Sandfobs

I fired up Elvis (93 ford escort wagon 1.9) and it's hard to turn, no leaking of any kind. The power steering fluid was low but after I filled it to the full line and let it run for awhile it still does not turn any better at sitting still or driving. Any suggestions would be great. Thank you.

mightymoose_22

How long had the car been sitting?
How low was the fluid before you refilled it?

With the power steering refilled, turn the wheel all the way left and hold for a few seconds, then all the way right and hold a few... repeat that a few times and see if it helps to work out your problem. Check the fluid level again and then give it a test drive.

Sandfobs

All fixed just put the front end on jack stands and disconnected the coil and turned the engine over for 10 seconds then rotated the wheel to one side and then to the other and continued this process by adding the power steering fluid and took the bubbles out. Worked like a charm... only this is there is smoking now after I warmed up the car... looks like some oil leaking somewhere I'm going to change the oil pan gasket and clean the engine and wait... thx for the quick reply.

mightymoose_22

Well since it was your power steering that was low... I would think that you have power steering fluid on the engine block that is burning off and causing the smoke... rather than go through the hassle of an oil pan gasket change, why not just clean up the power steering pump and monitor it for leaks first?

AzTumbleweed

Good idea. I just had my power steering line go out. It only leaked when the wheel was turned all the way in either direction. The 'pinhole' squirted it right on the engine block so it looked like the engine was leaking.

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Nevada Tumbleweed

Sandfobs

Right I'll be sure to do that....I have to remount the exhaust manifold as it doesn't appear to be seated properly and I'll be sure to clean up the bottomside and be ready to check for any leaks.