My car has been leaking power steering fluid for about a week now...

I haven't "gone over it with a fine tooth comb" yet, but when I add
fluid (just enough to keep the pump from whining since it's going to
leak it all out anyway...), I notice that the top of the reservoir is wet.

Wondering if it might be something as stupid as a bad cap?

That's where the puddle is in the driveway - under the reservoir.

Anyone ever have this problem before?

Thanks!
Scott

 

Everyone has this problem!
Unless they've put a new engine in,most of the 2nd geners have this problem. It cost about 350-over 500 at any shop to fix. Usually its just the low pressure hose that leaks, but when you drive like I used to the high pressure hose leaks too.
Its so expensive because to it's very hard to get to the steering column with the engine in. So most people just wait to get it fixed. When they do a engine swap they do it. What better time like the engine being out of the way?

I've been buying PS fluid for about two years, do you think with all the money I spent on PS fluid I could of afforded a new engine by now?

Don't worry about it.

 

When I did my 3-gen motor swap, I found that the connectors that attach the hose to the hardlines were not very tight. I had to dink with them but the lines don't "weep" fluid anymore. So it could be just the connections to the hard lines. You are going to get in there and see what's actually leaking. If you take the pass side tire off, you should be able to see everything?

 

Also, just so you all know, don't put power steering fluid in these systems. The viscosity is too low and can cause leaks/damage the system. You should be using Dexron III/Mercon ATF fluid. I made that mistake, and I had a nasty leak for a while, but put ATF in, and it seems to of slowed down to where I only have to add fluid every 1.5 month or so.

S

 

Technically aren't we supposed to use Dexron-II?
I can't find that stuff.
So Dexron-III really works, cool I'll try it.

 

Yes, officially, it's Dexron II, but since Dexron III was released, and confirms to all of the same standards for II, it's used instead.

The most common place fro leaks in that area are the hoses for the reservoir - there are two of them...check them both good on both ends...the larger, suction line feeds the pump itself, and the smaller return line goes to the hard lines that feed the "Cooler". Check the hoses and the clamps on both of these.

If it's the larger Suction hose, DO NOT buy the hose Autozone will sell you...it's a good quality hose, but you only need about 2 to 2.5 feet, and they sell you an entire roll of 10 feet...plus, it's one size too big, and will never clamp down with enough force.

 

i had that same problem on my 86. the hose right in the middle of the engine near the fire wall with the gray lining. i did the same thing, brought fluid for about a yr it was costly then i guess the price hasn't changed. by the way the 86 max se with the adjustable suspension was the best max i've ever owned people use to compare it to a bmw, that's how good it rode hummn.

 

I dunno, everyone says these leak... my max never leaked a drop of any fluid. maybe I had the pick of the litter? then again, the ATF in the power steering was brown, not red, so maybe any leaks clogged themselves shut.

what I wouldn't give to have her back... again....

Dan
---------------

 

my powersteering would leak a bottle of dex-III per day. All it was was a loose bolt underneth the car. I just follwed the drip and found it. It turned about 1/16 of the way and it stopped leaking.

 

That's just it, the hoses are dry... the only place I can find
it leaking is the at the cap.

The top of the fluid tank is wet and there's a puddle under that
area of the car.

I was curious if anyone's had a problem with a bad cap before...

Scott

 

Never had the problem before. Guess you should replace the cap and see what happens.

S

 

Got one on order from the dealer...

Scott

 

Well, if it's doing that, I'd check all of the hoses anyway...you likely have a blockage somewhere that is causing the fluid to backup in the system.

If you pull the cap off, does it still require you to twist it off, or are you able to simply pull it straight off? If you can simply pull it straight off, you likely have a bad seal in the cap...but the pressure is still being altered somewhere...Before I replaced my rack, and all hoses, etc..., when idling, i could wathc the fluid in the P/S reservior bubble (looked like a fast boil)...after the work was done, it no longer bubbles like that...i can open the reservior, and with the engine running, turn the wheel, and the fluid level will rise and/or drop a little, but that's it...

 

AHH mines leaking again..this time from the sides :|

-hec