power steering leak

how do u stop a power steering leak or fix it?

You can replace the gaskets/seals on the power steering pump, or replace the entire unit.

However, (and this has worked for me) some leaks are due to the hardening of the seals, or them getting gunked up. I had one 18 year old car that had a leak; I replaced the fluid with the cheapest stuff I could find (Autozone) for awhile, and after about a month or two the leaked stopped and never reappeared.

You can replace the gaskets/seals on the power steering pump, or replace the entire unit.

However, (and this has worked for me) some leaks are due to the hardening of the seals, or them getting gunked up. I had one 18 year old car that had a leak; I replaced the fluid with the cheapest stuff I could find (Autozone) for awhile, and after about a month or two the leaked stopped and never reappeared.

would it be cheaper to replace the whole unit or just get those pieces???

I'd just try to put in fresh fluid and keep it filled for a couple weeks.

A new steering box is a hundred and a half or so, depending on where you get it, plus installation. I'd think that fluid would be much cheaper (depending on how fast it's leaking of course)

Add engine oil to PS

Don't do that...change the pump. Where is the leak?

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductList.aspx?parttype=251&ptset=A&searchfor=Power+Steering+Pump

Pump is about $80.

Engine oil will "fubar" the whole system. Power steering uses ATF or equivalent.

The high pressure hose also goes...just a tip..

There used to be a TV commercial that has a mechanic saying: "Pay me now or pay me later..."

Aloha and best regards..

WOW $80 seems a little high priced.....thats just my opinion though! I just rebuilt my power steering pump and the complete seal kit was like $10, that quite a bit cheaper and the place I ordered it from had an online diagram and easy to follow instructions, I did it in under an hour. You might wanna try them!!
www.pskits.com (http://www.pskits.com)

For a ps pump 80 bucks is cheap for jeeps what you did is just replace the seals and gaskets in it which sometimes works and sometimes doesn't however if the leak is in the pump itself then replacing the pump would solve the problem and most new or refurb parts come with some kind of warranty which i'm sure the gaskets and seals you replaced didn't.

Very true...I was just trying to show them another option if money is tight at the time. I have done both, bought new pumps and rebuilt them also, I guess its all really in what you want to do at the time being.

First, what is leaking exactly? Is it the pump itself or is it one of the hoses.

There are two hoses: one is a high pressure hose that runs from the pump down into the steering box and it has metal connections on both ends; the other is the return (low pressure) line running from the steering box back into the reservoir of the power steering pump; it has metal connections to the steering box and a hose clamp on the reservoir side. If the high pressure line is leaking it may be spraying the fluid around so it looks as if the pump is leaking.

Troubleshooting: clean off all the fluid from around the pump and hose connections (get a spray can or two of brake cleaner fluid...it will dissolve the gunk and dry quickly)...get it good and clean so you can easily spot where the fluid is coming from. Properly fill the system if it's low. Start the engine and watch for any leaks...run the steering back and forth (lock to lock). If nothing is readily visible, drive the vehicle normally and keep checking. If it turns out it's the high pressure hose, try snugging the comperssion nuts at both ends...providing it's not the hose that's gone bad. If it's the return line, try snugging the compression nut on the steering box or replace the hose clamp on the pump end (or the hose if it's failed).

If it is the pump...see below...

You want it quick and easy with a garrauntee, buy a new pump. You wanna play junior mechanic/spend the time/take a chance you screw it up and have to buy a new pump anyway...buy the seal kit.

Mike
00XJ

P.S. Go to NAPA.com or AutoZone.com and you can look up online the price for new hoses or pump...and see if they have it in stock (at least for AutoZone).

sector95 is ON! Geez fellas, I'm having a note taking session over here, Thanks!