Big Problem!! HELP...

[lainy]

The problem is...

The seal on the bottom of the steering box is leaking... Now is there a way to change it to where it dont have to be put in the shop... We can not afford that...

We have a 1989 Grand Marquis...

Thank You for your help!!

Elaina

[fredjacksonsan]

How bad is your leak? My 86 had the same thing, there would be a puddle about 4-5" across under the car after parking overnight. I put in Advance Auto Parts power steering fluid, kept replacing it with their el-cheapo brand, and the leak pretty much went away. You may want to try that to see if it helps you, too before paying to have it repaired.

When the leak started, my power steering fluid looked muddy; once it got to looking normal, the leak pretty much stopped, except for a few drops overnight.

As far as the repairs, you should be able to change it out in your backyard with a used unit from a junkyard (might leak) or a new one from a parts store/dealer. Just make sure that once you've swapped it out, you fill the reservoir and turn the wheels all the way to both sides, refill, and repeat, in order to make sure the system is full.

[lainy]

I dont know how big the leak is.. I will have to ask him when he gets home tonite..

But they thought at first it was the power steering pump.. but i guess its not.. Cuz I guess its losing the power steering.. Could that be from the steering box leak?

I really Really dont want to put it in the shop now.. LOL....

[fredjacksonsan]

On mine, the ps didn't work all that well when it was leaking; it may have had alot to do with the muddy fluid, I'm sure water isn't the same consistency as ps fluid. Might pay to put some cardboard or something under the car overnight to see exactly where it's dripping from, and go from there.

[lainy]

ok.. I will let him know tonite.. and go from there.. thank you for ur help... IM sure i will be back again.. LOl

[fredjacksonsan]

Welcome.....let me know what you find, hopefully I can help out a bit more.

[lainy]

ok I asked him bout the leak and he said its a slow leak.. right now..

[fredjacksonsan]

Then it's not too serious, I'd think. Try the Advance Auto Parts stuff, it really did seal my leak. He may also want to remove the old fluid (turkey baster works well) to replace as much as possible.

Good luck with it....

[lainy]

Hello..

I just thought that I would let you know he ended up just putting it in the shop.. He had a junkyard pull it for 60 bucks.. Than a mechanic put it in for 150 bucks........

Elaina

[fredjacksonsan]

guess you won't have to worry about it now! Thanks for the update--