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Camry V6, leaking power steering fluid. Is it safe to drive just by adding the fluid or is it mandatory fix???

1998 Camry V6, 75K mileage - leaking power steering fluid. Is it safe to drive the car just by adding the fluid or is it mandatory fix??? because I dont want to spend much on this fix...

12 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Is ok but the steering will be come stiff and erratic due to the lack of fluid. Eventually will run out of fluid and will grind to a halt, locking the pump and messing the belt that drives the water pump and the rest of accessories. You get the picture. Just get a pump from the Junk Yard or just buy a rebuild one from Auto Zone or some place like that. Just fix it right and you will be headaches free.

  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    It depends on where the leak is coming from and how much is already leaking. Depending on what type of leakage you have determines more of my answer. But if it is minor your care should be safe to drive but keep some power steering fluid on hand and if at any moment you hear any noise when your turn and turning become difficult immediately put more fluid into the power steering gauge under the hood to prevent more damage and do this until you can get it fixed or at least as you say buy a new vehicle. But your care could be worth fixing it so that you can make some money off of it buy selling it if you choose to buy another vehicle and you don't want to keep that one. Consider keeping it though as a back up car or a "I'm a run miles on this old car" type of thing. Good luck.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    "Safe", yes, but I would still have it fixed. Should the pump fail and that causes you to lose control and be involved in an accident, the penalties for not keeping the car in good mechanical order would make things worse for you. Until you can get it fixed, keep a watch on it and keep the reservoir filled with fluid. As soon as is possible, get the pump fixed. You could do the work yourself, go to an auto salvage yard and get a used one and install it.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    It wont fix itself but you can keep adding fluid.

    Ive had a leak in my power stearing for over a year now and have just been adding fluid, I will be getting it fixed soon though.

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  • well if it is leaking you can kuill the puimp by driving on low fluid and if the fluid spills on the exhaust manifold there could be a fire

    you can drive it but there will be a stiff steering wheel and a danger of a fire

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    You can drive it for a little while with only replacing the fluid, but eventually you'll burn up the pump and that will cost much more to repair than if it's just a line that's leaking now. Also, the fluid dripping and spraying all over your engine can cause your belts to slip or deteriate.

    Source(s): Life Experience
  • 1 decade ago

    Power steering fluid is a light oil ,and is highly flammable if it hits the exist manifolds(then you have a oil fire) and its also a safety issue and should be repaired asap and can cause other damages to the pump and steering components. have it look at by a pro good luck

    Source(s): 27 years car & truck mechanic
  • Gurk
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    you dont have to fix it, its not a real big deal. sure the steering will be alittle more difficult when going really slow but itll drive the same after higher speeds. but if it gets alittle stiff just pour some more power steering fluid back in. it probably isnt an expensive fix, but also it isnt very urgent

  • 1 decade ago

    try pouring alittle break fluid (start with 1/4 cup or less)this swells the o-rings in the pump and stops the leak(sometimes) it worked for me once.

  • 1 decade ago

    It's going to be a mandatory fix. It won't fix itself ya know.

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