Repairing a leaking power steering line

[guitarfish]

I have a leak under my '08 Prix. It's under the car, all the way back practically by the firewall. There's a crossmember there from the engine cradle, and several fluid lines just above it. Once is rusted and there is fluid dripping from it. At first I thought it was transmission fluid, but based on the smell and also that my PS fluid was so low it wasn't even on the dipstick, I'm pretty sure it's PS fluid.

SO - is it possible to cut some of the rusted line out and repair it with rubber hose & clamps? This line looks like it would be a major repair, not something I could do in my garage.

[Tech II]

Just because it looks rusty doesn't mean it's leaking there...it could be collecting there.......

I would top off the PS fluid...then get a can of Brake Klean and wash down your lines, and wipe dry.......start the car and have someone turn the steering wheel side to side while looking for the leak.....I have seen the fitting coming out of the bottom of the PS pump(pressure line) leak .......if it is, it's a nightmare....it drips out of the fitting and follows the line and collects on the line and cross member...

[guitarfish]

OK, thanks for this. I've since learned these lines should be replaced as opposed to "repaired". Off to figure this out...

[Tech II]

To replace these lines, you have to drop the cradle.....not easy......

[guitarfish]

Originally Posted by Tech II

To replace these lines, you have to drop the cradle.....not easy......

Really? The GM Service Manual for my car doesn't say this. It says raise the car, remove the wheel, and the serp belt, then have at it. The shop manual isn't always very detailed, but they usually get all the big stuff.

[Stealthee]

I had a mystery leak for a while on my car. Turned out to be one of the lines from the bottom of the power steering reservoir. I replaced the suspect clamp and haven't had an issue since.

[Tech II]

That's why I said, you have to pinpoint where the leak actually is, to assess your options....

[zepol]

Originally Posted by guitarfish

Really? The GM Service Manual for my car doesn't say this. It says raise the car, remove the wheel, and the serp belt, then have at it. The shop manual isn't always very detailed, but they usually get all the big stuff.

I had to drop the sub frame in order to replace my power steering lines on a 2001 GTP. I also needed a crows foot to take off the line from the rack and pinion. http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul....php?t=1082703

[Firstymer]

My 00' GP SE was leaking power steering fluid as well. I was patience and just followed the leak. I discovered the leak was caused excessive wear from the line rubbing against the oil pan at the bottom. Due to the nature of my moving situation I didn't had time to replace so I simply use some QuickSteel on the hole and it worked perfectly!