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Contamination problems occur more frequently in rack and pinion power steering systems. Contamination can occur when pumps fail, hoses deteriorate, or moisture gets into the power steering fluid. All of these problems result in material contaminating the power steering fluid which can plug small orifices in the steering system, increase friction, and interfere with the fluids hydraulic characteristics, resulting in a failure of the power steering system.
Low fluid
Low power steering fluid levels reduce the amount of hydraulic pressure created by the power steering pump, resulting in hard steering. Low fluid levels also cause increased wear of the power steering pump from inadequate lubrication and high fluid temperatures which further accelerates pump wear. Low power steering fluid can cause a power steering pump to wear out prematurely and can result in the eventual failure of the power steering system if not corrected.
Snapped belt
Many vehicles use power steering pumps which are driven by a belt connected to the crankshaft of the engine. Worn belts can slip causing a reduction in the fluid pressure produced by the power steering pump, which increases the effort needed to operate the steering system. Power steering belts that catastrophically cause an immediate loss of power steering as the pump is no longer being driven by the engine.
Worn pump
As power steering pumps are operated and age they wear out. The seals and internal parts of the power steering pump break down over time and lead to an incremental loss of fluid pressure. As the pump wears out, pump noise and steering effort increases. Worn out pumps will eventually fail, leading to a total loss of fluid pressure and a failure of the power steering system.
Leaks
Power steering systems require hydraulic fluid to operate. Hydraulic power steering fluid can leak from worn or damaged hoses and failing seals. When enough fluid is lost, the power steering pump can overheat or wear out prematurely, resulting in a loss of hydraulic pressure and failure of the power steering system.
Looks like it is your High Pressure power steering hose gone bad, it will squirt more fluid as you turn the steering wheel. Replace as soon as you can, if that fluid lands on the engine it can easily ignite a fire under your hood, happen to me some time ago when my car began to leak power steering fluid from the high pressure hose and the oil got all over the hot engine, it ignited causing a engine fire. Power steering fluid is very flammable and dangerous when it is close to excess heat from the engine. Most power steering systems have a low and high pressure hose, the high pressure hose takes tremendous hydraulic pressure every time you turn your wheels.
Your Camry uses ATF ( Automatic Transmission Fluid). Your going to have to get the leak repaired, common cause is the high pressure hose is leaking and soon it will fail 100% and your going to lose your power steering. Worst is the ATF is flammable and if it hits a hot spot like the exhaust manifold, it will catch fire. Good luck and hope this helps, and don't let the fluid get too low. Low fluid in your steering pump will cause damage.
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