Power Steering Leak??
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 275
Likes: 19
From: Palatine IL
St. Jude Donor '13
Power Steering Leak??
Hello, again I turn to the experts with a question. I recently purchased a '78 L82 SA vette with onlly 14k original miles. I've had it for about a month and a half now and as this weekend the weather in Chicago has been nice, I've been doing some cruising. Well I noticed today that there seems to be a small leak coming from near where the power steering seems to be. I'm definitely no expert, but is this pretty common on an all original car? There's been two drips on my garage floor, both about the size of a nickel. Any help would be great, the fluid is a real brown color. Thanks!!!
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: Marshalltown Iowa
Re: Power Steering Leak?? (vettefan311)
You will need to clean the area good (brake clean works well) and then run it a while to see where the leak is at. It is hard to say where your problem is but at least all the parts are available!
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Athol NY
Re: Power Steering Leak?? (vettefan311)
The service manual narrows it down to about 103 places for a possible leak, I would start with the Control valve! Otherwise, degrease/wipe down everything from the pump on down , then monitor it! Good luck! :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Weatherford TX
Re: Power Steering Leak?? (vettefan311)
It's a common problem on C3. It is most likely the power steering control valve. I replaced mine and have driven it less than 500 miles and it started leaking again. I guess I will live with it, a C3 is like an old Harely Davidson leaving its mark any place it is parked.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
Re: Power Steering Leak?? (bn7035)
The only way to figure out what the fluid is, is to clean it all off & watch for the source while it's running.
Brakleen does make an excellent cleaner for this purpose, but it is also a very harsh chemical.... be very careful not to get it in your eyes- wear safety glasses.
If you have a blacktop driveway, put a pan down... it melts pavement.
Ask me how I know how much it hurts in your eyes.
I buy it by the gallon.
The power steering can leak at the pump, at the control valve, or at the slave cylinder.
Try tightening the clamp on the return line at the pump first (after you de-grease it).... it's the easiest.
Brakleen does make an excellent cleaner for this purpose, but it is also a very harsh chemical.... be very careful not to get it in your eyes- wear safety glasses.
If you have a blacktop driveway, put a pan down... it melts pavement.
Ask me how I know how much it hurts in your eyes.
I buy it by the gallon.
The power steering can leak at the pump, at the control valve, or at the slave cylinder.
Try tightening the clamp on the return line at the pump first (after you de-grease it).... it's the easiest.
