My power steering is leaking pretty bad. I used to top off the fluid but now it basically runs right out. I cant even see the pump, guessing I will have to remove the air cleaner assembly to be able to see/ work in it. Anyone know if this is a job that should be done by the dealer? Thanks

Mike

 

Mike mine did same thing and it was the hydro boost line , which is high pressure line that runs from power steering pump to brake booster . To see lay under truck driver side front of motor and you can see pump and lines . You should be able to see where its coming from .

 

I think you are correct!! When the power steering runs low on fluid my break pedal vibrates. I always wondered if the breaks got some boost from the power steering pump. I will check and report back!!! Thanks!!

Mike

 

Wulfman,
Thank you!!! I followed that pressure line to the power break master cylinder and found a leak (hopefully the only leak!). Couple turns with an 18mm wrench and that leak has stopped. I topped off the power steering reservoir and I will take it for a test run and check the fluid level. If the fluid still drops then I have another leak somewhere, if the fluid remains at the same level, the problem is solved (for now at least). Thanks again!

Mike

 

WOW - 2 turns loose? Must have been ready to fall off, eh? What worries me is - how did it get that way?

 

Let me clarify the "2 turns". Very tight in there with a wrench so multiple short strokes of my wrench. Maybe 1/2 rotation on the nut. It was loose and with the engine running it was streaming fluid pretty fast. I have no idea how that nut backed off, I will keep an eye on it and packed the 18mm wrench in my truck!!

Mike

 

How'd the test run go?

 

I haven't taken a test run, yet. I will post the results when I do. Might be tomorrow though.

Mike

 

I just returned from a 20 mile drive. The fluid level looks about the same. I will continue to monitor it as I suspect I had a slower leak up front. But that could have been the fluid running down the steering arm towards the front.

Mike

 

I had a similar issue on my truck as well a couple of years ago. The line on the master had come loose.

 

Mike glad i could help . Keep an eye on it though because there is a swivel on that end and that is where it starts leaking most the time .

 

Wulfman and Fordman35,
I will look at the high pressure line coming off the master. Is that "Swivel" something that can be tightened or is it best to replace the whole high pressure boost line?
Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction!!!!
Mike

 

Mike if the swivel leaks then you need a new line . One thing though my truck had steering problem kinda like they all do lose steering , had the problem for 8 years my wife would not drive it . Put a hose from advance auto on it . It cost 25 bucks the ford one 100 plus well now i have a tight steering wheel doesn't wander . I know don't figure but its fixed after 8 years and three steering boxes .

 

I just put some old fashioned torque to it, and haven't had a problem since. If the fitting, or connector are cracked then you will need to replace the components.