Where is the power steering reservoir located?
Typically, the power steering reservoir is in the engine bay next to the power steering pump. In many cars it's a translucent bottle with a cap labeled "Power Steering." Some newer vehicles use electric power steering and have no traditional reservoir.
The exact location varies by make, model, and year. If you’re unsure, consult your owner's manual or a repair guide for your specific car; look for a plastic tank connected to hoses that feed the power steering pump, or, in electric systems, note that there may be no separate reservoir at all.
Common locations in modern cars
The following spots cover the typical placements you’re likely to encounter in a wide range of vehicles built over the last couple of decades. Use this as a quick reference before checking model-specific sources.
- Near the power steering pump on the front of the engine bay, often on the driver’s side
- Mounted on or directly adjacent to the pump housing with hoses connecting to the pump
- Tucked toward the inner fender or firewall side of the engine bay in some designs
- In a few newer models, the reservoir may be integrated into the pump itself or there may be no reservoir at all due to electric power steering
Knowing these common placements helps you quickly identify the reservoir in most vehicles. If your car doesn’t match these spots, your owner’s manual or a model-specific diagram will provide the exact location.
Electric power steering and other edge cases
Many late-model vehicles use electric power steering (EPS), which often does not include a traditional hydraulic reservoir. In these cars, there is typically no fluid to check, and maintenance procedures focus on electrical components, sensors, and software updates rather than fluid levels.
What to do if you still can’t locate it
Take these practical steps to verify the location of the reservoir or confirm its absence:
- Check the owner’s manual or a factory service manual for your exact model and year
- Look up a wiring or diagrams section that shows the power steering system layout
- Inspect the engine bay with the hood raised, tracing from the power steering pump (if visible) to any attached reservoir
- If in doubt, ask a qualified mechanic or use a reputable online resource that includes your vehicle’s VIN
Following these steps will help you pinpoint the reservoir or confirm that your car uses EPS without a traditional reservoir.
Summary
For most cars with hydraulic power steering, the reservoir sits in the engine bay near the pump—often on the driver’s side or attached to the pump housing—and is typically a translucent container with a labeled cap. In many newer vehicles with electric power steering, there may be no separate reservoir at all. Always refer to your specific vehicle’s manual for the exact location and maintenance instructions, as layouts can vary widely by model and year.
Where do I refill my power steering fluid?
As it does in the power. Steering. Always use the right type of fluid for your car.
How do I check my power steering fluid?
Locate the power steering reservoir. It is usually on or near the engine, and can have a white or yellow reservoir and a black cap. Wipe the reservoir clean with a towel or rag to prevent dirt from getting in while you work on it. Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
What are two possible locations for a power steering pump reservoir?
And should be clearly labeled. Now if you can't find the cylinder consult your owner's manual for the location. And the location of the reservoir on my F-150.
Does power steering have a reservoir?
Every hydraulic power steering system has a fluid reservoir where the fluid accumulates after it has been used to power the steering gear. This reservoir gives the pump a place to pull fluid from, a place for the fluid to cool down and an expansion volume for fluid to expand into as it heats up.
