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I smelled power steering fluid getting out of the car today, and then found this, annoyingly.
Power steering fluid absolutely everywhere, and possibly ruined serpentine belt as well as a squeaking PS pump.
So far I've tried replacing the o-ring seal between the PS reservoir and the pump, but that was not the source of the leak..hard to tell, fluid everywhere and no obvious leaks while the car is on. Power steering so far has not at all been affected. Strange.
This is my only other idea where the leak could be coming from, I'll be checking tomorrow. It's the high pressure line leading to the rack. Past that I have no idea where it's coming from, it drips from the bottom near the rack ...but the whole pump (far above the rack) is soaked to the top.
Anyone ever had an issue like this?
Last edited by Funkwagen; Jun 11, 2016 at 11:04 PM.
Well, one problem has turned into two problems. The high pressure line fitting from the pump is leaking, a lot. Just doesn't look at it but I cleaned up the area, turned the car on and immediately the area was soaked in PSF again.
The pump is also making terrible noises - I'm probably just going to replace the entire thing. Luckily, the rack is fine.
Thought I'd update this post with the result. The leak was cause not by the seal labelled #275 in the diagram, but the internal seal to that fitting circled on the pump in the diagram. I'm not sure the reason for failure. I've replaced the pump, filled and bled the whole steering system and now have no leaks or other issues.
Here's the failure of the seal. The actual pressure line fitting o-ring was intact, this was the one causing the leak
This is where this fitting screws into the pump. there is a protective rubber cap on it in this image (new pumps ship filled with fluid)
I am so glad you found the leak!
Good info to help peace of mind for others in the same boat... Especially if you were thinking new pump! That wouldve been EXPENSIVE!
Well, one problem has turned into two problems. The high pressure line fitting from the pump is leaking, a lot. Just doesn't look at it but I cleaned up the area, turned the car on and immediately the area was soaked in PSF again.
The pump is also making terrible noises - I'm probably just going to replace the entire thing. Luckily, the rack is fine.
I hope you have a deep pocket
My pump has failed and MB quoted AUD 2500 for a replacement
Have sourced an old one from a wrecker for $300
I am so glad you found the leak!
Good info to help peace of mind for others in the same boat... Especially if you were thinking new pump! That wouldve been EXPENSIVE!
I did have to get a new pump in the end, unfortunately. The pump was damaged when it ran dry. Luckily, there was no metal in the fluid so the steering rack was untouched.
Originally Posted by Big Daddy
I hope you have a deep pocket
My pump has failed and MB quoted AUD 2500 for a replacement
Have sourced an old one from a wrecker for $300
Wow that is quite an expensive repair.. I did the replacement myself, managed to get a new pump at cost (~400 CAD) ...so I guess I saved 2100 dollars? not bad!
If I ever make a post about something I'll follow up with what the cause was if possible
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