aw crap, power steering leak

[superkork]

ok, so i'm driving along around town and as a make a couple turns, notice that there is a sharp sound that is getting progressivly louder when i turn. i get home and look under the hood, hoping to find that i am low on power steering.

as i look at the black box thing that holds the power steering fluid, i notice as i feel under it that there is a significant leak somewhere under that box, and also that it has dripped on other parts under the hood as well.

where in the hell is the leak coming from. any idea on what i'd have to do to fix it. a price would help. is this terribly difficult to replace myself? i looked at the level of power steering fluid and there is hardly none left.

i know there are more power steering problem threads here but none reeeealy helped me. if anyone knows a site or something that has instructions on replacing the power steering fluid holder please let me know. thanks a bunch

~nick

[pfofit]

The black box thingee, resovoir, can leak from:

a faulty return line hose or clamp

a faulty o-ring seal between the resovoir and the actual pump

or a crack in the plastic resovoir.

You will need to verify where the leak is coming from and do not discount the pressure line spraying fluid all over, due to a loose connection or a faulty hose. It is screwed into the pump with a flare hydraulic connection. It is the more rugged and beefier hose.

Dry it up the best you can , refill the fluid, cap it off, start or have someone start the car and look with a light to find the source of the leak.

ATTENTION. No loose clothing, baggy sleeves, ties etc. There are pulleys and belts whizzing around. Think twice, no three times before you move lean in or reach to touch something with the engine running. Better still, if you think you want/have to touch something then turn the car off. Since it may be a pressure leak, wear some eye protection

Also, if you have your buddy starting the car for you, have him remove the key from the ignition when you tell him to turn it off and emphasize not to restart it unless YOU tell him to. If he has a problem with it, then find someone else or do it yourself. If his mind wanders and he decides that he wants to restart it or try something else while your poking around, he will have to take a couple extra steps and a few more seconds and maybe realize what he is about to do. Trust me, it happens.
:eek:

Good luck

[abbynormal]

i had the same problem... it was a leak in the high pressure line... try and remove the plastic wrap from around the power steering line... dry the line with a clean cloth and start the car... the line runs over 150.00 but a quick fix is electrical tape and a hose clamp.

[JuniorsGT]

I had a leak and it was coming from a crack in a hose u need to get it fixed quick b/c your pump might go out soon after.. mine did