Power Steering Fluid Spraying out ?

[J-Tuner]

Hi all

Bit of an odd one, but i noticed on my last track day that a small amount of power steering fluid is escaping/spraying out the top dipstick hole and leaving a bit of a mess on the metalwork where the bottle sits. I cleaned it up and took it out again on a relatively easy few laps and it sprayed again..

I don't think the volume involved is vast as i monitored the level and it hardly moved, however i am wanting to sort it before something else goes, or the fluid burns a hole in the paint etc...

Would a problem in the rack itself cause symptoms like that, or could it be something as simple as the dipstick is no longer sealing nicely..

Any ideas appreciated !

Cheers

Steve

[MX-5 Lazza]

I've seen exactly that on an MX5 on track before! I don't know what the cause was but it didn't seem to affect the car at all. I'd suspect a failing o-ring on the dip-stick.

[NeoVR]

Its probably the powersteering fluid boiling... (which it wouldnt do under "normal" useage)

Think about it, the powersteering fluid *will* be the oldest fluid in the car..

Id probably just use an elastic band and a rag over the top of the dipstick while on track to stop it spraying everywhere.

[GravelBen]

I've had that on track too but only from *very* vigorous driving ie spending several consecutive laps mostly on opposite lock.

Edited by GravelBen on Wednesday 14th April 01:48

[J-Tuner]

Glad to hear i am not the only person who has experienced this

To be fair i was spanking the car quite hard at bedford. I checked the dip stick out and it locks off but there is still tiny amount of play there...

Maybe i will try and get a new slightly fatter O-Ring or something.. Good call on the fluid itself boiling.. thats the one thing i havcent changed yet so i'll get that done also.

Failing that a rag and a elastic band may be in order as Neo suggested

[Monumental]

Mine did that on the first track day, I put it down to the fluid being old and having a lower boiling point.

I changed the oil and it was fine at the next track day, which was at Bedford.

I bet there are plenty of old MX5s out there that have never had the steering fluid change.