Leaking Steering Fluid

[Johnniey]

My wife's car had a leaking power steering hose and was fixed a couple of weeks ago. Yesterday, there was a burning smell and the power steering stopped working. Now the car is at my home. The mechanic that fixed it said he would come to my house and take it to his garage but didn't. He didn't answer my calls so is obviously trying to avoid confrontation and responsibility.

My main question is - is steering fluid flammable?

Another thing -is it safe to drive with no power steering?

And, would you demand that he fix it for free ?

[Semper]

Maybe he forget to refill the unit and realised this after your call, hence avoiding you. You can drive the car, only problem is it's rather heavy to turn the wheel, a good workout though.

I recommend that you drive it back to his garage and have him fix it.

[sotsira]

If there's no fluid in the power steering pump then you will damage it by starting the engine.

[transam]

The fluid is flammable at extreme temperature. The steering system is a fine piece of engineering when under pressure. If no pressure the the finer bits will be under strain and perhaps give out. The leak MUST be sourced. Do not drive the ride without it.

[Semper]

If there's no fluid in the power steering pump then you will damage it by starting the engine.

Yes, I forget to mention that he should detach the drive belt to the pump.

[Jitar]

Power steering fluid is flammable, especially if it leaks on to your exhaust.

Do not drive with low power steering fluid level. The pump will be damaged quickly and most vehicles are two heavy to steer even if the pump belt can be removed.

Getting mechanics to fix things for free is usually difficult unless a mistake is really obvious. Try to work out if the hot smell is from the fluid getting too hot, a fluid leak onto the exhaust, or slipping belt. Have a look at the fluid level, colour and smell.

If your knowledge of the power steering system is limited, you may be better of going to another mechanic with more expertise to find out what is wrong. A decent mechanic could give you some facts to argue compensation with the first mechanic if he has done something stupid.