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help with ps leak! *pics*

Old Oct 15, 2010 | 04:00 PM
  #1  
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help with ps leak! *pics*






soo i got this ps leak i don't know were its coming from. i want to get it fixed before i replace the inner tierod and o2 sensor.
i searched and it seems common leak is the pressure hose, but i can't tell where exactly its leaking from. it drips all over the o2 sensor so i'm guessing its one of those hoses or the pump itself.

anyone have experience with this?
Old Oct 15, 2010 | 05:44 PM
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with any leak that you cant find the best thing to do is to clean the oily mess first then drive and look at it again. if its everywhere you cant really find the leak. buy some engine degreaser you can find it at any auto parts store.
Old Oct 15, 2010 | 05:59 PM
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looks like you need new cooper washers and/or high pressure p/s hose.

as maxed-out-99 said, wash out the entire area, i'd use brake cleaner, drive some and recheck where the leak is coming from.
Old Oct 16, 2010 | 12:08 AM
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+1 on above posts. I too had the identical looking drips and leaks over the power steering pump. I thought it was the pump itself. I cleaned the area super good with engine degreaser twice.

Drove around a bit, I noticed the pump was not leaking at all. The leak was coming from the power steering rack!
Old Oct 16, 2010 | 03:51 AM
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Are you sure it's power steering fluid and not the valve cover leaking oil down?
Old Oct 16, 2010 | 06:44 AM
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Troubleshooting any leak is to identify the source. It is essential to isolate the area before just throwing parts at it. I agree with all above posts, don't rule out engine leaks. I had a bad leak after my 3.5 swap, it pi$$ed me off to no end, but I was patient and eventually found the source. Be patient and meticulous in your search and you will find it.
Old Oct 16, 2010 | 08:47 AM
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I had the same problem before. You should tighten the clamps on those hoses and clean off again and recheck.
Old Oct 16, 2010 | 05:57 PM
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i'm pretty sure i have a vc leak as well, but i know its losing ps fluid because i have to add some at the reservoir thus leading me into believing the pump is leaking. ill do as you all have suggested and check again. thanks
Old Oct 16, 2010 | 10:09 PM
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For my leak that wick itself up onto the pump from the steering rack:

I identified it by wiping it on my finger and looking closely at it, put some onto a white paper towel or rag, the oil was red! Can't be engine oil, has to be auto trans fluid, or power steering fluid.
Old Oct 17, 2010 | 08:06 PM
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Originally Posted by ef9
+1 on above posts. I too had the identical looking drips and leaks over the power steering pump. I thought it was the pump itself. I cleaned the area super good with engine degreaser twice.

Drove around a bit, I noticed the pump was not leaking at all. The leak was coming from the power steering rack!
+1 for the steering rack

Mine did the same thing as your's. I put my car on 6 ton jack stands, removed both front tires, degreased and pressure washed the **** out of it. After that, I let it run (still on the jack stands) and shotly figured out it wasn't the pump, but leaking out of the shaft on the passanger side o ring under the rubber boot of the steering rack. Mine was leaking down the passanger (right side) control arm and dripping onto the inside of my tire. The fluid destroyed the bushing on the control arm. I was constantly having my front end realigned because of this. I ended up replacing the rack and control arm last Sept. and no problems since! got my rack from a local junk yard and control arm from Advanced. O, and it took me about 9 hours start to finish. Good Luck! hope this helps.
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