Power Steering Leak?
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Power Steering Leak?
I have a 95 Aerostar in which I replaced the power steering pump last spring. I am leaking power steering fluid at a rapid rate when the vechicle has been driven a while. It looks like it is leaking from the connection on the rack and pinion that connects to the steering column. Is this possible. Also the joint there is exposed. Is there a rubber boot that covers it? Could the leak be coming from the return hose to the pump and seeping down to that joint? I replaced the pressure hose with the new pump but the return hose looked okay.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: East Central Florida
If you tighten pressure side connection at rack, beyond FoMoCo published Spec's it has a tendency to crack the rack housing causing the type of leakage you describe. 
FoMoCo rebuilt pumps should have those Instructions included when you buy it. I can't speak to Aftermarket, or Non OEM rebuilders, or the National Franchise discount jobbers, however. I suspect they want to sell unknowing public a Replacement Rack after they sell them a remanufactured or rebuilt pump without adequate installation instructions, maybe.
Ford had a TSB on this problem also, back in the 80's if I recall correctly. Also OEM Service & Repair manuals mention potential problem of overtightening a pressure line. Another problem can be distortion / destruction of the surfaces where High PSI line attaches & seals at the rack . . . .
FBp
FoMoCo rebuilt pumps should have those Instructions included when you buy it. I can't speak to Aftermarket, or Non OEM rebuilders, or the National Franchise discount jobbers, however. I suspect they want to sell unknowing public a Replacement Rack after they sell them a remanufactured or rebuilt pump without adequate installation instructions, maybe.
Ford had a TSB on this problem also, back in the 80's if I recall correctly. Also OEM Service & Repair manuals mention potential problem of overtightening a pressure line. Another problem can be distortion / destruction of the surfaces where High PSI line attaches & seals at the rack . . . .
FBp
Last edited by FordBoypete; Nov 22, 2007 at 08:04 AM.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: south of France
I have the same problem, with an Aftermarket rebuild pump, in fact in the box there were a new O ring for the pressure line, but nothing for the rack and pinion fittings; that's completly stupid, the best way in this car for changing pump is to disconncet these lines, and the O rings are the same; that will no put these factories into bankruptcy to add one or two O rings...
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I would like to thank everyone for their input. I found and repaired the problem. I got under the vehicle and cleaned all the gunk off the rack and filled the PS reservoir and ran the engine. The fluid was running down one of the lines connected to the rack. It was the line running from the upper left position on the rack where all the lines are attached. It runs to the connection under the rack (there was only one in that position). That line was rubbing against the return hose line and had worn a leak hole into it. I replaced the line and my problem is solved. Thanks again everyone for your input.
