Author Topic: Does anyone else's power steering pump leak?  (Read 3059 times)

Offline plik

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Does anyone else's power steering pump leak?
« on: January 05, 2017, 02:26:42 AM »
Power steering pump leaked, I replaced it. Still leaks.

I replaced the hoses, double checked the o-rings. Still leaks.

It's a slow leak. And I can't tell if it's coming out the back or the cap.

What should I try?

New pump?

Or are they just designed poorly and will always leak a bit?

Offline rich weyand

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Re: Does anyone else's power steering pump leak?
« Reply #1 on: January 05, 2017, 02:31:14 AM »
Don't overfill it.  There's both a FULL HOT and FULL COLD line.  If you overfill it, it will push fluid out the top.  Most garages overfill the dang things.
Rich

"Working Girl": 1978 K-10 RCSB 350/TH350/NP203 +2/+3 Tuff Country lift

Offline gunrac

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Re: Does anyone else's power steering pump leak?
« Reply #2 on: January 05, 2017, 06:22:32 AM »
Had an issue last summer. Leak was actually coming from the  steering box. Difficult to see.
Never Apologize..........as it shows signs of weakness

Offline plik

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Re: Does anyone else's power steering pump leak?
« Reply #3 on: January 05, 2017, 06:00:46 PM »
Had an issue last summer. Leak was actually coming from the  steering box. Difficult to see.

Mine's definitely coming from the pump.

Don't overfill it.  There's both a FULL HOT and FULL COLD line.  If you overfill it, it will push fluid out the top.  Most garages overfill the dang things.

I guess I could be over filling it. I don't think so, but I'll test that hypothesis and let you know.

Offline Irish_Alley

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Re: Does anyone else's power steering pump leak?
« Reply #4 on: January 05, 2017, 06:57:06 PM »
is there foam or is it just getting everything covered with steering fluid?
If you can’t tell yourself the truth, who can you tell it to?~Irish_Alley

When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth ~Sherlock Holmes

Offline rich weyand

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Re: Does anyone else's power steering pump leak?
« Reply #5 on: January 05, 2017, 07:36:01 PM »

Don't overfill it.  There's both a FULL HOT and FULL COLD line.  If you overfill it, it will push fluid out the top.  Most garages overfill the dang things.

I guess I could be over filling it. I don't think so, but I'll test that hypothesis and let you know.
[/quote]

If you need to take fluid out, you can do it with a soda straw.  Stick the straw down into the fluid as far as it will go, pinch the straw, move it over a small container, release the pinch.  Repeat.
Rich

"Working Girl": 1978 K-10 RCSB 350/TH350/NP203 +2/+3 Tuff Country lift

Offline gunrac

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Re: Does anyone else's power steering pump leak?
« Reply #6 on: January 05, 2017, 09:05:14 PM »
Power steering pump leaked, I replaced it. Still leaks.

I replaced the hoses, double checked the o-rings. Still leaks.

It's a slow leak. And I can't tell if it's coming out the back or the cap.

What should I try?     New pump?

Or are they just designed poorly and will always leak a bit?

Best to find the leak before you try to fix it. Seems  like your leaning toward the back side of pump. Spray it down good w/degreaser, top side, and then blast from the bottom. Let it sit for a bit, then do the same thing w/brake cleaner. It will help to dry it out some what quicker. (use eye protection)

Pick up a telescopic mirror, there pretty cheap. Before you fire it up, check out where to position mirror to see the different areas, top and underneath.  Use plenty of lighting.

Get a helper, start underneath then go on top. If possible, leave wheels on ground, it will create more pressure  turning steering wheel. Have him fire it up and start cranking steering wheel back an forth, (lock to lock) holding at each around 5 sec.

 PS...Start your search at the gear box seal, then up from there. You'll find it.
Never Apologize..........as it shows signs of weakness

Offline rich weyand

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Re: Does anyone else's power steering pump leak?
« Reply #7 on: January 05, 2017, 10:31:23 PM »
I'm still betting on it coming out the cap.  That's what was happening with mine.

Wipe off the filler neck of the pump really good, and clean it will alcohol.  Check and see if it is wet with oil after a couple days.

What I did to stop mine is 1) make sure it is not filled over the FULL COLD mark, and 2) put a light coating of Titeseal, which is a non-hardening gasket stuff the flyboys use, on the rubber gasket in the cap and on the top lip of the cap where it seats.  End of problem.
Rich

"Working Girl": 1978 K-10 RCSB 350/TH350/NP203 +2/+3 Tuff Country lift