Power steering leak
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 66
Likes: 1
From: Davenport Iowa
Power steering leak
I have a leak in the power steering that I can't find. It seems to be coming from the pump itself. It has been leaking, but appears to be getting worse. I haven't driven it for about a week or so and found a good size area on the garage floor today. I have looked before to no avail but it's driving me nuts not being able to find it.
The fluid appears to be directly under the pump. The valve appears to be fairly new, and the lines are rather clean. Doesn't look like there is any leakage where the lines connect, even the high pressure at the pump.
I put the front up on jack stands, cleaned everything off, topped off the fluid. I had my wife start the car and turn the wheels in both directions, but I see no leak. I left it sit for a couple hours , go back, and NO fluid on the floor.
Is it possible that with the wheels off the ground that I am not creating enough pressure for it to leak?
Can the pump itself leak, and where?
Maybe I should ask if the reservoir can leak?
Can it leak between the reservoir and the pump? If that would be the case, how would I go about fixing?
This is the third time I've gone through this procedure and it's always the same.
I'm pulling out what little hair I have left!!
Any thoughts?
Thanks
The fluid appears to be directly under the pump. The valve appears to be fairly new, and the lines are rather clean. Doesn't look like there is any leakage where the lines connect, even the high pressure at the pump.
I put the front up on jack stands, cleaned everything off, topped off the fluid. I had my wife start the car and turn the wheels in both directions, but I see no leak. I left it sit for a couple hours , go back, and NO fluid on the floor.
Is it possible that with the wheels off the ground that I am not creating enough pressure for it to leak?
Can the pump itself leak, and where?
Maybe I should ask if the reservoir can leak?
Can it leak between the reservoir and the pump? If that would be the case, how would I go about fixing?
This is the third time I've gone through this procedure and it's always the same.
I'm pulling out what little hair I have left!!
Any thoughts?
Thanks
Last edited by John Swift; Jul 20, 2018 at 02:12 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 110
Likes: 3
I have a leak in the power steering that I can't find. It seems to be coming from the pump itself. It has been leaking, but appears to be getting worse. I haven't driven it for about a week or so and found a good size area on the garage floor today. I have looked before to no avail but it's driving me nuts not being able to find it.
The fluid appears to be directly under the pump. The valve appears to be fairly new, and the lines are rather clean. Doesn't look like there is any leakage where the lines connect, even the high pressure at the pump.
I put the front up on jack stands, cleaned everything off, topped off the fluid. I had my wife start the car and turn the wheels in both directions, but I see no leak. I left it sit for a couple hours , go back, and NO fluid on the floor.
Is it possible that with the wheels off the ground that I am not creating enough pressure for it to leak?
Can the pump itself leak, and where?
Maybe I should ask if the reservoir can leak?
Can it leak between the reservoir and the pump? If that would be the case, how would I go about fixing?
This is the third time I've gone through this procedure and it's always the same.
I'm pulling out what little hair I have left!!
Any thoughts?
Thanks
The fluid appears to be directly under the pump. The valve appears to be fairly new, and the lines are rather clean. Doesn't look like there is any leakage where the lines connect, even the high pressure at the pump.
I put the front up on jack stands, cleaned everything off, topped off the fluid. I had my wife start the car and turn the wheels in both directions, but I see no leak. I left it sit for a couple hours , go back, and NO fluid on the floor.
Is it possible that with the wheels off the ground that I am not creating enough pressure for it to leak?
Can the pump itself leak, and where?
Maybe I should ask if the reservoir can leak?
Can it leak between the reservoir and the pump? If that would be the case, how would I go about fixing?
This is the third time I've gone through this procedure and it's always the same.
I'm pulling out what little hair I have left!!
Any thoughts?
Thanks
Coat the pump and lines with baby powder
Check it out the next day
Rinse and repeat
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 334
Likes: 17
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 66
Likes: 1
From: Davenport Iowa
I'm obviously not that familiar with the pumps, but when I first found the leak I found a bolt on on the front side bottom directly across the mounting bolt on the backside that was a bit loose. I actually removed the bolt and nothing came out. I put it back and tighten it. I have no Idea why it's there or it's purpose.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
Gunpowder is correct. I believe when I bought a rebuilt pump, it came with two "O" rings or gaskets that are to be installed in the threaded holes. Then apply some thread sealant onto the studs before torqueing them home. And yes, the rez itself can leak from old age. Its just thin sheet metal. But usually its the cap gasket or the gasket around the impeller.
If you go with another unit, make sure its an exact match before ordering. There are a couple different styles and you may not be able to have access to the cap because of the pump bracket.
If you go with another unit, make sure its an exact match before ordering. There are a couple different styles and you may not be able to have access to the cap because of the pump bracket.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 66
Likes: 1
From: Davenport Iowa
Gunpowder is correct. I believe when I bought a rebuilt pump, it came with two "O" rings or gaskets that are to be installed in the threaded holes. Then apply some thread sealant onto the studs before torqueing them home. And yes, the rez itself can leak from old age. Its just thin sheet metal. But usually its the cap gasket or the gasket around the impeller.
If you go with another unit, make sure its an exact match before ordering. There are a couple different styles and you may not be able to have access to the cap because of the pump bracket.
If you go with another unit, make sure its an exact match before ordering. There are a couple different styles and you may not be able to have access to the cap because of the pump bracket.
This wouldn't allow the reservoir to empty though would it?
Anyone know what brand came on the 77? Not sure if it's original, but I need a place to start. Maybe ACDelco?
Also, that bolt I mentioned only has a washer on it, no o ring. It's just strange that when I take it out nothing comes out behind it. lol
I've attached some pics.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
I believe the original pumps were mostly "Saginaws". But I have seen different filler necks on some pumps. Some were so tall it would be impossible to get at the dipstick cap. Just for the heck of it, go to NAPA parts on line. Enter your yr, make model, search PS pumps. See what they look like from them. I got a rebuilt from NAPA. Its just ok. Seemed to leak too soon but is a exact match and I have EASY access to the cap.
As far as a cap gasket, that shiny part under the spring is more or less a seal. I went one step further and bought a sheet of FelPro Cork gasket maker. Tracing out the cap size, I managed to make a better gasket. Then I recall it was glued under the cap with Permatex Black. Made a big difference in splash, mist, vapor or what ever you want to call it, coming out of a poor fitting cap. It seals tight now.
As far as a cap gasket, that shiny part under the spring is more or less a seal. I went one step further and bought a sheet of FelPro Cork gasket maker. Tracing out the cap size, I managed to make a better gasket. Then I recall it was glued under the cap with Permatex Black. Made a big difference in splash, mist, vapor or what ever you want to call it, coming out of a poor fitting cap. It seals tight now.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Jul 20, 2018 at 06:56 PM.
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