Power Steering
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 350
Likes: 7
From: springstead wi
Power Steering
Went out to look at my car for spring and found a power steering fluid puddle . Knew it had a small leak but after 40 years need replacing . Was looking at kits 470 dollars new vs 270 dollars for a rebuilt kit with 180 dollar core charge . Which way would you go
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 350
Likes: 7
From: springstead wi
1976
Haven't checked to see where the leak is. Redid the front end last year . Figured for the 400 dollars or so I would redo the lower power steering and lines . Think the pump is still good but if needed I found a rebuilt one for 89 dollars.
Haven't checked to see where the leak is. Redid the front end last year . Figured for the 400 dollars or so I would redo the lower power steering and lines . Think the pump is still good but if needed I found a rebuilt one for 89 dollars.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
You need to know the source of the leak. You have several components in the P/S system: control valve, power cylinder, pump, hoses. Any one of those or a combination could be leaking. But it is rare for ALL of them to be leaking at the same time. So....
There is no need to replace everything for a leak from ONE component.
To find the source, you need to clean off all the oil, grease, gunk. Power washer wand at the quarter car wash will do an adequate job. Dry of those components. Then, start the car and have someone else slowly turn the steering wheel while you watch with a GOOD light source. You will likely spot the leak point[s] rather quickly.
Most commonly, the hoses are the culprit. Control valve and/or pump could be leaking. If the power cylinder is leaking, it is from the seal pack at the piston rod end; the seal pack is inexpensive and rather easily replaced. There is NOTHING inside the cylinder that can produce a leak on the outside; nor is the cylinder capable of being rebuilt. It either works, or it doesn't. In any event, ALL of those items (except the hoses) can be rebuilt for small money...if you are careful and can follow directions.
There is no need to replace everything for a leak from ONE component.
To find the source, you need to clean off all the oil, grease, gunk. Power washer wand at the quarter car wash will do an adequate job. Dry of those components. Then, start the car and have someone else slowly turn the steering wheel while you watch with a GOOD light source. You will likely spot the leak point[s] rather quickly.
Most commonly, the hoses are the culprit. Control valve and/or pump could be leaking. If the power cylinder is leaking, it is from the seal pack at the piston rod end; the seal pack is inexpensive and rather easily replaced. There is NOTHING inside the cylinder that can produce a leak on the outside; nor is the cylinder capable of being rebuilt. It either works, or it doesn't. In any event, ALL of those items (except the hoses) can be rebuilt for small money...if you are careful and can follow directions.
