power steering hose

[Jimmy Olsen]

I noticed on my '99 Intrigue, 104k miles, that there is a little seepage on the power steering hose (top one) where the metal connection is made. The reservoir was down to the bottomline of the dipstick but it has been over a year since I've check it. Is this normal given the age of the car and should I do anything about it immediately besides watching it? The hose itself looks fine just oily from the PS fluid but if cleans up nicely.

[carbon02]

Jimmy--

I think this is a really common problem. The 2000 Intrigue had this problem at 40,000 miles, and I've got the same problem with my 2002 intrigue at 82,000 miles.

We've been driving for 20,000 to 30,000 miles this way. I'd just keep it full and clean it up for personal preference the best you can.

I looked up the labor for this part a while back to help someone here on the forum. The hose needs to be disconnected from the steering rack under the car. If I remember right it pays 2-3 hours of labor.

I guess it depends on the amount that you loose per month, but I'd bet that you'll get significant life out of it.

Glad to see one of the original posters, to some intrigue forums with their car still going.

Carbon-

[Jimmy Olsen]

Thanks Carbon for your reply. I guess I'll have to start popping the hood on my Intrigue more than I usually do for awhile to check the PS reservoir. Had the serpentine belt changed a few weeks ago and maybe the new "grip" shook things up. A couple of days ago had the front struts replaced (even though the shop say the old ones were still good) and the ride, handling and braking are very much improved.

Normally I would be looking at some new wheels at 104k miles but the Intrigue is still solid.