strange noise inside hood located

[arfa1980]

I heard some noise from around the engine when start the engine and it goes away after driving sometime. yesterday. I heard that noise again. SO I stopped the engine and added some power steering fluid. Then everything become fine. I think the noise could be the power steering oil pump because of lacking the fluid.
Now the thing is I can not locate where the leak is. I can not see the where the hoses go from the reservior. I have no way to go under the car.
If hoses or pump is leaking, how much do they cost to repair and is that possible to repair by myself?
can I add the fluid different from the recommended one by mannul(a kind of ATF) ?
Thank you
car: 93 camry XLE, 125000m

[Mike Gerber]

Use the fluid recommended by the manual. If the manual is recommending Dextron 2, you can use the updated Dextron 3.

It is hard to say what it will cost to fix and whether it is something you can do yourself. You must first find a way to identify where the leak is coming from. The leak can be coming from one of the power steering hoses, the power steering pump itself or from the rack and pinion. Hope for one of the first 2. The rack and pinion is fairly expensive.

Mike

[xfeejayx]

What type of noise are you talking about? I have a clicking noise that is around before the car wars up also. Maybe I should check my power steering fluid?

[JOET/CAMRY]

Originally Posted by Mike Gerber

Use the fluid recommended by the manual. If the manual is recommending Dextron 2, you can use the updated Dextron 3.

It is hard to say what it will cost to fix and whether it is something you can do yourself. You must first find a way to identify where the leak is coming from. The leak can be coming from one of the power steering hoses, the power steering pump itself or from the rack and pinion. Hope for one of the first 2. The rack and pinion is fairly expensive.

Mike

Hello arfa1980,
I had a power steering fluid leak on my 1989 Camry a couple of months ago and added Lucas power steering stop leak additive to the power steering resivoir after removing as much fluid as I could using a turkey baster. It stopped the leak after a day or so. I believe it was the power steering pump itself that was leaking.

Here is a picture of the container..........



I bought it at Advanced Auto but I am sure other automotive parts stores carry it as well. it cost about $8.00 and was alot cheaper and easier than replacing the leaking ps pump. Good luck fixing your car.

Regards,
JOET/CAMRY

[arfa1980]

Thanks a lot, JOET/CAMRY,
What's the mechanism of this kind of leaking stopper? Do you know what are the main components of the addivtives?

[JOET/CAMRY]

Originally Posted by arfa1980

Thanks a lot, JOET/CAMRY,
What's the mechanism of this kind of leaking stopper? Do you know what are the main components of the addivtives?

click on this link below.

http://www.lucasoil.com/products/dis...tid=2&loc=show

then click on the specification sheet and msds sheet links for info.


I found these phone numbers on the bottle. you could call these to try to find out more info. on this product.

1-800-342-2512
951-270-0154

Regards,
JOET/CAMRY