Power steering leak
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 386
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From: Wichita, KS
Power steering leak
I have a 99 explorer 2wd and the thing started leaking fluid, after searching it looks as tho it sprayed out of a hard line that runs in between from each side and connects to the boots. the driver side boot has come off of the assembly. I assume i can reattach with a good hefty zip tie. so my question is, what exactly does that line do? should it be spraying out fluid or is this a symptom of a bigger problem. also sounds like my pump burned up do to no fluid, even after filling it back up the power steering is loud and pulsates in the steering wheel. any thoughts or insite is greatly appreciated. thanks
Shane
Shane
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,821
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
From your description, it kind of sounds like the "hard line" you are referring to is the rack and pinion steering gear assembly. If you are referring to a line that is connected to the steering rack, please clarify that. Either way, no, fluid should not be spraying from either of them. But to really offer much more advice, you'll need to identify if the leak is the steering rack, the return line, or the pressure line.
The pump may be okay, there may just be so much air in the system that it's noisy and pulsating as you describe. But you really need to fix the leak before you can determine that.
-Rod
The pump may be okay, there may just be so much air in the system that it's noisy and pulsating as you describe. But you really need to fix the leak before you can determine that.
-Rod
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, KS
Yes it is the hard line connected to each boot on the rack and pinion. I would assume there isnt any real pressure i. This line so what exactly is it for and should any fluid be in it at all? Its the only place i can see where the fluid may be escaping. There are two hard lines going to the rack and pinion from the gear box area. Could it be that a seal in the rack is given out and leaking out the end where the boot came off? Im gonna tear it down today. Just hoped to get some insight on some possible causes and to figure out the purpose of the on hard line on the rack.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,821
Likes: 83
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Ahh, it sounds like you're referring to the vent tube for the outer tie rod end bellows. Fluid should not be in those, and if there is fluid in them, it's probably leaking from the steering rack itself and coming out through vents. You're probably looking at a bad rack and pinion.
-Rod
-Rod
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 386
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From: Wichita, KS
yep pulled tie rods and boots off, cleaned and there is a leak on the pass. side from the power area. is it possible to rebuild these? is a salvage yard one an ok move or do you suggest a brand new one. this isnt my vehicle, its my friends and he doesnt abuse the thing, its a grocery getter so its not like he needs a awesome aftermarket setup haha. didnt know if these are common failures that a salvaged one will most likely give out also.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,821
Likes: 83
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
I wouldn't say they are common problem areas, but I wouldn't really suggest getting one from a salvage yard. Rebuilt units from the parts store will come with new outer tie rod ends, new boots, and should have been tested at the rebuild shop.
-Rod
-Rod
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