When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I installed a new control valve and pump a few years ago and it's recently started leaking. I can't really tell where from, in the photo you can see it's on the bleed valve and all over the hose. I'm about to pull the wheel off and get a better look, but does anyone have suggestions based on the photo?
I can see some fluid on the hose as well. and just for reference, that's a grease zirk. not a bleed valve.
I would tighten up the hoses with a correct flare nut wrench first. clean it all up. start the engine while on a lift or stands. and watch.
I can see some fluid on the hose as well. and just for reference, that's a grease zirk. not a bleed valve.
I would tighten up the hoses with a correct flare nut wrench first. clean it all up. start the engine while on a lift or stands. and watch.
Great info, I’ll do that. I have the correct wrenches from when I installed it.
Some folks say to loose fitting a tad then retighten a little more. When I changed my hoses they kept leaking and the loosen - tighten trick seemed to work.
I installed a new control valve and pump a few years ago and it's recently started leaking. I can't really tell where from, in the photo you can see it's on the bleed valve and all over the hose. I'm about to pull the wheel off and get a better look, but does anyone have suggestions based on the photo?
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Is it just me, or that a strange colour for power steering fluid? I'd have expected it to be more red?
There may be raised eyebrows, but I have put a turn or two of PTFE tape on the fitting threads when re-assembling the P/S system, for well over 15 years now. Works a treat!
Looking at the threaded fittings on the right, they are high & dry. Looking at the fitting on the left at the C.V. and its dry. Looking at the upper hose, that looks fine.
I question the nearest hose. Looks new but the press-fit has a drop. Then looking at the C.V. itself, between the two halves of the casting is wet. Was this brand new or a rebuilt? If I had to guess, I would say the gasket or "O" ring between the castings of the C.V. is suspect. And its spraying / dripping on the bottom hose, maybe.
It doesn't look like the hose is spraying the C.V. But it does look like the C.V is dripping on the hose. Road wind pushes PS fluid everywhere.
Is it just me, or that a strange colour for power steering fluid? I'd have expected it to be more red?
There may be raised eyebrows, but I have put a turn or two of PTFE tape on the fitting threads when re-assembling the P/S system, for well over 15 years now. Works a treat!
Some are red. Stuff I got from O Reileys was amber.
Investigate the type of fluid that is dripping. Compare its smell, color and [if needed] taste to see what fluid in your engine compartment matches it..
A leak of any type above the P/S components will always migrate down to those components. Don't assume that leaked fluid on some component came from it.
I would try to feel and smell the fluid. That almost looks like radiator fluid. I once chased down a leak like yours and thought for sure it was the steering valve. Turned out to be radiator fluid leaking from the back drivers corner of the intake, down the engine side onto the valve. The last two bolts on the intake were only finger tight, so I tightened all in the correct sequence and foot pounds, that took care of the leak.
As a "all-out" last ditch effort to locate the drips, a dye can be introduced into the PS rez. Then a special light will reflect and trace the dye on a scrubbed clean under- carriage. Those dyes can be used for transmission, oil, coolant or PS leaks.
That's what any good repair shop would do, but you can do this yourself cheaper. Ask around at Auto parts stores for the dye kit.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Jan 6, 2021 at 07:45 AM.
Consider a Borgeson conversion if you get tired of chasing leaks. Or a manual steering conversion. I have one of each, and zero stock setups. No more leaks!
Absolutely! Throw lots of money at a leak so it will go away!!
1) Identify the fluid; 2) find the source of the leak; 3) invoke a proper repair. The simpler and less costly a PROPER & LASTING fix can be obtained, the better. Your most likely issue is a defective hose or a bad gasket. I would be AMAZED if a complete replacement of the steering box was required............
Absolutely! Throw lots of money at a leak so it will go away!!
1) Identify the fluid; 2) find the source of the leak; 3) invoke a proper repair. The simpler and less costly a PROPER & LASTING fix can be obtained, the better. Your most likely issue is a defective hose or a bad gasket. I would be AMAZED if a complete replacement of the steering box was required............
I only mention Borgeson because I already did what you suggested. Fortunately I stopped after my second set of hoses, but the control valve leaked, and the power steering developed a gushing leak. The steering box can't leak power steering fluid only because the stock box doesn't carry fluid. A proper and lasting fix, for me, was to ditch the stock setup. Hopefully the OP can quickly fix his issue.
I appreciate that you shared your experiences with the OP. I'm just not sure of why you offered the "last resort" as a solution to a potentially simple problem...
Power steering control valve leak
