Power Steering leak

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Nov 3, 2003 | 10:36 AM

wolson

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Power Steering leak

I have a 97 F 150 with 85k miles and noticed a small power steering leak on the floor. Previously I noticed that one of the hoses was slightly wet but not dripping fluid. Is it recommended to change the power steering fluid periodically? I have heard that there is a lighter fluid that you should use in the winter. Is this true?

Nov 3, 2003 | 11:03 AM

MrBSS

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Although not usually recommended, it is good practice to replace the PS fluid periodically. I have never heard of a lighter PS fluid for winter use, but a synthetic might be better then. Personally, I would use whatever your owners' manual recommends. And, of course, the first thing for you to do is check all hose clamps for tightness. I like to replace any spring type with gear drive.

Good luck!

Nov 3, 2003 | 08:57 PM

Racerguy

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Like MrBSS said, check the hoses to make sure they are clamped tight. You might have to clean off any oil you find so you can check it later to see where it's coming from. Leaking P/S pumps on the 4.6's and 5.4's were quite common. If thats what is leaking you'll have to replace the pump to cure it.

Nov 19, 2003 | 04:32 PM

wineman691

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Do you have to replace the pump if the hose coming off of the bottom of the pump is leaking. This is where mine is coming from-never had to work on the power steering before so i am not sure if you can just replace the hose or if the entire pump has to be replaced. Looks to be threaded into the pump???
97 f150 4x4 4.6 v8 145k

Nov 19, 2003 | 06:30 PM

JeremyH

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You might just need to replace the hoses........I have recently done this. All of mine had tiny pinholes in them. I put Royal Purple synthetic fluid in when I was done.

Nov 19, 2003 | 09:06 PM

Racerguy

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From: BC, Canada

The hose is replaceable. I've never seen a leaking hose on a newer truck. Usually it's the pump. If you get a new hose make sure you also get the teflon o-ring that goes on the fitting where it goes into the pump. Your dealer should stock those.

Nov 20, 2003 | 11:18 AM

wineman691

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thanks for the advise

I wish the truck was new, its a 97 with 140k, but it is always nice to know that the fix can be done. It should be way easier to replace the hose than the pump.
97f150 4x4 4.6 v8