Power Steering Pump

userpete1037 · 12-26-2007, 06:55 PM

Hello, I own a 2004 Ford Freestar and I have been experiencing some power steering fluid lost. I have a very bad leak is what I'm trying to say...LOL. I jacked it up to see if I could see where the fluid is coming from and it seems it is leaking from the pump where the inlet hoses connect and at the bottom of the pump. I would like to repair it myself but my question is, Is this feasable or should I take it to a repair shop? Actually, I own a chevy so it would be easy for me to install but this is my wife's vehicle and I've never worked on a ford. Looking at it from the bottom, it seems to be in a tight spot but I would welcome any insight on how to attack this repair job. Thanks and look forward to a response.

Davescort97 · 12-28-2007, 01:41 PM

I had the same problem with my Escort. The PS hose was leaking at the pump. It was in such a tight place I couldn't get a wrench in there to tighten it. Going up from underneath I put a pair of Vise grips vertically on the fitting and then used another pair of vise gripes to turn the top one. Worked like a charm. I've put 70k on it since and it's never leaked. To be sure about where it is leaking, I would hose it down at the car wash, then check for where it is leaking.

userpete1037 · 12-30-2007, 12:02 AM

okay, thanks for the insight. I'll just have to clean it up and see because from where i'm looking, it seems its leaking at the fittings but i'll have to check to be sure.

userpete1037 · 01-06-2008, 08:28 PM

I re-diagnosed the problem and I can see clearly where the leak is coming from. It's coming from one of the fittings where the steering wheel connects to. I don't think that's the power steering pump but I'm going to assume that a seal has went bad because it's not loose. If that's the case, is the seal something that can be replaced?

Davescort97 · 01-07-2008, 05:42 AM

The seals are either teflon or O-Rings. Should be able to get them at the auto parts.

userpete1037 · 01-07-2008, 10:28 AM

Dude you are the man. That's just information I was seeking. Thanks a lot.

userpete1037 · 01-12-2008, 01:24 AM

Well i've discovered i need a new ps return hose because the seals will do me no good. The fitting is tight but the hose has some play in it....i mean i can wiggle the hose even though the fitting is tight. I figure the hose is just worn over time and so i will purchase a new one and install it.

Davescort97 · 01-15-2008, 12:47 AM

Thanks for letting us know about the outcome. I'm glad it is something you can take care of yourself and not have to go to a mechanic.

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