Porsche 993: Why is My Power Steering Reservoir Leaking Foam?
Your Porsche 993 might experience foaming from the power steering fluid reservoir. Continue reading to find out common reasons for the foam and how to diagnose them.
This article applies to the Porsche 993 (1993-1998).
The power steering is basically a matter of convenience, and any car can work without it. However, modern cars have quite wide tires making the force needed to steer the car without power steering unreasonably high. If you don't have muscles like a body builder and want to enjoy a nice and safe ride with your car, then the power steering is something that needs to work. In this article you will learn how to avoid having a foaming power steering fluid reservoir.
Materials Needed
- Assistant/helper (optional)
- Dipstick
- Turkey baster or syringe
Step 1 – Locate the power steering reservoir
Locate the power steering reservoir under the back lid. There are two types of reservoirs for the 993. The earlier cars had a transparent upper section and the later cars had a non-transparent reservoir.
Step 2 – Too much power steering fluid
After you have located the power steering reservoir, start the engine and let it idle. Do not operate the steering while checking the level.
If your car has a transparent upper section, the fluid level should be between the min and the max marks on the reservoir. If your car has a non-transparent reservoir, the fluid level is checked with the dipstick under the lid. Unscrew the lid and wipe the dipstick dry and then screw the lid back on; screw it off again and check the level on the dipstick. The level must be between the two marks on the dipstick.
If the fluid level is above the max mark, the foaming could occur. Use a turkey baster or a syringe to remove some fluid.
Step 3 – Air in the power steering system
If you have replaced the power steering fluid (sucked out the old fluid and replaced with new) or if you have topped up a leaking system, then you could have introduce air into the system. The air makes the fluid foam when the engine is running and the steering wheel is operated back and forth.
If you have to top up with power steering fluid, you most certainly have a leak. In that case it would also be a good idea to look for leaks to find out what is actually leaking.
Pro Tip
This is where having another person help would come in handy. Have them keep an eye on the fluid in the reservoir while you turn the wheel.
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