I have a 73 L-82 with power steering. This AM, I discovered power steering fluid all over the garage floor. The power steering unit appears to be empty. It has been in service for about 1 year, less than 3,000 miles. No prior signs of trouble. What should I be looking for in terms of a cause for this spontaneous and sudden leak? Thanks.

 

Best bet is to wipe it clean..(pump,hoses,control valve mainly.)..then add fluid to pump...run a engine short while,cut engine and trace leak...it could be something simple like the return hose...or worse,the pump shaft seal,etc..sounds like a hose,though..

 

The fact that it leaked all at one time sure sounds like it could be a hose. Usually specific components start with a little drip every once in a while.

 

 

My power steering pump has been empty for don't know how long, can I just dump fluid in, steer left then right, put more in, and have a go at it? any special bleeding need to be done? Thanks

 

If your pump has been empty but the drive belt is still connected to the engine and you have been driving around. You probably need a new pump.

The driveshaft bushing (inside the pump, just behind the pulley) needs to be lubricated by power steering fluid being pumped through the system. If the pump is run dry, the driveshaft quickly wears into the bushing inside the pump.

You could try refilling the pump. (I recommend genuine GM power steering fluid, available at any GM dealership). Jack the front wheels off the ground. Disconnect the low pressure line from the control valve located on the linkage. Point the line into a bucket. Have someone turn the steering wheel full lock to full lock.

Look at the condition of the oil spurting out of the disconnected line.

If you see metal shavings, you know that you have ruined the pump internals.

If the fluid is just dark in color you might be OK. Keep turning the steering wheel (and refilling the pump reservoir) until fresh oil appears.

I would discard the fluid in the bucket.

If you think that the pump is still good, reconnect the return line to the control valve. Refill the reservoir to the HOT mark on the pump reservoir capstick. Turn the steering wheel full lock to full lock about two dozen times. That will work any air in the system up into the pump reservoir. Refill as the level goes down.

When air stops coming up into the reservoir, let the car down and start the engine. Turn the steering wheel full lock a few times with the engine running. Check the fluid level and refill to the COLD mark on the capstick. If your pump is making very loud noises as you turn the steering wheel, there just might be a small amount of air in the system. Go for a short ride. Hopefully your pump will be quiet when you finish your ride. If it continues to make loud noises, get a new pump.

Jim

 

I found the location of the leak. I do not believe that I was driving around with no fluid in the power steering pump. So, can I just fill the pump, drive for a bit, and top it off, or do I need to do the system bleed that you described above?

Thanks, all, for the help.