. Is it normal for fluid to read a little lower when its cold? It may be a dumb question, but I have not had a peace of mind since I bought this truck.

 

[dstig1]

Is it normal for fluid to read a little lower when its cold? It may be a dumb question, but I have not had a peace of mind since I bought this truck.

Yes. Everything expands with heat. A lot of fluid containers have lines for hot and cold min/max levels, especially common on PS reservoirs.

But that may or may not have anything to do with what you are seeing. If the levels goes down , it is leaking somewhere... Keep an eye on it. Put a piece of tape on the tank and use that as a reference if you need to.

 

[General Lee]

Yes. Everything expands with heat. A lot of fluid containers have lines for hot and cold min/max levels, especially common on PS reservoirs.

But that may or may not have anything to do with what you are seeing. If the levels goes down , it is leaking somewhere... Keep an eye on it. Put a piece of tape on the tank and use that as a reference if you need to.

Ugh, I hope its not leaking again. I don't see any reference on the reservoir for HOT/COLD level. Just says MIN/MAX

 

[arrabil]

Could be air coming out of the steering box and being replaced by fluid. Hence the fluid level goes down.

 

[dstig1]

Check it at the same conditions and you will know. 1st thing in the AM before you drive it is an easy one. Yes it will read higher after driving. It is a hydraulic system and you know how much heat those generate.

And there could also be some residual air from the swap as arribil noted. This isn't a hard fix, I'm sure you are just seeing the early teething issues with a new model. Odds are that you are good to go now.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I really think its the air getting worked out. I had to have the PS pump replaced on my Hemi 2500 when I had it at about 15,000 miles and after a 100 miles it was hard to steer again. I checked the fluid level and it was nearly empty. I called the dealer and they said it was common. They said to top it off and keep an eye on it. It did not move after that.

Chris

 

[General Lee]

Thanks for the replies guys. I like the idea of trapped air escaping as a possibility I didn't think of that. Makes me relax a little. Nothing more nerve racking than a new vehicle with 400 miles on it not be right.

 

[Bentwrench]

If my new 2011 "anything" had residual oil still on it after repairs I'd be having a chat with the service manager.

 

[Diamondpilot]

If my new 2011 "anything" had residual oil still on it after repairs I'd be having a chat with the service manager.

I kind of thought the same thing. I would make them clean it up with some brake/parts cleaner. I have a 3' nozzle to get the hard to reach spots when I am working on something for a customer or myself.

Chris

 

[General Lee]

If my new 2011 "anything" had residual oil still on it after repairs I'd be having a chat with the service manager.

I agree, they told me "they tried to get it all" but it sure didn't look like it. I will be getting a satisfaction survey, I may just have to make a comment about it.

On a side note, I drove the truck today, the fluid was back up to where it was before I noticed it dropped a little after sitting for 2 days.