Foamy steering fluid?

[braeden]

My steering is a little stiff and it groans on slow sharp turns, esp. when the car hasn't really warmed up all the way. I took a look at my power steering fluid after a 5 minute drive to work when the groaning was bad and the fluid was close to the top of the resovoir and was foamy. Is this a problem or normal, any other suggestions?

 

[Sarge]

Check it after it has sat for a bit. Most likely low.

Sarge

 

[old_man]

When the fluid is low, the pump sucks in air and just like at Starbucks it gets foamy.

 

[skipc]

I had the same thing. The rear of the PS pump has a plate and seal held by a ring. I had a fluid leak from behind, and it also let air into the pump, causing the foaming.

If the fluid isn't low, but foams, air is getting into the system. Try looking for wetness at the rear of the pump, where the pump meets the reservoir, the fluid return hose, or at the steering gear. Any of the low pressure (suction) points.

If there's lots of oiliness, degrease everything and look for leaks on the fresh surfaces.