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Power Steering Fluid: Where Does it Typically Leak From?
'71 350/270
I have a slight power steering fluid leak. Doesn't leave a puddle in the driveway, but it kind of collects and drips on the bottom of the reservoir/bracket area.
I've repeatedly cleaned the entire area with brake cleaner, but I can't seem to get a good read on exactly where it's actually leaking from.
No obvious signs of leaking hoses. Does the reservoir itself ever leak?
The reservoir can certainly leak. The pump is inserted into the tank with an o-ring. Other than that, you have the high and low pressure line connections.
This pic isn't applicable to a '71 but you can see how the pump mates with the tank.
Were do they leak? Bloody everywhere! Clean it really good. Spray it with aerosol foot powder. Run it and look for the area where the powder is getting discolored.
The reservoir can certainly leak. The pump is inserted into the tank with an o-ring. Other than that, you have the high and low pressure line connections.
This pic isn't applicable to a '71 but you can see how the pump mates with the tank.
That's a great picture to show where the sheet metal resevoir is connected to the cast iron pump assembly. The overhaul seal kit is cheap, fast and easy to install. Big o-ring for the side shown and a seal on the back where the mounting hardware goes thru the reservoir. You will need to borrow a tool from the auto parts store to remove the pulley but this is an easy do it yourself job.
drspencer
Only time mine has leaked was when I tweaked the reservoir body while adjusting a hose. Was gonna rebuild it but it was so cheap (like $53.99 dollars in 2014) to buy an already rebuilt one from Autozone that I did that.
SO - the reservoir body got tweaked while I was installing a hose --- my fault; the internal assembly to reservoir body got tweaked and that's where it was weeping from.
Went and got the new one from Autozone (cheap really) swapped over a nut, or stud (something minor) then I returned the old one for the core charge.....I held onto the core so I could compare them before I returned the core.
I installed power steering in 1991 and that's the only time (2014) it has ever leaked.... and it was my fault, and here we are 9 years later with NO leaks {fingers crossed now!}.
Not much concern anyway since I have lifetime warranty on the present one anyway.... and I've learned my lesson not to overtighten hoses on the assembly because it might tweak it.
PS- just looked and it's 55.99 at autozone.... I'm kinda surprised it's only up 2 bucks since 2014!
Last edited by carriljc; Jun 13, 2023 at 04:05 PM.
The power steering design on C2/C3s is a disaster. They leak from everywhere. The cylinder, control valve, the lines running from the valve to the cylinder. It's a never ending war against leaks.
GM really should have run a traditional PS box like in every other vehicle they had, but the Vette got a cobbled together mess.
Had the same issue - until yesterday. The reservoir attaches to the pump via the pressure union and (2) studs on the back side of the assembly. There’s 2 square face seals between the res and pump, an o-ring on the union and an o-ring on the front of the pump. Pull the pump, drain it and remove the 2 studs and union from the back to separate the res and pump. I did pull the pulley but not sure I needed to however, I was able to see the shaft seal and confirm it was good. Was thinking I should be taking pictures as I was doing this. I bought the full seal kit from Zip but only used 4
Power Steering Fluid: Where Does it Typically Leak From?
