PS Fluid Leak
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PS Fluid Leak
I seem to be losing fliud out of the top of my steering gear. Is this unit serviceable? It looks to me in the book that it is one assembly with the rack and pinion. Is there a way to just replace a seal at the top of the gear?
JP
JP
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 586
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From: Tottenham Ontario Canada
I posted the same question on here about a year ago. At that time someone replied that the seal is not available as a replacement part.
I flushed out the whole PS system and refilled with Valvoline PS fluid. The leak slowed over a couple of weeks to the point that it is insignificant now. I think I now need to replace the whole rack becasue it is starting to act up when turning left, but it bought me another 16 months.
Cheers,
Eric
I flushed out the whole PS system and refilled with Valvoline PS fluid. The leak slowed over a couple of weeks to the point that it is insignificant now. I think I now need to replace the whole rack becasue it is starting to act up when turning left, but it bought me another 16 months.
Cheers,
Eric
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,818
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If you are refering to a leak around the steering input shaft - the small stub shaft the steering shaft connects to - there is a replacement seal available. However, for the time and expense invested to pull the steering rack and replace that seal you would be ahead to just obtain a rebuilt rack for around $85 and replace the entire unit.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,860
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From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
I had the leak around the steering input shaft and fixed it with 1.5 ounces of Auto-Rx in the PS fluid. Problem is I had other leaks (in the lines or pump I think) that were tolerable (not leaving spots on floor) but now are worse and probably can't be fixed by Auto-Rx. Problem is there is no room to get at this stuff to try to figure where the leak is coming from. Great van but would rather have an F150 based vehicle so I could get at things in the engine bay.
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New User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 14
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From: Raleigh, NC
I had this same problem with my 1988 aerstar. Both the rack and pump were leaking..
Got them replaced at the end of last year 2004 and have not needed fluid since..
Remember that all that fluid being thrown around the engine compartment is not good for the wiring. I had to replace the spark plug wires.
Got them replaced at the end of last year 2004 and have not needed fluid since..
Remember that all that fluid being thrown around the engine compartment is not good for the wiring. I had to replace the spark plug wires.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,860
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From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
Originally Posted by papollo
I had this same problem with my 1988 aerstar. Both the rack and pump were leaking...
New User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 14
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From: Raleigh, NC
TallPaul:
I could never figure out were it was leaking from. Laid under that van for an hour, started the van had my wife turn the wheel back and forth. Still could not figure it out!!!
Thankfully I do some work (My Auto Appearance Business) for many local service shops.
Think I paid $350 for a shop to replace the pump and rack (which was leaking too)
I could never figure out were it was leaking from. Laid under that van for an hour, started the van had my wife turn the wheel back and forth. Still could not figure it out!!!
Thankfully I do some work (My Auto Appearance Business) for many local service shops.
Think I paid $350 for a shop to replace the pump and rack (which was leaking too)
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,860
Likes: 4
From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
Thanks. Yeah, it is a real pain trying to get at anything beyond the actual PS dip stick. It always had some seepage and never dripped on the floor but for the rack leak that the Auto Rx fixed. But lately it would get hot and the wheels would sort of stutter/chatter when turning at slow speeds. I put in Redline PS fluid (had wanted to but was scared to because of the seepage) to see if it would help get rid of the chatter and as a result it is leaking much worse. Never had a PS system leak on any other vehicle, even over 200,000 miles. This Aerostar actually had a new pump at 27,000 miles and still no good. Whines too and was hoping the Redline would help that but too soon to tell. Ah well. Looks like I am in for a big repair bill. Guess a last ditch effort with some PS stop leak is worth a try first.
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