Power steering fluid leak
4breezes
08-31-2008, 07:35 PM
This has gone on long enough. I've gone through too much power steering fluid. It's a '95 Grand Caravan, 3.3 engine, 4 speed transmission.
I'm in the process of cleaning the power steering pump (low on the passenger side). It appears that the leak is on the pump. I think it's coming out what looks like an adjusting screw. It's about a 1/4 inch stud with a lock nut, coming out of the pump and pointing toward the driver's side. That is the power steering pump, isn't it? Is this a common problem, or am I just lucky?
For the moment I'm going to clean it up a bit, then see whether I can simply tighten the lock nut a bit. Would this procedure stop the leak? Could it be that easy? What would the proper procedure be?
TIA
I'm in the process of cleaning the power steering pump (low on the passenger side). It appears that the leak is on the pump. I think it's coming out what looks like an adjusting screw. It's about a 1/4 inch stud with a lock nut, coming out of the pump and pointing toward the driver's side. That is the power steering pump, isn't it? Is this a common problem, or am I just lucky?
For the moment I'm going to clean it up a bit, then see whether I can simply tighten the lock nut a bit. Would this procedure stop the leak? Could it be that easy? What would the proper procedure be?
TIA
4breezes
08-31-2008, 10:06 PM
I think I found the leak. It's not good news. I cleaned the surface of the pump as best I could with Gunk, dried it off (again, as best I could), and within two minutes saw it weeping fluid. The engine was not running, the pump was not turning. The pump housing must have a hairline crack, or is just plain rusted through. It's weeping above and to the left (as seen in the picture) of the adjusting stud, on a shoulder of the housing. I do not see a fluid path above that, so the housing itself must be breached.
I'll add a link to a picture. I find they help a whole lot when I try to understand things.
Power Steering Pump Leak (http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j252/4breezes/1995%20Caravan/?action=view¤t=DSCF6862.jpg)
As you can see, the pump is quite rusted--the result of five or so years on the Maine coast.
I'll add a link to a picture. I find they help a whole lot when I try to understand things.
Power Steering Pump Leak (http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j252/4breezes/1995%20Caravan/?action=view¤t=DSCF6862.jpg)
As you can see, the pump is quite rusted--the result of five or so years on the Maine coast.
gused82
09-01-2008, 11:02 PM
you definetely new a new power steering pump , that is not rusted is rotten, good luck
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