Power steering

When I turn my wheel goes completely stiff and need to hands to turn it , when popes the hood it looks like it has fluid . When I turn it on and have the cap off to look it sucks all the fluid down , but when I turn my wheel it all comes rushing back up and over flows

My car has 140000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
This suggests your power steering pump may be failing or you have a clogged hose somewhere else in the power steering system. The power steering system operates on very high pressurized hydraulic pressure (in some cases as much as 300 psi). As a result, the pump works very hard to maintain the ability to assist turning your steering wheel and when the pump is overworked due to the rack and pinion not pump fluid properly or potentially due to pinched fluid lines, this may cause it to leak. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose your power steering system.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

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If you own a Ford Taurus manufactured between the model years 1996 and 2012, you will need to change out your power steering fluid once every 4 to 5 years, or after every 50,000-75,000 miles, whichever comes first.
2017 Ford Taurus Recall

Description of Recall: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan vehicles. The steering gear heat shield fasteners may corrode, allowing the heat shield to detach.

The easiest way to tell what unit you have is by the ID tag or by the pump end of the pressure hose.
Manual says use Mercon ATF for power steering and Mercon V ATF for the transmission.
Valvoline – DEXRON®-VI ATF Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid, 1 Gallon (Part No. 883572)
Prestone – MAX Power Steering Fluid: American Vehicles, With Stop Leak, Enhances System Life, 100k miles, 12 oz (Part No. AS277)
If you are having a hard time turning the steering wheel, something is likely wrong with the power steering system. Low power steering fluid in the reservoir might diminish the power assist and is a sign of a leak. A faulty power steering pump or a worn (or broken) serpentine belt could also be the culprit.
The flathead engine in the F-100 was replaced in 1953 by Ford`s new 239 CID overhead valve Y-block V8 and it quickly gained the nick-name of the “Power King.” It was soon replaced by the 279 and 317 in 1954 and during this time, power steering was first introduced as an option.
Pumps are 1200 PSI rated @3GPM to work with most gearbox systems.
Two types of steering pumps, single and tandem, can be installed in commercial vehicles.
Genuine Ford Fluid XT-1-QF Type-F Automatic Transmission and Power Steering Fluid – 1 Quart.
Note: All power steering systems built after 1998 require the use of MERCON V fluid.
Power steering fluid is a special lubricant that helps the steering mechanism turn and operate more efficiently. It also helps reduce the effort it takes to steer the vehicle. Transmission fluid, on the other hand, is a fluid that allows the transmission fluid to operate more smoothly.
TF and PS fluid are both hydraulic fluids. The big difference between PS fluid and ATF is trans fluid has detergents and friction modifiers. These detergents help keep gunk that may work its way into your power steering system from tearing apart your pump and the hyraulic valves inside the steering rack.
Can you use brake fluid as power steering fluid? No, brake fluid and power steering fluid shouldn`t be used interchangeably because they serve different purposes. You run the risk of causing the vehicle severe damage if you inadvertently put brake fluid into the power steering system or the other way around.
Power steering fluid meets requirements for viscosity, detergents, additives, and other components. Meeting these standards ensures the power steering fluid is safe to use in specific vehicles. Because requirements vary among car makes and models, always use the fluid recommended in your owner`s manual.
According to Jonathan Ganther, COO and founder of Brakes To Go, “You should always check the owner`s manual to see what type of power steering fluid the vehicle takes. Some possibilities are synthetic, nonsynthetic, [and] automatic transmission fluid, or ATF. The most universal [common] power steering fluid is ATF.”
Genuine Ford Fluid XL-14 Power Steering Fluid – 12 oz.
On April 25, 2018, Ford announced plans to discontinue the Taurus (along with the Fiesta, Focus, and Fusion), in order to focus more on its line of trucks and SUVs. The announcement was part of a plan by Ford Motor Company to cut costs and increase profits.
Genuine Ford Fluid XL-14 Power Steering Fluid – 12 oz.
Electric systems do not require power steering fluid to work and only draw power when needed, making them more fuel efficient than hydraulic systems.
Electric systems do not require power steering fluid to work and only draw power when needed, making them more fuel efficient than hydraulic systems.
The big, comfortable <b>2013 Ford Taurus</b> features a well-tuned and fuel-efficient electric power-steering system, along with a host of driver assistance features that help prevent collisions, and automatically park.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

power steering fluid is leaking
ANSWER : With a power steering fluid leak that big, you certainly should have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible to find the exact cause. Any of the components you listed can be the source of the leak. The power steering pump as well as the rack & pinion steering unit rely on the fluid for lubrication as well as cooling. The whining you hear is from the pump when the fluid runs low or empty. Your issue can be caused by something as simple as a fluid hose right now, but continued ’running dry" of the power steering fluid, can result in damage to both the pump and the rack & pinion unit. If that happens, you can take what may be a repair of a few hundred dollars and turn it into a repair of a couple of thousand dollars.

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Very loud pop when turning sharp left leaking transmission or power steering fluid where steering column meet rack
ANSWER : Hi there. If everything else has already been installed from the donor vehicle then it sounds like the high pressure hose is all that you need to install. The hardest part of doing this is the routing. One thing you may also want to double check is that the donor vehicle and your 2003 Escape have the same rack. There are different models depending on the model and the size of your wheels. You need to install the pressure line first, but if it does not line up then you may have the wrong rack installed. If you would like some assistance installing this hose, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to you to [replace your high pressure steering hose] https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-steering-pressure-hose-replacement

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I had a warning message in my 2013 Ford Fusion that the power steering assist failed. I have power steering capability now. Is it safe to drive?
ANSWER : Some 2013 Ford Fusion models are part of a safety recall involving loss of steering assist. Contact your dealer with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or check your VIN number on safercar.gov to verify if this recall applies to your vehicle. Loss of steering assist can be dangerous if you are caught off guard. It would be best to not drive the vehicle. Contact your dealer to have it towed to their location.

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Major Leak of power steering fluid
ANSWER : Hello…it sounds like you have a loose or faulty hose connection. Of course, it is also possible that a coincidental leak developed, for instance in a rusted steel tube on the return side, at the same time that you were doing this repair. A YourMechanic specialist could diagnosis this for you and assist you with the repair of your power steering and inspect your vehicle for leaks.

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had power steering pump replaced but power steering fluid is leaking
ANSWER : This suggests that you may have a leak somewhere else in your power steering system such as one of the hoses or the rack and pinion system. As you may know, the power steering system is a highly pressurized system that can have as much as 300+psi of pressure in the system at times, so it is not uncommon for these types of leaks to happen. If you’d like to get this fixed, I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose the leak in your power steering system and make the the necessary repairs to fix it.

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Power steering went out completely
ANSWER : Hi there. You might have a blown high pressure hose from the pump to the steering rack. The fluid is getting onto the exhaust system and may pose a fire hazard. I recommend you do not drive the vehicle, for safety reasons, until you have the leak fixed. I recommend you have a mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, inspect your power steering system’s leak to make sure what the cause of the failure is.

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Power steering pump on 2012 Acura TL needs to be replaced. Due to location a power bar also needs to be replaced. Cost over $3,000. Is this a good price?
ANSWER : Question sent to CS for a quote on replacing the power steering motor, programming, and replacing an electrical component attached to the motor. This is in comparison to a quote that was given for the parts and labor.

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Chrysler 3.8 L. T&C power steering rack and pump replacement.
ANSWER : As you may know, the power steering rack pumps power steering fluid through a series of small reed valves that help to produce hydraulic pressure as the system is pressurized by the pump. This is what allows the power steering system to assist you in steering your car. When either the pump or the rack is not working properly, one or the other can sometimes over compensate for the other to a certain degree, but will eventually be overworked and fail. It sounds like this may have been the case in your situation. I would suggest having a second opinion on the previous mechanic’s work. If you’d like a professional from YourMechanic can come to your home or place of business to properly diagnose and repair your power steering system.

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