Power Steering problems

Today while driving my son to his martial arts class I lost power steering. Other than near killing us on a turn, it went well. My problem is that when I opened the hood to take a look the fluid was low and looked like engine oil, only with bubbles in it. There was a burning smell as well. I topped it up and took it for a short run. When I returned to my house the reservoir was again at the bottom and frothy. There seems to be a leak, but the color and bubbles??? Any ideas?

I would suggest topping the reservoir again, then while the engine idles turn the strng wheel from side to side a few times. The leak location should then be quite evident.

It could be at a number of locations. Some year models ('99 & '00) had a bad production run of steering racks with faulty seals... if you have this problem, the fluid will come out of a dust boot on the end of the strng rack.

The smell and the bubbles are expected as the pump runs dry and starts to pump air and fluid.

I've found the pump to be pretty rugged. On a vacation trip, my rack seals failed and the pump went dry several times...I couldn't find enough fluid to keep up with the leak. The rack seals were replaced and since then I've put an additional 90k miles on original pump.

I took my van to Canadian Tire today to find out the problem was as simple as a ruptured return line. Tommorrow I am going to replace it and I should be good to go. I'll soon find out. Wish me luck.

Make sure to use the correct power steering fluid for your year. Some use "type F" fluid (my '96) and the newer ones use Mercon rated fluid (from reading this forum). Follow 12Ounce's advice on turning the wheels from stop to stop (don't stay against either stop). That is the way to "bleed" the air from the system. Otherwise.....your van will moan like it is in much pain.

My 00 SEL makes rather loud whining sound whenever the vehicle was steered quickly (hard turn). It seems that it is coming from the power steering fluid pump. Is this mean the pump's life is about had it?