Power steering leak
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Power steering leak
Hey Guys,
I'm leaking power steering fluid in an 87 with a C-6 power everything. Leak seams to be under the pump, maybe the pressure, supply, line to the steering box. I can't see between the pump and box, tried a mirror. There must be a return line there also. Can't seem to be able to get a wrench on the fitting at the steering box either. Do I need to take the pump off the bracket to see whats up. Any suggestions. I know somebody has had this prob.
Thanks in advance for your help
Rich
I'm leaking power steering fluid in an 87 with a C-6 power everything. Leak seams to be under the pump, maybe the pressure, supply, line to the steering box. I can't see between the pump and box, tried a mirror. There must be a return line there also. Can't seem to be able to get a wrench on the fitting at the steering box either. Do I need to take the pump off the bracket to see whats up. Any suggestions. I know somebody has had this prob.
Thanks in advance for your help
Rich
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
From: Westfield, MA
I have a small leak in the same area. At frist I thought it was the power steering unit then I realized that the fluid was dripping down from about it from the pump. I have been told that the tank on the pump can get small cracks in it that will cause it to leak. Mine isn't bad enough to be worried about it yet. The best thing to do is to use engine cleaner and wash the whole area down then watch it closely and see if you can pin point where the fluid is coming from.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Thanks Dave, but the leak seams to be somewhere around the bottom, back side of the pump. That's why I can't see it. I'm going to try and clean everything add fluid and see if I can make it leak. 
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Hey Dave,
See if this makes any sense. I put a bottle of this "no leak" power steering fluid stuff just on a "what the hell!" whim. As soon as I did that, the pump began making a wierd sound occassionally when I turn the pump (most prominent when I reach the end of all the way right, or all the way left). It leaked out just like the other fluid, but ever since then, now the power steering pump doesn't work so good. Even when it is full, the initial turn on the wheel is hard, and it makes that sound still. I think I just need to replace the hole dang thing.
Does it make any sense why that bottle of stuff would make such a change?
See if this makes any sense. I put a bottle of this "no leak" power steering fluid stuff just on a "what the hell!" whim. As soon as I did that, the pump began making a wierd sound occassionally when I turn the pump (most prominent when I reach the end of all the way right, or all the way left). It leaked out just like the other fluid, but ever since then, now the power steering pump doesn't work so good. Even when it is full, the initial turn on the wheel is hard, and it makes that sound still. I think I just need to replace the hole dang thing.
Does it make any sense why that bottle of stuff would make such a change?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Most of those miricale cures work by swelling the gaskets and O rings.
Full lock left or right is where the high pressure hose and pump see's the highest pressure.
With air flow around the engine compartment while driving, what looks like it is leaking from here is actually leaking from over there, before the air currents blew it around.
And not all air flow in the engine compartment is front to back.
Since the torque of the engine does move the motor around, the pressure hose is rather short and the other end is attached to the frame mounted steering box, it is easy to get a bit of movement in the steering pump pressure hose.
Move that fitting back and forth 1/16th of an inch when you torque the engine up, then the other way when you let off the throttle, I wonder how many miles that fitting as flexed in 100K miles?
Full lock left or right is where the high pressure hose and pump see's the highest pressure.
With air flow around the engine compartment while driving, what looks like it is leaking from here is actually leaking from over there, before the air currents blew it around.
And not all air flow in the engine compartment is front to back.
Since the torque of the engine does move the motor around, the pressure hose is rather short and the other end is attached to the frame mounted steering box, it is easy to get a bit of movement in the steering pump pressure hose.
Move that fitting back and forth 1/16th of an inch when you torque the engine up, then the other way when you let off the throttle, I wonder how many miles that fitting as flexed in 100K miles?
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Eaton, CO
Mine is approaching this level. It's blown power steering fluid all over the driver's side spring, down that pan type deal that is directly below the pump, just all over everything. I'm buying a new pump and line kit today. I was wondering if I should just replace the steering box while I'm under there.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
If the leak is from the steering box, I would replace it instead of trying to change the seals.
But if the leak is the pump, I would not change the box.
I went to a car wash and sprayed the pump and steering box off till it was very clean.
Then before I drove very far I crawled around under and over the pump till I found the leak in the pressure line fitting at the back of the pump.
MIne has an O ring on the pressure line, but I have seen some of the newer ones with no O ring and a more normal hydraulic line type fitting.
But if the leak is the pump, I would not change the box.
I went to a car wash and sprayed the pump and steering box off till it was very clean.
Then before I drove very far I crawled around under and over the pump till I found the leak in the pressure line fitting at the back of the pump.
MIne has an O ring on the pressure line, but I have seen some of the newer ones with no O ring and a more normal hydraulic line type fitting.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
phoneman91
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Feb 27, 2014 04:08 PM
cabloom300
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
6
Jan 4, 2014 03:29 PM
Andfall
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Mar 21, 2011 02:33 PM
