Swift Cee

Hi guys, first off Ive been told Ive got a leak in my power steering somewhere. Hasn't been too bad lately, just topped up.as u do til i can afford a new steering rack. Ouch!

But now Im getting a 'whining noise' (goes away when i top the fluid up) bit like what you would hear at the fun fair! Now it seems the leak has got bigger!!!!!


.....A....what is this?!!

B..Will it go 'BANG' and cause major problems if it is to do with the power steering?!!?!

Please Help!

Thanks

Swift C

Im wondering if this is whats causing my smoke from the engine problem?
Power steering fluid falling onto the engine????

D1CCY

Power steering will whine if fluid low as air gets in system, makes sense as you say it goes away when you top it up. Very likely to get smoke as some of the leak is bound to get on exhaust headers. You need to fix leak before you damage pump as well.

Doubt if it can go bang but power assistance may stop suddenly and steering could get very heavy and give you a shock.

jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

power steering fluid is also very flammable so if that does drop on anywhere hot then it could ignite. (the smoke could also be from a leaking rocker cover)

Do you know exactly where the leak is from? If its from the pump area then you wont need a new rack, however if it is leaking from the rack then it possibly is fubarred. If it is from the rack area check the hydraulic pipes underneath where they fit into the rack. Access for the union on the offside is a pain in the *** and if that has been removed at some point then it is quite possible that it has been cross threaded when it has been put back.

David Lock

Good advice above. I wouldn't want to drive too far with a leaking rack. Your driveway might well provide a clue as to where fluid is coming from and that is very likely the cause of the smoke; you can often smell it burning off as well. Get a loan and a new rack or pump sooner rather than later

jimbo54

Might be worth a try????

eBay.co.uk: Power Steering Rack STOP LEAK Stiffness PAS - QUICK FIX (item 290133787517 end time 08-Jul-07 10:29:00 BST)

Mo.k

iTrader: (5)

Totally agree with the D1CCY, jaytc2003, and David Lock, but not so sure on the quick fix item.

But you do need to get it done very soon or stop driving it as it will save you on pas fluid and stop anymore damage. Good luck mate

Swift Cee

excuse the technical terms! Noticed the red fluid around the power steering top up 'tank', so cleaned it up, started her up ...bam! fluid all back around and under the 'tank', so thats the problem.

now for the solution .....ok, so do I take it all this needs is the infamous 'O' ring that sits under the 'tank'.? or is there something more sinister?!?

Im gona take it off at the weekend and have a look.

Thanks for all the advice lads spot on as usual!

Swift C.

jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

thats the best problem to have!!, for the cost of orings you may as well remove and replace them. Drain the tank first though (hyperdermic needle from a chemist assumming you dont already have some - lol)

Dont use any quick fix stop leak stuff as it is usually ineffective, I tried wynns stop powerfluid leak and it didnt do anything (mine was leaking from the rack though)

Phildodd06

I had a leak on my RS2000 i used this... eBay.co.uk: forte power steering treatment (item 130129203062 end time 02-Jul-07 19:01:15 BST)
I completly stoped it for a few months, which gave me enough time to save up and buy a new rack, so not all stuff is a no go, i supose it depends where its leaking from...

jimbo54

May just be the lid thats leaking? mine does.