Before the invention of power steering, driving a vehicle took a little more effort. If you’ve ever tried to turn a steering wheel while the engine is off, you know the challenge.
Today, for the most part, we don’t have to worry about strong-arming a steering wheel when going around a corner or backing out of the driveway unless, of course, the power steering fluid is leaking.
When you have a power steering fluid leak, you’ll eventually notice that turning the wheel becomes more difficult. Therefore, you’ll want to repair the leak and top-up your fluid as soon as possible, not only for convenience, but for safety as well.
Here’s a look at the best power steering fluid stop leaks on the market today.
Things to Consider When Buying Power Steering Fluid Stop Leak
Losing power steering fluid can hinder your vehicle’s performance and make it more difficult to drive. You’ll really have to reef on your steering wheel to get it to respond, which is a shock if you’ve never experienced it before. These systems have only existed since 1951 and have evolved to be ever more sophisticated and effective over that time.
In the early stages of a leak, you won’t notice any difference in the car. The only clue you’ll encounter is a pool of red or brown liquid under your vehicle, an early sign that something is leaking.
Later on in the process, you might notice a screeching or squealing sound when you turn the wheel.
There are numerous power steering fluid stop leaks available, and you’ll want to consider each option thoroughly before deciding on what to buy.
Effectiveness
Firstly, selecting a product that actually works is of the utmost importance. There’s no point in going through with the purchase if there isn’t a good chance of the stop leak meeting your needs.
In most cases, the effectiveness of the product depends on the size and type of the leak. Generally, these products work by restoring the rubber seals within your system but won’t work on larger leaks where you blow a gasket, or a hole develops in one of the hoses.
Of course, you’re more likely to have success with a premium option like ATP AT-205 Re-Seal Stops Leaks than with lesser-known brands.
Protects and Conditions
Before making your selection, you might look at whether or not the product protects and conditions your power steering system. As a general rule, most of these products will condition the rubber inside your power steering system, at least temporarily. The problem is that not all products work for preventative maintenance because they’ll cause the seals to overexpand and eventually burst.
Have a look at each product’s recommended uses to ensure you’re selecting the right option to meet your needs.
Amount Needed
Generally, you’ll only require a small amount of power steering fluid stop leak to get the job done. Most of the bottles are relatively small, and you’ll only need a few ounces every time. However, some products could take multiple applications before they stop your leak, which can add up if you’re using a product that requires you to add a lot of stop leak to your reservoir.
Compatibility
While many modern power steering fluid stop leak products are compatible with every make and model of vehicle, products like Prestone Power Steering Fluid with Stop Leak are formulated for specific makes of cars, formulated to condition the rubber compounds of a particular manufacturer. You’ll want to read your owner’s manual and the packaging to ensure you end up with a compatible product.
Other Uses
Some power steering fluid stop leak formulas work on other parts of your car. For example, Hapco Pro-Seal can stop leaks in your transmission, engine, differential, or hydraulic system, as well as your power steering system.
There are positives and negatives to these versatile formulas. Since the products can be used in multiple applications, they’re worth keeping around the house in case you experience an issue. At the same time, they might not perform at the same level as a designated power steering fluid stop leak.
Making a Decision
When selecting the right product to meet your needs, start by looking for something compatible with your power steering system and proven to work. From there, you can look at how much of the product you’ll need and how much extra protection it provides.
Power steering fluid makes it easier to control your car by ensuring your power steering system works. When you run out of fluid, either because of a leak or the product naturally breaking down, the vehicle becomes more difficult to steer and the absence of power steering fluid could ruin your pump.
As soon as you notice a leak in your power steering system, investing in a stop leak product is a must because it can save you thousands of dollars in repairs when applied correctly.
Top 10 Best Power Steering Fluid Stop Leaks 2020
1. Best Overall Power Steering Stop Leak: Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- How much you’ll need: One or two 12-ounce bottles per repair
- Protects and conditions: Yes
- Compatibility: All power steering fluids
Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak is a high-end product that does an excellent job repairing leaking seals inside your power steering system. The fluid is 100% guaranteed to stop any seal leaks you encounter, and the results are often immediate.
One problem is that the product is difficult to use because you have to wait until the power steering reservoir is nearly empty or drain it beforehand. You could also require multiple bottles to repair the leak.
Key Features
For pure performance, few items can match Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak. The product stops most power steering leaks immediately, and it can prevent rack and pinion issues, too. The result is a quieter car with more responsive steering. As a pure stop leak formula, few products can match the performance of Lucas.
Verdict
You can’t go wrong when using Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak because it performs at an extremely high level. Although waiting until the reservoir is nearly empty is a pain, the product’s performance is worth the hassle. You might require two bottles for your first application, but it’ll save you hundreds of dollars in repairs from a mechanic, making it worth the initial expense.
Pros
- Guaranteed to stop your power steering fluid leak
- Conditions and repairs the system
- Improves steering performance
- Works immediately
Cons
- For use on an empty reservoir
- Could need multiple bottles
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- How much you’ll need: One eight-ounce bottler per eight quarts of fluid
- Protects and conditions: Yes
- Compatibility: All power steering fluids
ATP AT-205 Re-Seal Stops Leaks repairs leaks in rubber seals and gaskets in your power steering system, in addition to your engine, transmission, differential, and hydraulic system. Keeping a few bottles of this product on-hand ensures that you can handle repairs in a hurry if you end up with a leaking seal. However, keep in mind that the product isn’t formulated for use with power steering fluid, so it might not offer the same level of protection as a steering-system specific product.
Key Features
You’ll find ATP AT-205 Re-Seal Stops Leak easy to use because you can add it directly to your power steering fluid reservoir. From there, you’ll have to run the vehicle for about five hours to have it seal your rubber gaskets. The product doesn’t contain petroleum, so it won’t harm any internal components in your steering system by over-swelling if you add too much, and depending on your car’s make and model, you might not require an entire bottle for the repair.
Verdict
ATP AT-205 Re-Seal Stops Leaks is one of the top power steering stop leaks on the market because it efficiently repairs worn and dried out rubber seals. Just remember that it isn’t formulated for your power steering system like Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak, so it might not perform as well.
Pros
- Versatile product
- Professional strength sealer
- Doesn’t over-swell
Cons
- Not formulated for power steering
3. Best Budget Power Steering Stop Leak: Bar’s Leaks Power Steering Stop Leak
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- How much you’ll need: One 11-ounce bottle per three quarts of fluid
- Protects and conditions: No
- Compatibility: All power steering fluids
At under $7 per bottle, Bar’s Leaks Power Steering Stop Leak is one of the most cost-efficient products on the market. The product stops gasket and O-ring leaks within your system and can make the steering system quieter, as well. However, despite one 11-ounce bottle treating three quarts of fluid (the typical car contains about 1 or 2 quarts of fluid), you might have to apply more because it doesn’t always work the first time.
Key Features
Bar’s Leaks Power Steering Stop Leak is an excellent product for small leaks because it does a great job of restoring gaskets and O-rings that are on their last legs. The result is that you can avoid expensive repairs to your steering system. The product prevents other steering leaks from occurring in the future once you apply it and can help your system’s interior components avoid corrosion.
Verdict
You might find that Bar’s Leaks Power Steering Stop Leak doesn’t work as quickly or as well as high-end products like ATP AT-205 Re-Seal Stops Leaks. However, you can’t go wrong with the price because even if you need to reapply a few times, you’ll still have your power steering system repaired for under $20.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Repairs all power steering system seals
- Prevents corrosion
Cons
- Might need more than one bottle
- Slow to work
4. Best Power Steering Fluid and Stop Leak in One: Prestone Power Steering Fluid with Stop Leak
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- How much you’ll need: Vehicle dependent
- Protects and conditions: Yes
- Compatibility: Ford, GM, and Chrysler
Prestone Power Steering Fluid with Stop Leak is a two-in-one product that often stops leaks in one application and can prevent further damage to your system. A potential issue is that the product doesn’t meet the service requirements of some global vehicle manufacturers. You’ll need to consult your owner’s manual to see how much of the product your car requires, as it’s a function of how much power steering fluid your car’s system needs.
Key Features
Prestone Power Steering Fluid with Stop Leak has a lot going for it, including its anti-wear agents, sludge-preventing antioxidants, and anti-foam agents. The result is a highly-functioning power steering fluid stop leak that also doubles as a standalone power steering fluid. The product can help maintain your current system, preventing leaks on high-mileage vehicles, too.
Verdict
Overall, Prestone Power Steering Fluid with Stop Leak is a reliable product at an affordable price point. It works well to fix seals that are leaking and will do the entire power steering system some good. However, it’ll take a bit of research to ensure the product is compatible with your car, and you might have to entirely drain your power steering reservoir for the best results.
Pros
- Protects and conditions the power steering system
- Rejuvenates all seals
- One treatment is often enough
Cons
- Not compatible with every type of fluid
- The amount required depends on your car
5. Best Seal Conditioning Stop Leak: NO LEAK Power Steering Stop Leak
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- How much you’ll need: One 16-ounce bottle for five quarts
- Protects and conditions: Yes
- Compatibility: All power steering fluids
NO LEAK Power Steering Stop Leak is a solid product that can stop small or slow leaks within your power steering system. The product is easy to use, as you just have to pour it into your power steering reservoir, and it will begin repairing your leaking fluid problem. However, you might find that the product doesn’t work well on more substantial leaks. It can also take multiple days for this fluid to fix the problem after application.
Key Features
In addition to stopping power steering fluid leaks, NO LEAK Power Steering Stop Leak protects your system from leaks by conditioning your seals and gaskets. As a result, you can use the product in your preventative maintenance to keep your power steering system functioning at optimal levels.
Verdict
NO LEAK Power Steering Stop Leak works on many small leaks, but it isn’t the most efficient product on the market. You might require multiple bottles before you notice a slowdown in the leak, making this option more expensive than others, too. It could also take numerous days for NO LEAK Power Steering Stop Leak to repair your seals, during which time more fluid will leak onto your driveway.
Pros
- Seals small leaks
- Conditions your seals and gaskets
- Can be used for preventative maintenance
Cons
- Doesn’t work on large leaks
- Works slowly
6. BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- How much you’ll need: One-third of an eight-ounce bottle
- Protects and conditions: Yes
- Compatibility: All power steering fluids
BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak offers a permanent repair of power steering fluid leaks of all sizes. The product is easy to use, and since you only need one-third of a bottle to see results, it’s an inexpensive option, at least on the surface. Unfortunately, you might end up having to reapply the formula multiple times to get it to work, and there are situations where it won’t stop the leak at all, however, this is possible with all stop-leak products.
Key Features
You’ll find that BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak works quickly, as it seals leaks in the power steering system within a couple of hours. In the case of more severe leaks, it could be up to two days to see results. The product won’t damage your power steering system, so you can keep adding more if it doesn’t work the first time around. The product provides a permanent solution to many leaks, helping you to avoid a trip to the garage.
Verdict
When BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak works, it’s a real money-saver because it can permanently repair your system. On the other hand, there are situations where the product doesn’t work at all, mainly when dealing with larger leaks. Overall, BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak is worth a try, but keep an eye on your power steering fluid levels during use to get the gist of its efficacy.
Pros
- Aims to repair leaks permanently
- Small amount required
- Works quickly
Cons
- Doesn’t always work
- Sometimes takes multiple applications
7. Best Universal Seal Conditioner: SealLube Seal Expander
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- How much you’ll need: One eight-ounce bottle for eight quarts
- Protects and conditions: Yes
- Compatibility: All power steering fluids
SealLube Seal Expander is a high-end product that not only repairs leaks in your power steering fluid system but also handles transmission, engine, air conditioning, differential, and hydraulic system leaks. This utility makes the product a valuable addition for any car owner. At the same time, since the product isn’t specifically designed for power steering systems, it might not work as well as specialized products like NO LEAK Power Steering Stop Leak.
Key Features
SealLube Seal Expander works by restoring flexibility to the seals within your car’s various systems. Once the flexibility is restored, the seal becomes more robust and less likely to crack. It also conditions your power steering system to prevent future leaks if you use it proactively. The product works quickly once applied.
Verdict
The good news is that SealLube Seal Expander works with all power steering fluid brands and will expand and condition your rubber seals to prevent leaks. However, the product doesn’t work on seals that are too far gone (no stop-leak does), and it’s more expensive than many other options. There’s also the issue of the product not being specifically designed for power steering fluid leaks, which could reduce its effectiveness.
Pros
- Works quickly
- Expands seals efficiently
- Works with all fluid brands
Cons
- Expensive
- Not designed for power steering reservoirs
8. Hapco Pro-Seal
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- How much you’ll need: One ounce of product per quart of system capacity
- Protects and conditions: Yes
- Compatibility: All power steering fluids
Much like SealLube Seal Expander, Hapco Pro-Seal works on power steering systems, transmissions, engines, differentials, and hydraulic systems. The product won’t clog your system, as it’s designed to soak into rubber seals and expand them to slow or stop leaks. The product is compatible with all fluids and restores and conditions the rubber, as well. It could require multiple applications, however, making it an expensive option.
Key features
Hapco Pro-Seal is a quick and easy-to-use additive that you’ll put directly into your power steering fluid reservoir. Once there, the product conditions and expands the rubber seals inside to repair them. The product comes with a money-back guarantee and won’t clog your system so that you can use it for preventative maintenance, too.
Verdict
You’ll be happy to know that Hapco Pro-Seal stops all kinds of fluid leaks and works in a hurry, making it a great product to try. You might have to apply it multiple times to achieve a leak-free power steering system, which could make it costly. Overall, it’s worth keeping around the house because of its versatility.
Pros
- Seals all types of rubber gaskets
- Works in various systems
- Restores worn rubber
Cons
- Expensive
- Might require multiple applications
9. STP Power Steering Fluid & Stop Leak
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- How much you’ll need: Seven ounces per quart of power steering fluid
- Protects and conditions: Yes
- Compatibility: All power steering fluids
You can use STP Power Steering Fluid & Stop Leak instead of your regular power steering fluid, making it one of the most straightforward products on the market to utilize. Once in your system, the product will restore and repair damaged seals, fixing and preventing leaks. STP Power Steering Fluid & Stop Leak works better as a preventative product than a stop leak, however, so you might look elsewhere if you already have a leak.
Key features
First and foremost, STP Power Steering Fluid & Stop Leak is a high-end power steering fluid that performs well in most circumstances. The product has the added benefit of protecting and conditioning the power steering system’s seals, preventing leaks from developing. It can also stop minor leaks if they occur, but shouldn’t be relied upon if you have a severe ongoing leak.
Verdict
How STP Power Steering Fluid & Stop Leak works for you depends on the severity of your problem. If you’re driving a high-mileage vehicle and haven’t noticed a power steering fluid leak, pre-emptively using this product could keep it that way. However, you’ll find that other products like BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak work better if you’re already developing problems within your power steering system.
Pros
- Works as a power steering fluid
- Can prevent leaks from developing
- Restores your seals
Cons
- Isn’t good at repairing significant leaks
- More of a power steering fluid than a stop leak
10. Motorkote All Seal Stop Leak and Leak Preventor
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- How much you’ll need: Two ounces for every one ounce of capacity
- Protects and conditions: Yes
- Compatibility: All power steering fluids
Motorkote All Seal Stop Leak and Leak Preventor is usable in your power steering reservoir, in addition to your engine, crankshaft, and transmission. The product works by softening and expanding rubber seals within these systems, stopping minor leaks. You’ll find that Motorkote All Seal Stop Leak and Leak Preventor struggles to repair significant leaks in your system, however.
Key features
As a preventative measure against power steering fluid leaks, Motorkote All Seal Stop Leak and Leak Preventor is a high-end product that gets the job done. It conditions and restores the rubber gaskets and O-rings inside the system, keeping the fluid inside where it belongs.
Verdict
If you plan to use Motorkote All Seal Stop Leak and Leak Preventor on a significant leak, you probably won’t have much success. However, this product is useful when preventing power steering fluid leaks on older vehicles or stopping a slow leak. A bonus is that it works on other systems, so you can use your bottle to fix leaking rubber components in your car’s engine and transmission if necessary.
Pros
- Multiple uses
- Inexpensive
- Don’t need much of it
Cons
- More for maintenance than repairs
- Not for large leaks
Guide to Buying the Best Windshield Washer Fluids
You should know a few more things before investing in a power steering fluid stop leak product. After all, the right product could save you thousands of dollars in repairs, while a bad one could make the problem even worse. Doing your research to find the right one is beneficial.
First, you should know how to tell if you have a power steering issue, and then you should get to the bottom of why it’s occurring.
You’ll then want to look at the best products on the market and come to a conclusion based on your analysis. You should also have a plan if the product doesn’t work.
Signs Your Power Steering System is Broken
Much like other problems with your car, an issue with your power steering system will start slowly. Initially, you might notice a squealing sound when you turn the wheel. The noise might not occur every time, as it often begins as an occasional annoyance.
Air getting into your power steering pump is the reason for this noise, and the air gets through because there’s fluid leaking. The pump should be full of fluid, which it moves to various parts of your system. When the pump isn’t full of liquid, air gets in and makes noise as it advances, much like the wind.
Keep in mind that air can damage your power steering pump, too, because the device isn’t meant to pump it. When you run into power steering pump damage, though, a full repair is necessary. Stop leak, unfortunately, cannot fix your power steering pump.
Why Your Power Steering System Needs a Repair
Are you aware of why your power steering system requires a repair in the first place?
Well, it really depends on the type of issue you’re encountering and how advanced the problem is. Your entire power steering system contains lines and hoses that connect to each other with rubber seals, gaskets, and O-rings.
For a stop leak application to work, you’ll have to catch the problem before there’s physical damage to your seals or O-rings. Once these seals crack or break, you’ll have to head to your mechanic for a pricey repair.
Stop leak works on seals that are starting to shrink and become brittle. As your car ages, things will begin to dry out a little. The rubber components inside your power steering system can start to wither, and fluid will start escaping.
The role of the stop leak formula is to swell the rubber and make it less brittle. Most products also condition the seals to prevent them from becoming breakable in the future.
The gist is that you need a power steering repair because your seals are old, worn, and starting to leak, and a stop leak formula can help.
What to Do If It Doesn’t Work
Applying a power steering fluid stop leak can repair many leaks in your power steering system. However, it’s essential to know that the product only works on these seals and won’t fix more extensive issues.
For example, if there’s a physical break in one of your hoses or lines, there’s nothing you can do besides replace the hose. The same goes for the pump and its housing and bearings, as damage to these components is far too complicated for a liquid additive to address. Stop leak will be most effective with small leaks.
If your power steering fluid doesn’t work the first time, it’s safe to try it again. Make sure you put the optimal amount of product into your reservoir and then top-up your power steering fluid. When multiple applications don’t seem to affect your leak, a visit to a mechanic might be your only option.
Pro Tip: Place some cardboard or newspaper under the front of your vehicle after applying some power steering fluid stop leak. Doing so allows you to see if any leaks develop overnight or if your repair is a success.
How to Use Power Steering Fluid Stop Leak
Using these products is relatively easy, as it begins by opening your hood and finding the power steering fluid reservoir. The reservoir is labeled, and there a dipstick that allows you to see how much fluid you’re losing.
If your power steering fluid levels seem low, there’s a good chance you have a leak of some type that you should address. Power steering fluid doesn’t just disappear.
You can apply most stop leak products to a nearly full reservoir of power steering fluid. However, you’ll want to remove an amount equal to the amount of stop leak you’ll be putting into your car to prevent overfilling. The instructions vary by brand and type, so make sure to read the product’s instructions.
Keep in mind that Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak works best if you empty the entire reservoir and then fill it with fluid afterward. It’s a bit of a pain, but the product does an excellent job of repairing leaks.
Once you have the stop leak product in your vehicle, you’ll need to drive around so it circulates throughout your system. The amount of time this process takes depends on the formula, your car, and the severity of the leak, but you’ll generally want to give it a few days before reapplying.
Pro Tip: Wear eye protection and gloves while putting the stop leak product into your power steering reservoir. These products can irritate your skin and eyes. It’s best to be safe, so you don’t have to deal with the aftermath.
Other Lifesaving Car Products
Ever since cars have been breaking down, clever inventors have come up with smart ways to fix and avoid those breakdowns. If you love to drive high-mileage cars, or if you just want to make sure you’ve got something on hand for every scenario, check out some of our favorite maintenance and repair-related products.
- Radiator Stop Leaks: Plagued by mysterious drips and leaks? Pick up an inexpensive radiator stop leak that can at least get you back on the road, if not completely fix your problem.
- Oil Stop Leak Additives: The most common leak issue and, therefore, the one most likely to ruin your day is an oil leak. If you’re power steering fluid is leaking and you’ve got a high mileage vehicle, your oil pan might not be far behind. Pick up an oil stop-leak additive to plug up pesky drips.
- Garage Mats: While a leak is no fun for you or your vehicle, your garage floor might take the brunt of the abuse, soaking up fluids and oils of all types. Pick up a garage mat to protect your floor, they’re quite inexpensive.
- OBD2 Code Readers: Any garage mechanic worth their salt (or anyone just looking to save money) should pick up an OBD2 code reader. If something’s going wrong, you’ll at least know what.
Is the Power Steering Fluid Stop Leak Permanent?
You might have noticed that some products claim to provide a permanent fix for leaks in your power steering system and wonder if these assertions are factual.
The answer is yes, to an extent.
When one of your seals is old and brittle, it needs the attention that power steering fluid stop leak provides. That seal will then be rejuvenated and returned to an optimal state. The other seals within the system will receive the same treatment, so you shouldn’t have similar problems with them in the future.
However, different problems can arise with these seals and other elements within your power steering system, causing leaks.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking your power steering system is now leak-proof because you’ve used a stop leak product. The truth is that even a product that claims to be permanent won’t stop all leaks, as you can still blow gaskets, break your pump, crack your reservoir, or have a hose form a leak.
These products do work for their intended use, but they won’t make your power steering system invincible.
Power Steering Fluid and Stop Leak in One
Prestone Power Steering Fluid with Stop Leak and STP Power Steering Fluid & Stop Leak are included on this list as power steering fluid and stop leak two-in-one products.
The benefit of this type of product, of course, is that you can use it just like a traditional power steering fluid, except it will condition and repair your seals. As your vehicle ages, you might consider switching to one of these products as part of your preventative maintenance plan.
However, the drawback of these products is that they don’t work well as a standalone stop leak once your seals are already leaking. That’s because these applications are a power steering fluid, first and foremost, that condition your seals as a bonus.
For that reason, it’s essential to look at what a stop leak formula attempts to accomplish before selecting one. Consider the age of your vehicle and any leaks you’re already encountering before making your selection.
Wrapping Things Up
A power steering fluid stop leak is a valuable tool to have available to you when you run into car problems. When used in their designed applications, these products work well as they can stop seals and gaskets within your power steering system from leaking. At the same time, these products aren’t miracle cures for all power steering problems, so you’ll want to carefully consider the type of leak you’re dealing with before going in this direction.
Source: Tools - autoquarterly.com
