Power Steering leak-Help Needed

[Mbriggs]

The power steering resevior is leaking very badly on my '98 3.3l caravan. 2 questions:

1) Are there are recalls on this. My mechanic says he sees this VERY frequently.

2) Is this a potential do-it-yourself? I'm handy with tools but not a mechanic.

Thanks!!

[caravandrvr]

Most of the time I see that it is simply the hose and not actually the resevior itself. Worth a closer inspection IMHO...

[Mbriggs]

It's definitely the resevior. I can see where it is seeping through the metal casing after I wipe it off. Wish it was just the hose!

[waltham41]

Is it in an area where you could siphon out part of the fluid, clean the spot with something like carb cleaner and fix the hole with quick set JB weld? I have fixed a lot of things with that stuff over the years and it lasts a long time if done properly.

[caravandrvr]

Good call, waltham41, I've had many a miricle repair using JB Weld! If it isn't where there is any high pressure it just might work....

[waltham41]

He says the leak is in the reservoir, that would be a perfect place for good ole' JB

[Mitchie]

Originally Posted by waltham41

He says the leak is in the reservoir, that would be a perfect place for good ole' JB

I had to fix mine on the weekend, I removed the pump from underneath and braised it. Seems fine now.

[vipergg]

Originally Posted by Mbriggs

The power steering resevior is leaking very badly on my '98 3.3l caravan. 2 questions:

1) Are there are recalls on this. My mechanic says he sees this VERY frequently.

2) Is this a potential do-it-yourself? I'm handy with tools but not a mechanic.

Thanks!!

Yup had the same happen on my 96 , they use cheap thin metal on these and in high salt ares these tend to rust thru , seems to me it was between 2 and 300 dollars to have the dealer do it .

[Mbriggs]

I had thought about using JB weld but I couldn't get the resevior completely drained and it kept seeping through. I found JB putty and decided to give it a try. Took 3 attempts of cleaning it with specs cleaner, holding my finger over the leak while it dried, then slapping on the putty and holding it for 10 minutes. 3rd time it finally stuck to the metal instead of my hand. It seems to be holding for the time being.

Removing the resevior looked to be a real pain.

Thanks for all the advise!!

[tvrepair007]

Removing the resevoir is a HUGE pain. But can be done. Getting the pulley off of the old one is a whole other ball of wax. My pulley was so rusted on that the pulley removal tool just broke the pulley!

This JB weld thing sounds like it's worth a shot.

[vipergg]

More advice for Caravan owners , also keep an eye on your oil pan , eventually that will rust thru too if you live in high salt areas.